Khand, Jaggery or Sugar? The Sweet Truth Indians Should Know
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First things first, Not all sweeteners are created equal. Sugar may be everywhere, but that doesn't mean it belongs in your chai or your child's cereal bowl. If you're still confused between white sugar, jaggery (gur), and Khand — this one's for you.
What Are We Even Talking About?
- Refined Sugar: Chemically processed, sulphur-bleached white crystals
- Jaggery (Gur): Solidified form of sugarcane juice, contains molasses
- Khand: Unrefined, sun-dried form of sugar — soft, beige, crumbly
Battle of the Sweeteners: A Quick Breakdown
| Attribute | Refined Sugar | Jaggery (Gur) | Khand (Desi Mishri) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing | Highly processed | Semi-processed | Minimally processed |
| Colour | Pure white | Dark brown | Pale golden/off-white |
| Nutrients | None | Contains minerals | Contains minerals |
| Taste | Sweet, bland | Rich, earthy | Mild, clean sweetness |
| Shelf life | Long | Shorter | Medium |
| Spike risk (GI) | High | Medium | Lower |
The Problem With Refined Sugar
- Bleached with sulphur dioxide
- Zero nutritional value
- Linked to blood sugar crashes, mood swings, weight gain
- Literally the reason your healthy food becomes junk
What Makes Khand the Best Option?
- No bleaching: Retains minerals like calcium & iron
- Slow-drying process: Less acidic and easier to digest
- Versatile: Works in chai, laddoos, baking, everything
- Subtle taste: Doesn’t overpower your food like jaggery sometimes does
- No sugar crash: Energy release is slower & smoother
When Should You Use What?
- Chai, Coffee, Daily Sweetener: Khand
- Laddoo, Halwa, Paratha Filling: Jaggery
- Things to Avoid Entirely: Refined white sugar (sorry, not sorry)
Pro Tip: If you're switching from sugar and hate the strong flavour of jaggery, Khand is your middle path. Same comfort, zero compromise.
Don’t trust a sweetener just because it’s white. Sugar may look “clean,” but Khand is clean. And your chai deserves better.