Brown Sugar vs. White Sugar

Nutrition comparison of Brown Sugar and White Sugar


Ever wonder how your favorite foods stack up against each other in terms of nutrition?

We compared the nutritional contents of brown sugar versus white sugar (100g each) below using 2020 USDA and NIH data[1].

For a quick recap of significant nutrients and differences in brown sugar and white sugar:

  • Both brown sugar and white sugar are high in calories, carbohydrates and sugar.
  • Brown sugar is an excellent source of calcium.
  • White sugar has more riboflavin, however, brown sugar contains more niacin, pantothenic acid and Vitamin B6.
Detailed nutritional comparison of brown sugar and white sugar is analyzed below. You can also visualize the nutritional comparison for a custom portion or serving size and see how the nutrition compares.

USDA sources for nutritional information: Brown Sugar (Sugar, brown) and White Sugar (Sugar, granulated) . Have a correction or suggestions? Shoot us an email.


Image of Brown Sugar src
Image of White Sugar src

Here's an infographic summarizing the nutritional differences between brown sugar and white sugar. marks particularly rich nutrients.


Calories and Carbs

calories

Both brown sugar and white sugar are high in calories. Brown sugar is very similar to brown sugar for calories - brown sugar has 380 calories per 100 grams and white sugar has 387 calories.

For macronutrient ratios, brown sugar is similar to white sugar for protein, carbs and fat. Brown sugar has a macronutrient ratio of 0:100:0 and for white sugar, 0:100:0 for protein, carbohydrates and fat from calories.

Macro Ratios from Calories:

Brown Sugar White Sugar
Protein ~ ~
Carbohydrates 100% 100%
Fat ~ ~
Alcohol ~ ~

carbohydrates

Both brown sugar and white sugar are high in carbohydrates. Brown sugar is very similar to brown sugar for carbohydrates - brown sugar has 98.1g of total carbs per 100 grams and white sugar has 100g of carbohydrates.

sugar

Both brown sugar and white sugar are high in sugar. Brown sugar is very similar to brown sugar for sugar - brown sugar has 97g of sugar per 100 grams and white sugar has 99.8g of sugar.

Protein

protein

Brown sugar and white sugar contain similar amounts of protein - brown sugar has 0.12g of protein per 100 grams and white sugar does not contain significant amounts.

Vitamins

The B Vitamins

White sugar has more riboflavin, however, brown sugar contains more niacin, pantothenic acid and Vitamin B6.

Brown Sugar White Sugar
Riboflavin ~ 0.019 MG
Niacin 0.11 MG ~
Pantothenic acid 0.132 MG ~
Vitamin B6 0.041 MG ~
Folate 1 UG ~

Minerals

calcium

Brown sugar is an excellent source of calcium and it has 82 times more calcium than white sugar - brown sugar has 83mg of calcium per 100 grams and white sugar has 1mg of calcium.

iron

Brown sugar has 13 times more iron than white sugar - brown sugar has 0.71mg of iron per 100 grams and white sugar has 0.05mg of iron.

potassium

Brown sugar has 65 times more potassium than white sugar - brown sugar has 133mg of potassium per 100 grams and white sugar has 2mg of potassium.




Customize your serving size


The comparison below is by weight, but sometimes 100g isn't that intuitive of a measurement for food. View a custom portion comparison (e.g. cups, oz, package).

You can try adding or subtracting the amount of either Brown Sugar or White Sugar .

Note: The specific food items compared are: Brown Sugar (Sugar, brown) and White Sugar (Sugar, granulated) .

Brown Sugar g

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G polyunsaturated fat G
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G Water G
G Starch G
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FAQ

Does brown sugar or white sugar contain more calories in 100 grams?
Both brown sugar and white sugar are high in calories. Brown sugar is quite similar to brown sugar for calories - brown sugar has 380 calories in 100g and white sugar has 387 calories.

Does brown sugar or white sugar have more carbohydrates?
By weight, both brown sugar and white sugar are high in carbohydrates. brown sugar is very similar to brown sugar for carbohydrates - brown sugar has 98.1g of carbs for 100g and white sugar has 100g of carbohydrates.

Does brown sugar or white sugar contain more calcium?
Brown sugar is a rich source of calcium and it has 82 times more calcium than white sugar - brown sugar has 83mg of calcium in 100 grams and white sugar has 1mg of calcium.