Demerara, a rich, minimally refined sugar

Demerara sugar is gaining popularity on restaurant menus thanks to its rich and caramel-like flavor, plus its minimally refined, natural appeal. Consumers are drawn to it because of its depth of taste and its association with premium, less-processed ingredients.

It’s being incorporated into cocktails and coffee drinks, most commonly in syrup form, but demerara sugar’s addition to baked goods allows for a satisfying crunch and unique sweetness.

According to market research firm Datassential, Demerara sugar is found on 3.1% of U.S. restaurant menus, a 31% increase over the past four years, and is most well-known by vegetarian, vegan, and Asian consumers. It is most commonly found in independent and fine-dining restaurants.

Click through the above gallery to learn more about demerara sugar and see how one restaurant in Virginia is using it on the cocktail menu.