Demerara Sugar: What It Is, ICUMSA Rating & Industrial Uses

Demerara sugar is a specialty raw sugar distinguished by its large golden-brown crystals, subtle molasses flavor, and crunchy texture. Named after the Demerara region in Guyana where it was originally produced, demerara has evolved from a regional product to a globally recognized premium sugar used in coffee shops, specialty bakeries, craft cocktail bars, and gourmet retail packaging. Unlike refined white sugar (ICUMSA 45-150), demerara undergoes minimal processing — one crystallization with limited molasses removal — resulting in naturally golden crystals with ICUMSA color ratings between 1000-2000 IU. This partial refining creates larger crystals (2-4mm) compared to refined sugar's fine crystals (0.6-0.9mm), giving demerara its characteristic crunch when sprinkled on baked goods or stirred into hot beverages. For buyers, demerara occupies a unique market position: more refined than muscovado (which retains all molasses), less refined than white sugar, commanding premium prices ($550-$750/MT) over standard refined sugar but offering distinct functional and sensory properties that justify the cost in specialty applications.

This guide explains what demerara sugar is, its specifications and ICUMSA rating, how it differs from similar products, applications and uses, and sourcing considerations for wholesale buyers.

What Is Demerara Sugar? — Definition and Origin

Demerara sugar is a large-crystal, minimally processed cane sugar with a natural golden to amber color and mild molasses flavor.

Historical origin: Named after the Demerara colony (now part of Guyana) on South America's northeastern coast, where British colonists developed this style of sugar production in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Demerara region's sugarcane plantations produced a distinctive large-crystal raw sugar that became popular in British markets.

Modern production: Today, "demerara" refers to a style of sugar production rather than a geographic origin. Demerara-style sugar is produced in Mauritius, South Africa, Australia, and other sugarcane-growing regions, though Guyana still produces authentic Demerara from the original region.

Processing level: Demerara sits between fully refined white sugar and completely unrefined muscovado:

• More refined than: Muscovado, panela, jaggery (which retain all natural molasses)

• Less refined than: White refined sugar (ICUMSA 45-150), turbinado sugar

• Similar to: Golden caster sugar, some turbinado sugars (though crystal size differs)

Key characteristics:

• Large, crunchy crystals (2-4mm)

• Golden to amber color (ICUMSA 1000-2000)

• Subtle molasses and toffee flavor

• Free-flowing (not sticky like muscovado)

• Natural shine and sparkle

For comprehensive context on all sugar types and how demerara compares, see our all sugar types guide.

Demerara Sugar Specifications

ICUMSA Color Rating (1000–2000 IU)

ICUMSA color range: 1000–2000 IU (International Units)

Appearance: Golden to amber color; darker than turbinado (600-1200 IU), lighter than muscovado (2000-4600 IU)

Color variation: Specific ICUMSA rating within the 1000-2000 range depends on:

• Molasses removal efficiency during centrifugation

• Sugarcane variety and growing conditions

• Processing temperature and time

Light demerara: ICUMSA 1000-1400 (lighter golden) Dark demerara: ICUMSA 1500-2000 (deeper amber)

Visual characteristic: Crystals have a natural sparkle and shine due to large crystal surfaces reflecting light.

Crystal Size and Appearance

Crystal size: 2–4mm (significantly larger than refined sugar)

Comparison:

• Refined white sugar (ICUMSA 45): 0.6-0.9mm crystals

• Turbinado sugar: 1-2mm crystals

• Demerara sugar: 2-4mm crystals (largest common sugar crystals)

• Muscovado: Variable, clumpy (not individual crystals)

Texture: Hard, crunchy crystals that maintain shape when sprinkled on baked goods or stirred into hot liquids

Uniformity: High-quality demerara has consistent crystal size; poor-quality batches have mixed sizes (some large, some fine, some clumps)

Free-flowing: Unlike muscovado (sticky), demerara crystals flow freely and don't clump due to lower moisture content

Moisture Content and Polarization

Moisture content: ≤ 0.5% (typical specification)

Comparison:

• Refined white sugar: ≤ 0.04% (very dry)

• Turbinado: ≤ 0.5%

• Demerara: ≤ 0.5%

• Muscovado: 2-5% (sticky and moist)

Polarization (Pol): 97.5–99.0%

Polarization definition: Percentage of sucrose in the sugar. Higher polarization = purer sucrose.

