What Is Sucrose?

Sucrose is a carbohydrate that is made up of glucose and fructose. Sucrose is also known as table sugar and appears in a white crystalline form that has a sweet taste.

Sources

• The sugar beet produces sucrose naturally during its first year of growth. Sugar cane is also a source of sucrose that regenerates every year after the cane is harvested for sugar production. Sucrose occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables.

Uses

• Sucrose is used to add sweetness to culinary dishes and is present in many commercially processed foods. Sucrose is also used as a preservative, brining agent, tenderizer and whipping aid.

Misconception

• High-fructose corn syrup is not the same as sucrose. Sucrose occurs naturally, while high fructose corn syrup is a processed syrup that is nutritionally different from sucrose.

Fun Fact

• One teaspoon of sucrose or table sugar contains only 15 calories.

Warning

• Consuming excessive sucrose may contribute to tooth decay.