Difference Between Golden, Brown and Demerara Sugar
                     Difference 
Between Golden, 
Brown and 
Demerara Sugar
What is Brown Sugar?
Brown sugar is created by mixing molasses with 
white sugar, giving it a deeper colour and richer 
flavour. There are numerous varieties of brown 
sugar available because the amount of molasses 
added affects the sugar’s colour and flavour 
strength.
Varieties of Brown Sugar
Brown sugar comes in three basic varieties:
● Light brown
● Dark brown
● Demerara.
Dark brown sugar has a richer, more intense molasses flavour and a 
deeper colour than light brown sugar, which has a more delicate flavour 
and a lighter colour. Demerara sugar is the darkest of the three and has 
large, crunchy crystals that add texture to baked goods.
What Kind of Brown Sugar Should You 
Pick for Your Recipe?
What you’re preparing and the desired flavour profile will determine the answer.
For dishes where you don’t want the molasses flavour to dominate other components, light 
brown sugar is a suitable option. It’s often used in recipes like sugar cookies and pie crusts. 
Dark brown sugar, on the other hand, is great for recipes where you want a strong molasses 
flavour, such as gingerbread or barbecue sauce. Demerara sugar is ideal for recipes where 
you want a crunchy texture, like crumbles and streusels.
It’s important to note that you can typically substitute one variety of brown sugar for another 
without too much difficulty unless a recipe specifically calls for a certain type. It’s essential to 
be cautious when swapping because using a darker sugar can give your recipe a more overt 
molasses flavour.
Another thing to remember is that raw sugar and plantation sugar should not be confused with 
brown sugar. Although it is less processed than brown sugar, raw sugar has a different flavour 
and a natural brown colour. Plantation sugar is also not a suitable replacement for brown 
sugar in baking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the flavour and texture of your baked goods and other 
recipes can be significantly influenced by the sort of brown sugar you 
use.
Whether you choose demerara, light, or dark sugar, it’s crucial to think 
about the flavour profile you want to achieve and make your selection 
appropriately. And remember, while it’s usually safe to substitute one 
type of brown sugar for another, be aware that using a darker sugar will 
give your recipe a stronger molasses flavour.