Ingredient

Brown Sugar

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use brown sugar primarily as a sweetener and to add a distinct caramel-like …

What it is

Brown sugar is a type of sugar that gets its characteristic brown color and flavor from molasses. It can be made by adding molasses back into refined white sugar or by not fully refining sugar cane or beet sugar, leaving some natural molasses.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use brown sugar primarily as a sweetener and to add a distinct caramel-like flavor. It also helps retain moisture in baked goods and contributes to browning. It's found in a wide range of products, including desserts, sauces, marinades, and cured meats.

Health notes

Brown sugar is a carbohydrate and a source of calories. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Like other sugars, it is considered an added sugar when incorporated into processed foods. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no amount of added sugars, and at most 10 grams per meal. Excessive intake of added sugars is associated with increased calorie intake and may contribute to health concerns.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Products containing Brown Sugar

Compare products →
Cargill Honeysuckle White Boneless Turkey Roast with Gravy Packet High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving —kcal 23Protein 2.5Fat 1Carbs Conagra Brands VAN CAMP's Original Baked Beans, 28 oz., 28 OZ High in sodium — 27% DV per serving —kcal 3.7Protein 0.4Fat 21.5Carbs Conagra Brands VAN CAMPS Bacon Baked Beans Maple, 15 OZ High in sodium — 23% DV per serving —kcal 4.4Protein 0.4Fat 22.2Carbs Conagra Brands POPPY COCK Original Popcorn, 7 OZ —kcal 6.5Protein 25.8Fat 67.7Carbs GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. Gmills Oatmeal Crisp Flakes Cluster Cereal Hearty Raisins Cereals Products - Ready to Eat (Shelf Stable) 371kcal 8.1Protein 4.0Fat 79.0Carbs GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. Bty Crk Cookie Mix Choc Hazelnut Crm Baking/Cooking Mixes (Shelf Stable) 375kcal 4.2Protein 8.3Fat 79.2Carbs GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. Plsbry Simply Cookies Pnut Btr Baking/Cooking Mixes (Perishable) 424kcal 6.1Protein 18.2Fat 57.6Carbs FRESH & EASY Ice Cream Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 234kcal 3.9Protein 11.7Fat 20.8Carbs FRESH & EASY Gelato Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 179kcal 3.2Protein 8.4Fat 23.2Carbs FRESH & EASY Apple Blossoms Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 307kcal 3.5Protein 14.9Fat 36.8Carbs FIELD ROAST Field Roast, Vegetarian Grain Meat Sausages, Mexican Chipotle Other Meats High in sodium — 23% DV per serving 272kcal 25Protein 13.0Fat 13.0Carbs PASSAGE FOODS Passage Foods, Korma Simmer Sauce, Mild Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 167kcal 3.3Protein 11.7Fat 10Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.