Comparison:

• Refined white sugar (ICUMSA 45): ≥ 99.8% Pol

• Demerara: 97.5-99.0% Pol

• Muscovado: 92-96% Pol (lower due to high molasses content)

Implication: Demerara is ~98% sucrose, with ~2% composed of molasses solids, minerals, and moisture.

Molasses Content and Flavor Profile

Molasses content: 1–2% (retained during processing)

Why molasses matters: Molasses gives demerara its golden color, mild caramel flavor, and slight mineral content. It's not enough to make the sugar sticky (like muscovado's 8-12% molasses), but enough to provide flavor complexity.

Flavor profile:

• Sweetness: Pure sweet base (from sucrose)

• Molasses notes: Subtle caramel, toffee, slight brown sugar character

• Complexity: More flavor dimension than refined white sugar, less intense than muscovado

• Finish: Clean, not cloying or overly rich

Mineral content: Trace amounts of calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron from retained molasses (nutritionally insignificant but contribute to flavor)

Culinary impact: The molasses flavor complements coffee, enhances baked goods with caramel notes, and adds complexity to cocktails without overwhelming other flavors.

How Demerara Sugar Is Produced

Single Crystallization Process

Step 1: Sugarcane juice extraction

• Sugarcane stalks crushed to extract juice

• Juice contains sucrose plus impurities (fibers, minerals, organic compounds)

Step 2: Clarification

• Juice heated and treated to remove impurities

• Clarified juice is golden-brown (molasses present)

Step 3: Evaporation

• Juice evaporated in vacuum pans to concentrate sucrose

• Water removed until supersaturation reached

Step 4: Crystallization (single pass)

• Concentrated syrup seeded with sugar crystals

• Crystals grow as more syrup evaporates

• Longer crystallization time = larger crystals

• Demerara crystallization optimized for large crystal formation

Step 5: Centrifugation (partial molasses removal)

• Crystals spun in centrifuge to remove some (not all) molasses coating

• Centrifuge speed and time controlled to retain 1-2% molasses while removing excess

• This step differentiates demerara from VHP/raw sugar (which removes more molasses) and muscovado (which removes none)

Step 6: Drying and screening

• Crystals dried to reduce moisture to ≤0.5%

• Screened to ensure uniform crystal size (2-4mm)

• Packaged for distribution

Key difference from refined white sugar: Demerara undergoes one crystallization; refined white sugar undergoes multiple crystallizations, washing, and decolorization to remove all molasses and color.

Minimal Molasses Removal

Centrifugation control:

• Demerara production requires precise centrifuge control

• Too little spinning: excess molasses remains, making sugar sticky and dark

• Too much spinning: molasses removed, turning sugar white and losing demerara character

Target: Remove enough molasses for free-flowing crystals, retain enough for golden color and flavor

Skill required: Producing consistent demerara requires experienced mill operators who can adjust centrifuge speed, time, and temperature to achieve the target ICUMSA 1000-2000 range and ideal crystal size.

Why Crystals Are Larger Than Refined Sugar

Crystal growth time: Demerara crystallization occurs over longer periods (slower evaporation, controlled temperature) allowing larger crystals to form

Single crystallization: Refined sugar undergoes multiple dissolutions and recrystallizations, producing smaller, more uniform crystals. Demerara's single crystallization preserves large crystal structure.

Molasses coating: The thin molasses layer on demerara crystals contributes to their visual size and prevents crystals from fracturing during handling.

Demerara vs Other Sugar Types

Demerara vs Turbinado Sugar

Similarities:

• Both are partially refined cane sugars

• Both have golden/light brown color

• Both retain some molasses flavor

• Both free-flowing (not sticky)

Differences:

Characteristic	Demerara	Turbinado
ICUMSA color	1000-2000 IU (darker)	600-1200 IU (lighter)
Crystal size	2-4mm (larger)	1-2mm (medium)
Molasses content	1-2%	0.5-1%
Flavor intensity	Moderate molasses flavor	Mild molasses flavor
Origin name	Named after Demerara region	Named after turbine (centrifuge) process

Practical difference: Demerara has larger crystals and slightly stronger flavor. Turbinado is lighter and more subtle. Both can be used interchangeably in most applications, with demerara providing more texture and flavor impact.

Demerara vs Muscovado Sugar

Key difference: Molasses content

Characteristic	Demerara	Muscovado
Molasses content	1-2% (partially removed)	8-12% (fully retained)
ICUMSA color	1000-2000 IU (golden)	2000-4600 IU (dark brown to black)
Moisture	≤0.5% (dry, free-flowing)	2-5% (sticky, clumpy)
Flavor	Subtle molasses, caramel	Intense molasses, toffee, smoky
Texture	Large, crunchy crystals	Moist, clumpy, sand-like

Use cases:

• Demerara: Sprinkle on baked goods, sweeten beverages, applications where crunch and sparkle matter

• Muscovado: Rich cakes, sauces, recipes where deep molasses flavor is desired

For detailed coverage of muscovado sugar production and applications, see muscovado sugar guide.

