Test Your Sugar IQ | The Sugar Association

Test Your Sugar IQ

April 2018

We all know sugar is sweet—but there’s much more to the story. Did you know that it has lots of functional purposes in foods and recipes beyond simply adding sweetness?

Which sweeteners are natural?
- Table sugar
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Turbinado sugar
- All of the above
All these products are natural. Sugar (sucrose) is found naturally in almost all fruits and vegetables.
Which two U.S. states grow sugar cane?
- Florida and Mississippi
- California and Hawaii
- Louisiana and Texas
- Hawaii and Louisiana
- None of the above
Sugar cane is a tropical grass that contains 12–14% sucrose, and it grows in the U.S. states of Florida and Louisiana. Previously, it was also grown in Texas and Hawaii. The process of separating sugar from the sugar cane plant begins at sugar mills and then continues at sugar refineries.
How many U.S. states have sugar beet farms?
- 9
- 11
- 13
- 15
Sugar beets contain 16–18% sucrose and flourish in temperate climates, including U.S. farms in California, Colorado, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. Sugar beets are processed at factories near these farms.
Which of the following does sugar contain?
- Fat
- Protein
- Sodium
- All of the above
- None of the above
Sugar (sucrose) is a pure carbohydrate and has no fat, protein or sodium.
Which type of white sugar contains cornstarch?
- Fruit sugar
- Baker's special sugar
- Confectioners' sugar
Confectioners’ sugar, also known as powdered sugar, is made from granulated sugar that has been ground to a smooth powder and sifted. It contains 3% cornstarch to prevent the fine sugar from caking.
Brown sugar contains molasses.
- True
- False
A coating of molasses syrup gives brown sugars natural flavor and color.
How many calories are in a teaspoon of sugar?
- 15
- 30
- 45
- 60
There are only 15 calories per teaspoon (the average amount in one packet) of sugar.
All sugar-free products are low in calories.
- True
- False
Sugar-free does not mean calorie free, particularly in products that contain fat. Sugar-free products that are not calorie reduced carry a label advisory, such as “not a reduced-calorie food.”
Which of the foods below contain sugars?
- Milk
- Sweet peas
- Bananas
- All of the above
- None of the above
All fruits, vegetables and dairy products contain sugars.
Does sugar spoil?
- Yes
- No
Granulated sugar will last indefinitely if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

The History of Sweet Potato Pie

November 2025

Baking sweet potato pie is the perfect way to connect with loved ones this holiday season.

Bringing Ag to the Classroom and the Classroom to Ag

November 2025

Louisiana Educators Visit Minnesota Sugar Beet Farm

Cinnamon Rolls for National Cinnamon Day!

November 2025

Straight from the kitchen of Ann Osterhaus, you’ll love this tasty cinnamon roll recipe.

© 2025 The Sugar Association, Inc. All rights reserved.