Ready-to-use Red Icing: Sugar
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What it is
Sugar is a general term for sweet-tasting crystalline carbohydrates, primarily sucrose. It is most commonly extracted from sugarcane or sugar beets. The extraction process involves crushing the plant material, dissolving the sugar in water, and then purifying and crystallizing it.
Why it's used
Sugar is primarily used as a sweetener in a wide variety of foods and beverages, contributing to taste and texture. It also plays a role in browning, leavening, and preserving foods. It is a key ingredient in baked goods like cookies and cakes, as well as candies, jams, and sweetened dairy products.
Health notes
In the US, sugar is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used for its intended purpose. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting added sugars to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. High intake of added sugars is associated with an increased risk of weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. JECFA has evaluated sugar and established an acceptable daily intake.
Allergen info
Sugar is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.