Demerara vs ICUMSA 600-1200 Raw Sugar

ICUMSA 600-1200 raw sugar (VHP, standard raw sugar) is produced for refineries, not direct consumption.

Characteristic	Demerara	ICUMSA 600-1200 Raw Sugar
Crystal size	2-4mm (large, uniform)	0.8-1.5mm (medium, variable)
Purpose	Direct consumption (specialty retail/food service)	Refinery feedstock
ICUMSA range	1000-2000 IU	600-1200 IU
Quality control	High (appearance and flavor critical)	Moderate (refining removes impurities)
Price	$550-$750/MT (premium)	$380-$450/MT (commodity)

Why demerara costs more: It's a finished consumer product with controlled crystal size, appearance, and flavor. Raw sugar is an intermediate product sold in bulk to refineries.

Demerara vs Brown Sugar (Refined + Molasses)

Commercial brown sugar is refined white sugar with molasses added back.

Characteristic	Demerara	Brown Sugar
Production	Single crystallization, partial refining	Fully refined, molasses re-added
Crystal size	2-4mm (large)	0.6-0.9mm (fine, same as white sugar)
Molasses distribution	Natural coating from original processing	Blended uniformly through refined crystals
Texture	Dry, crunchy	Soft, moist, clumpy
Flavor	Natural molasses character	Uniform molasses sweetness
Use cases	Texture and appearance applications	Baking (cookies, cakes) where soft texture desired

Key distinction: Demerara's large crystals and natural processing create different functional properties than brown sugar.

For detailed comparison of raw and refined sugar production processes, see raw vs refined sugar.

Applications and Uses for Demerara Sugar

Coffee and Tea Sweetener

Specialty coffee shops: Demerara is a premium sweetener option at third-wave coffee shops (Stumptown, Blue Bottle, specialty cafés)

Why demerara works for coffee:

• Large crystals dissolve slowly, creating texture contrast

• Molasses notes complement coffee's caramel and roasted flavors

• Visual appeal — golden crystals add artisan presentation

• Premium positioning — signals quality and craft

Tea service: High-end tea rooms and hotels offer demerara alongside refined white sugar for guests preferring fuller flavor

Home use: Coffee and tea enthusiasts purchase retail demerara for home brewing

Baking Applications (Toppings, Texture)

Baked good toppings:

• Sprinkled on muffin tops before baking (creates crunchy crust)

• Scone toppings (traditional British use)

• Cookie toppings (provides sparkle and texture)

• Cinnamon roll toppings (caramel flavor complements cinnamon)

Why demerara works for baking toppings:

• Large crystals don't fully dissolve during baking

• Creates crunchy texture contrast

• Golden color adds visual appeal

• Caramel flavor enhances baked goods

Creamed butter and sugar: Some bakers use demerara in creaming (butter + sugar) for texture and flavor, though refined sugar is more common due to faster incorporation

Limitation: Demerara's large crystals don't dissolve as easily as refined sugar in batters, so it's best for toppings and specific recipes rather than general baking substitutions

Craft Cocktails and Specialty Beverages

Cocktail applications:

• Rim sugar: Margarita glasses, specialty cocktails (crunchy texture, caramel notes)

• Muddled sweetener: Old Fashioneds, mint juleps (molasses complexity)

• Demerara syrup: Dissolve demerara in equal parts hot water to create syrup for cocktails (easier to mix than crystals)

Why mixologists use demerara:

• Adds flavor dimension beyond pure sweetness

• Complements dark spirits (rum, whiskey, bourbon)

• Premium presentation and craft aesthetic

• Differentiates house cocktails from standard offerings

Specialty beverages:

• Craft sodas (homemade or small-batch commercial)

• Cold brew coffee sweetener (large crystals suitable for cold beverages if pre-dissolved)

• Chai lattes (complements spice flavors)

Retail Gourmet Packaging

Retail segment: Demerara is sold in consumer packages (500g, 1kg) at premium prices in:

• Specialty food stores

• Gourmet supermarket sections

• Online retailers (Amazon, specialty food sites)

• Coffee shops (retail bags for home use)

Packaging:

