White Sugar vs. Caster Sugar — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 22, 2024
White sugar, with its larger crystals, is a versatile sweetener for baking and cooking, while caster sugar, finer and smoother, dissolves more quickly, ideal for meringues and beverages.
Difference Between White Sugar and Caster Sugar
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
White sugar, known for its coarse texture, is the standard sugar used in a variety of culinary applications, from sweetening beverages to baking cakes. Its granules are larger, making it less ideal for recipes requiring quick dissolution of sugar. Caster sugar, with its finer granules, is a preferred choice for delicate baked goods like meringues, soufflés, and sponge cakes. Its smaller crystals dissolve more rapidly than white sugar, ensuring a smoother texture in the final product.
When it comes to baking, the choice between white and caster sugar can affect the outcome of recipes. White sugar’s larger crystals can introduce a slight crunch or graininess to finer textures, whereas caster sugar blends seamlessly into mixtures, enhancing lightness and airiness.
In terms of availability, white sugar is a pantry staple found in nearly every grocery store, while caster sugar might require a visit to a specialty store or larger supermarket. This accessibility makes white sugar a go-to for everyday use.
Despite these differences, caster sugar and white sugar are interchangeable in many recipes, especially where the sugar's role is primarily to sweeten rather than to affect the texture. However, in precision baking, the choice between the two can be crucial.
Comparison Chart
Crystal Size
Larger, coarse granules
Finer, smaller granules
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Dissolution Rate
Slower, suitable for general cooking
Faster, ideal for fine textures
Best Used For
General baking, sweetening
Meringues, fine cakes, beverages
Availability
Widely available in stores
Might need specialty stores for purchase
Effect on Recipes
Can introduce graininess
Promotes smoothness and lightness
Compare with Definitions
White Sugar
A common sweetener with coarse crystals.
White sugar is used to sweeten coffee and tea.
Caster Sugar
Ensures smoothness in recipes.
Caster sugar made the cake batter perfectly smooth.
White Sugar
Easily found in all grocery stores.
I picked up a bag of white sugar at the local market.
Caster Sugar
Affects the texture and appearance of baked goods.
Caster sugar helped achieve a glossy finish on the glaze.
White Sugar
Versatile for cooking and baking.
She added white sugar to the cake batter.
Caster Sugar
Finer than white sugar, dissolves quickly.
Caster sugar is perfect for making smooth syrups.
White Sugar
Suitable for a wide range of recipes.
White sugar is a staple ingredient in many dessert recipes.
Caster Sugar
May be less available than white sugar.
I found caster sugar at the specialty baking store.
White Sugar
May affect texture in fine pastries.
Using white sugar resulted in a slightly grainy frosting.
Caster Sugar
Ideal for delicate desserts.
He used caster sugar in the meringue to ensure a fine texture.
Common Curiosities
What is caster sugar?
Caster sugar is a finer version of granulated sugar, dissolving more quickly and used in delicate baking recipes.
Why use caster sugar instead of white sugar?
Caster sugar is used for its ability to dissolve quickly and create smoother, lighter textures in baked goods.
Is caster sugar the same as powdered sugar?
No, caster sugar is finer than granulated sugar but not as fine as powdered sugar, which is used for icings and frostings.
What is white sugar?
White sugar is the granulated sugar commonly used in households and cooking, characterized by its coarse texture.
Is caster sugar more expensive than white sugar?
It can be, due to its finer texture and sometimes specialty status.
Is there a nutritional difference between white and caster sugar?
Nutritionally, they are very similar, offering primarily carbohydrates and calories.
Can caster sugar be used in coffee or tea?
Yes, it dissolves more quickly, making it an excellent choice for beverages.
Why might my cake be grainy when using white sugar?
The larger crystals of white sugar can sometimes not dissolve fully, resulting in a grainy texture.
Can I substitute white sugar for caster sugar?
Yes, but the texture and dissolution rate may affect the recipe's outcome, especially in fine pastries.
How can I make caster sugar?
You can make caster sugar by pulsing granulated sugar in a food processor until it's finer but not powdered.
Can I use white sugar in recipes calling for caster sugar?
Yes, though the final texture of the recipe may be slightly affected.
Does the type of sugar affect the sweetness?
The sweetness level is similar, but the texture and how the sugar interacts with other ingredients can vary.
Are there any recipes where white sugar is preferable to caster sugar?
In recipes where a crunchy texture is desired, such as in some cookies or crumbles, white sugar may be preferable.
What's the best way to store caster sugar?
Like white sugar, it should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Do professional bakers prefer caster sugar?
Many do, especially for recipes where a fine, smooth texture is desired.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
