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 three U.S. states produce sugar cane?
- California, Florida and Mississippi
- California, Hawaii and Texas
- Florida, Louisiana and Texas
- Hawaii, Louisiana and Mississippi
- 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, Louisiana and Texas. 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, contains 3% cornstarch. It is also made from granulated sugar that has been ground to a smooth powder and sifted.
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. You can burn that many calories by taking an eight-minute shower or sleeping for 13 minutes.
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 sugar.
Does sugar spoil?
- Yes
- No
Granulated sugar will last indefinitely if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

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This 1969 chart-topper by fictional band The Archies sold nearly one million copies, has been streamed over 300 million times on Spotify and YouTube, and is widely considered the best bubblegum pop song of all time.

Sugar – Your Secret Weapon for Grass Stain Removal

April 2023

Sugar plays an important role in the kitchen but is also an effective weapon in your stain removal arsenal. Grass stains on clothing can be difficult to remove, but applying some sugar before laundering can help break down stains so they come out in the wash.

Farmer Profiles

Gene Adolph

Gene Adolph, Napoleonville, LA

April 2023

Sugarcane is the lifeblood of southern Louisiana communities, and fourth-generation farmer Gene Adolph is proud to be part of its sweet story.

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