• Branded boxes or resealable pouches

• Clear packaging to showcase golden crystals

• Premium labeling emphasizing origin, craft production, natural processing

Price positioning: Demerara retails at 2-4× the price of standard white sugar, targeting consumers willing to pay for specialty ingredients

Brand examples: Billington's (UK), India Tree (US), Mauritius Sugar Syndicate, C&H Demerara (US)

Wholesale Demerara Sugar Sourcing

Major Suppliers (Mauritius, Guyana, South Africa)

Mauritius:

• Largest demerara producer globally

• High-quality demerara (ICUMSA 1000-1500 typical)

• Supplies European, North American, and Asian markets

• Well-established export infrastructure

• Brands: Mauritius Sugar Syndicate exports bulk and branded demerara

Guyana:

• Original demerara region; produces authentic "Demerara sugar"

• Demerara Distillers Ltd and Guyana Sugar Corporation produce traditional demerara

• Smaller production volumes than Mauritius

• Premium positioning due to historical authenticity

South Africa:

• Produces demerara-style raw sugar for export

• Supplies African and European markets

• Competitive pricing

Other origins:

• Australia (small volumes, domestic market focus)

• Central America (Costa Rica, Guatemala produce specialty demerara)

• India (limited demerara production; focus on other raw sugar grades)

Pricing and Availability

Wholesale price range (FOB): $550–$750/MT

Price factors:

• Origin (Mauritius premium over South Africa)

• Order volume (larger orders receive better pricing)

• Packaging (bulk 50kg bags cheaper than retail-ready small packs)

• Certifications (organic demerara commands additional premium)

Price comparison:

• Refined white sugar (ICUMSA 45): $480/MT

• Demerara: $650/MT

• Premium: +$170/MT (+35%)

Availability: Demerara is a specialty product with smaller production volumes than refined white sugar. Lead times are longer (45-75 days) and minimum order quantities higher (100-500 MT typical for wholesale).

Seasonal variation: Sugarcane harvest cycles affect availability; peak production aligns with main harvest seasons in Mauritius (July-December) and other origins.

Packaging Options (Retail vs Bulk)

Bulk wholesale packaging:

• 50kg polypropylene bags (most common)

• 25kg bags (for smaller distributors)

• 1-tonne jumbo bags (rare for demerara; large crystals more commonly bagged)

Retail-ready packaging:

• 500g boxes or pouches (consumer retail)

• 1kg boxes or pouches

• Private label options available from some suppliers

• Branded packaging (Mauritius Sugar Syndicate, Billington's, etc.)

Packaging cost: Retail-ready packaging adds $200-$500/MT to cost compared to bulk 50kg bags

Quality Considerations When Purchasing Demerara

Crystal size uniformity: High-quality demerara has consistent 2-4mm crystals. Mixed sizes (fine powder mixed with large crystals) indicate poor screening or processing control.

Free-flowing texture: Demerara should not clump or stick. Clumping indicates excess moisture or poor storage conditions.

Color consistency: Batch-to-batch color should be consistent within ICUMSA ±100-200 IU. Highly variable color suggests inconsistent processing.

Flavor: Should have clean, subtle molasses/caramel notes without off-flavors (burnt, sour, chemical).

Packaging condition: Bags should be intact, clean, dry. Torn bags, moisture stains, or contamination are red flags.

Documentation: Request Certificate of Analysis (COA) from accredited lab (SGS, Bureau Veritas, Intertek) confirming ICUMSA color, moisture, polarization, crystal size distribution.

Supplier verification: Verify the supplier actually sources from demerara-producing origins (Mauritius, Guyana, South Africa). Some brokers misrepresent standard raw sugar as "demerara."

Source Authentic Demerara Sugar

Demerara sugar occupies a premium niche in the sugar market, valued for its large golden crystals, subtle molasses flavor, and crunchy texture. It serves specialty applications where refined white sugar cannot provide the same sensory or functional properties — coffee and tea service, baked good toppings, craft cocktails, and gourmet retail. For buyers sourcing demerara, understanding ICUMSA specifications (1000-2000 IU), crystal size requirements (2-4mm), and authentic origins (Mauritius, Guyana, South Africa) ensures you receive true demerara rather than mislabeled raw sugar.

Ready to source authentic demerara sugar? Contact us for supplier introductions to Mauritius, Guyana, and South African demerara producers, specification verification, sample procurement, and competitive wholesale pricing. We connect specialty buyers with verified demerara suppliers offering consistent quality, proper certifications, and flexible packaging options from bulk to retail-ready formats.