What Is Sugar and How Can I Use It?

Sugar is easier to cook with than it looks. Here's how to choose, use, and store it, what to substitute, and 17,875 recipes to get you started.

What is sugar?

In food, sugar almost exclusively refers to sucrose, which primarily comes from sugar cane and sugar beet. Other sugars are used in industrial food preparation, but are usually known by more specific names—glucose, fructose or fruit sugar, high fructose corn syrup, etc. Excessive consumption of sugar has been associated with increased incidences of type 2 diabetes, obesity and, tooth decay.

Nutrition

Where found

Sugar is usually found in the baking supplies section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group

Sugar is a member of the Sweets US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.

How much does sugar weigh?

Related

Sweets

Recipes using sugar

There are 17875 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Burgers with Caramelized Onions

Vegetarian burgers built from Harvest Burger mix and bulgur wheat, bound with tomato paste and parsley, then topped with balsamic-glazed caramelized onions. A satisfying meatless burger with serious chew and sweet-tangy crown.

Adam's Chai Latte Ice Cream

My brother Adam loves this ice cream so much that I asked him for the recipe. It's a Chai Latte with chunks of gingerbread cookies hidden within.

Homemade Coconut Pani Popcorn

Homemade coconut pani popcorn coats popped corn in a glossy coconut-treacle caramel, then presses it into chewy-crisp squares. A Sri Lankan sweet that beats any bagged caramel popcorn.

Quickand Easy Fudgey Brownies

Quick fudgy brownies made with unsweetened chocolate and butter melted in the microwave, with optional marshmallow chocolate frosting. The classic from-scratch fudgy brownie in one bowl.

Very P-Nutty Muffins

Peanut butter banana muffins with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a swirl of sour cream for extra-tender crumb. Elvis-inspired snack muffins, freezer-friendly, ready in under an hour.

Jello Any-Fruit Cake

A soft cake bottom, with a fruit filled middle topped with a tantalizing cinnamon topping. Learning how to make Jello fruit cake that use any fruit you have on hand including summery rhubarb with strawberry gelatin.

Jello Any-Fruit Cake

A soft cake bottom, with a fruit filled middle topped with a tantalizing cinnamon topping. Learning how to make Jello fruit cake that use any fruit you have on hand including summery rhubarb with strawberry gelatin.

Jello Any-Fruit Cake

A soft cake bottom, with a fruit filled middle topped with a tantalizing cinnamon topping. Learning how to make Jello fruit cake that use any fruit you have on hand including summery rhubarb with strawberry gelatin.

Easy Christmas Cutout Cookies

These Christmas cutout cookies are so easy for you and your kids to make together, and they taste so yummy too!

Easy Skillet Apple Pancakes

Fluffy skillet pancakes loaded with cinnamon-sugar apples cooked right into the batter. One pan, four gorgeous pancakes, minimal cleanup.

Easy Skillet Apple Pancakes

Fluffy skillet pancakes loaded with cinnamon-sugar apples cooked right into the batter. One pan, four gorgeous pancakes, minimal cleanup.

Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

Discover this easy sautéed Brussels sprouts with pecans recipe: caramelized onions, garlic, and a hint of lemon for a quick, healthy side dish bursting with nutty crunch and subtle sweetness—perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals like "simple Brussels sprouts side dish ideas" or "healthy vegetable recipes with nuts."

Zwiebelkuchen (Onion Pie)

A savory German onion pie featuring a yeasted crust topped with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and a creamy sour cream custard. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, especially during autumn or Oktoberfest celebrations.

White Chocolate Scones

White chocolate scones with heavy cream, cold butter, and generous chunks of white chocolate that go soft and creamy in the oven. Flaky, layered, and tender from keeping the butter cold.

Kale & Two Cheese Scones

Craving a breakfast treat that's hearty, cheesy, and not overly sweet. These kale and cheese scones are your new best friend. Inspired by the cozy vibes of an American bakery, we've packed them with tender kale, sharp cheddar, nutty Parmessan, and a hint of plump raisins for a subtle sweetness that balances the savory kick. A generous grind of black pepper adds a spicy edge, making these perfect for brunch, snacks, or even alongside soup.

Irish Green Crepes for St. Patrick's Day

Festive green crepes for St. Patrick's Day celebrations with delicate texture and shamrock color. Fill with sweet or savory for Irish-themed breakfast or dessert.

Irish Green Crepes for St. Patrick's Day

Festive green crepes for St. Patrick's Day celebrations with delicate texture and shamrock color. Fill with sweet or savory for Irish-themed breakfast or dessert.

Tom's Favourite Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Chocolate chip pancakes from scratch with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. Fluffy, kid-approved breakfast that hits the table in 30 minutes flat.

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

Velvety hot chocolate spiked with creamy peanut butter and dark chocolate chips, creating a decadent fireside drink that tastes like liquid Reese's cups.

Delightful Vegan Brownies

Vegan brownies built on the Depression-era wacky cake method: no eggs, no butter, no milk. Vinegar and baking soda do the lifting for a fudgy, chewy chocolate brownie that mixes in one bowl.

Cinnamon Brownies

Cinnamon-spiked fudgy brownies with cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and a cinnamon cocoa frosting on top. Mexican chocolate-inspired warm-spiced treat.

Peanut Butter Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

Peanut Butter Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting recipe

Peanut Butter Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting

Peanut Butter Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting recipe

Banana Nut Bread (Quick Bread Mix)

Cream cheese banana nut bread doctors a quick bread mix with cream cheese for an extra-rich, dense loaf studded with pecans. A 6-ingredient shortcut that tastes anything but quick.

Frosted Rich Brownies

Frosted rich brownies: low-fat brownies built on evaporated and powdered skim milk instead of butter, then crowned with a coffee-spiked cocoa frosting. Deeply chocolate without the heaviness.

All 17,875 recipes