Sulfites in Bleached Sugar (beet and cane):

by Cathy Rooks

I have found that sulfur dioxide is used to whiten most commercial sugars - some residue is left.

For many years I thought I was "allergic" to sugar, but I have no reaction to unbleached granulated organic sugar (Caution: Most organic powdered sugar is bleached and can cause a serious reaction). I have to avoid processed foods because sugar is in nearly everything and is not always listed on the label. I do very well when I am careful in this respect!

Kathi's answer


It is a sad fact of our life, but due to food processing, yes, additives is added to almost everything.

Most of the problem though is not because it is needed, it is the public has certain expectations. We expect sugar to be white (it's not in its natural state). We expect toilet paper to be white, soft and fluffy - it is none of those three in its natural state. So because the public wants it - the people get it! Manufacturing makes sure of that.

The unfortunate part, as Cathy states, organic granulated sugar is a tan color, something close to the color of "brown sugar". But people do not want sugar the color of brown to put in their coffee, they want white. Additives are used to accomplish this.