lb. granulated sugar
Granulated sugar provides approximately 4 calories per gram and consists almost entirely of carbohydrates; it contains no vitamins, minerals, or fiber and offers no nutritional value beyond energy.
About
Granulated sugar is a refined crystalline sweetener composed of sucrose (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁), derived primarily from sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) or sugar beets (Beta vulgaris). The production process involves extraction of juice from raw plant material, clarification, concentration through evaporation, crystallization, and centrifugal separation to produce uniform white crystals, typically 0.5–2 mm in diameter.
Granulated sugar is the most common form of refined sucrose in culinary use worldwide. It possesses a sweet taste with no discernible flavor notes beyond sweetness, and dissolves readily in liquids. The crystals are free-flowing due to their size and uniform structure, distinguishing granulated sugar from other refined forms such as powdered or muscovado sugars.
Culinary Uses
Granulated sugar serves as the foundational sweetener in baking, confectionery, beverages, and desserts across virtually all culinary traditions. It is used in cake batters, cookie doughs, and pie fillings, where it contributes sweetness, browning via caramelization, and structural properties through creaming with fats or hydration of dry ingredients. In beverages, it dissolves readily to sweeten teas, coffees, and cocktails. Granulated sugar is also employed in savory cooking for balance and glaze formulation. Its neutral flavor profile makes it ideal for applications where sweetness alone is desired without additional flavor complexity.