b: 400g / 14.1 oz by weight caster sugar
Caster sugar is pure sucrose providing rapid carbohydrate energy; it contains no significant vitamins, minerals, or fiber and is calorie-dense with no nutritional benefit beyond caloric contribution.
About
Caster sugar, also known as castor sugar or superfine sugar, is a granulated sugar with exceptionally fine crystals, finer than standard granulated sugar but coarser than powdered sugar. It is refined from sugar cane or sugar beets and differs from other granulated sugars primarily in crystal size, not composition. The fine granulation allows for rapid dissolution in liquid and even dispersion in dry mixtures, making it particularly valuable in baking, confectionery, and beverage preparation. Caster sugar is chemically identical to standard granulated sugar (sucrose), with identical sweetness and caloric content.
Culinary Uses
Caster sugar is a fundamental baking ingredient prized for its ability to dissolve quickly and distribute uniformly. It is essential in meringues, whipped egg-based desserts, and creamed butter-sugar batters, where its fine texture promotes incorporation of air and smooth texture. The ingredient is widely used in British and Commonwealth baking traditions, particularly in cakes, biscuits, pavlovas, and mousses. Additionally, caster sugar is preferred for sweetening beverages, dusting desserts, and creating homemade syrups due to its rapid solubility and refined appearance.