Unrefined sugars, called demara, evaporated cane juice, muscavado and turbinado, are all made from sugar cane or sugar beets. They are coarser and darker in color than granulated sugar but have a similar rate of absorption. True raw sugar is banned in the U.S., because it contains bacteria, molds, and insect parts. Alternative and Substitute Sweeteners Nutritive sweeteners contain calories, but may have other properties that make them preferable for people who must avoid simple carbohydrates. It is a creamy, quickly digested beverage used by athletes after a workout or as a sweetener in cooking or baking.
Barley malt is a thick, dark, slow-digesting sugar made from sprouted barley.
This sugar is high in maltose and is best cooked in foods, such as baked beans, where its strong taste is desirable. It's high in maltose and complex carbohydrates. Mannitol is derived from seaweed. It has half the calories of sugar and is used in chewing gum. Non-Nutritive sweeteners do not add calories to the diet.