The Paleo diet has become quite popular in recent years and one of the key principles of the Paleo diet is to avoid processed foods and sugars, which can be challenging in our modern food environment.

One type of sugar that has come under scrutiny is cane sugar, which is commonly found in many processed foods and drinks, so you might be wondering: is it paleo?
In this article, we have the answers you need including whether or not cane sugar is considered paleo, what the implications are for including it in your diet and more.
So, if all this sounds intriguing, keep reading below!
What Is Cane Sugar?
For those who don’t know what cane sugar is, we are talking about a type of sweetener that is derived from the sugarcane plant.
The sugarcane plant grows primarily in tropical regions and has been cultivated for thousands of years for its sweet juice.
The extraction process of cane sugar involves harvesting the sugarcane plant, and then crushing it to extract the juice.
The juice is then boiled and evaporated to remove the water, leaving behind the sugar crystals, while these sugar crystals can then be processed further to produce different types of cane sugar, such as brown sugar or white sugar.
In terms of its nutritional composition, cane sugar is primarily made up of sucrose, which is a combination of glucose and fructose.
Even if you know little about nutrition, you can understand that, essentially, cane sugar is a source of empty calories, meaning that it provides calories but few other nutrients.
Moreover, it is high on the glycemic index, which means that it can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes typically avoid it.
In addition to that, and despite its lack of nutritional value, cane sugar is commonly found in many processed foods and drinks.
That is, of course, why its consumption has come under scrutiny in the paleo diet community, so let’s see how this diet’s principles relate to cane sugar consumption.
Paleo Diet And Sugar Consumption
Sugar can be a tricky subject when it comes to the paleo diet.
While the paleo diet emphasizes whole, natural foods and limits processed foods and sugars, the reality is that sugar is present in many foods, even those that are considered paleo friendly.
Fruits, for example, contain natural sugars that are still sugar nonetheless.
However, these sugars are accompanied by fiber, vitamins, and minerals that make them a healthier option than processed sugars.
When it comes to added sugars, such as cane sugar, the paleo diet encourages limiting their consumption.
This is because excessive sugar consumption has been linked to a host of negative health effects, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
However, the paleo diet also emphasizes balance and moderation, and recognizes that occasional indulgences can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
So, Is Cane Sugar Paleo Or Not?
The answer is not a simple yes or no, as there are differing opinions within the paleo community.
While some argue that cane sugar should be avoided altogether on the paleo diet, others believe that moderate consumption of cane sugar can be part of a healthy paleo diet (see also “Is Coconut Sugar Paleo?“).

Advocates of moderate cane sugar consumption point to the fact that cane sugar has been used in traditional diets for thousands of years and can provide a source of energy.
They also note that compared to other forms of processed sugar, such as high fructose corn syrup, cane sugar is a more natural option.
Furthermore, moderate consumption of cane sugar can provide a way to enjoy sweet treats in moderation and can help with adherence to the paleo diet long-term.
However, it’s important to note that even if you do choose to include cane sugar in your paleo diet, it should still be consumed in moderation, as excessive sugar consumption has been linked to a host of negative health effects.
Potential Risks Of Cane Sugar Consumption
While moderate consumption of cane sugar may be acceptable for some people, it’s still important to be aware of the potential health risks.
One of the main concerns with cane sugar is its impact on blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.
Consuming large amounts of cane sugar can cause blood sugar levels to spike, which can lead to insulin resistance and contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, excessive consumption of cane sugar has been linked to negative effects on gut health and increased inflammation in the body.
These effects can contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and cancer.
Furthermore, research has found that a diet high in added sugars, including cane sugar, is associated with an increased risk of several chronic diseases.
While it’s important to note that the research on cane sugar is ongoing, it’s clear that excessive consumption of cane sugar can have negative health effects.
As with any dietary choice, it’s important to make informed decisions based on your personal health goals and needs.
Are There Any Paleo-Friendly Alternatives To Cane Sugar?
If you’re looking to limit your consumption of cane sugar on the paleo diet, there are a number of alternative sweeteners that are paleo-approved.
One of the most popular paleo sweeteners is honey, which is a natural sweetener that has been used for centuries. Honey is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties, making it a healthy alternative to cane sugar.
Another popular paleo sweetener is maple syrup, which is high in antioxidants and provides a rich, complex flavor. It’s important to note that maple syrup should be consumed in moderation, as it is still high in sugar.
Other paleo-approved sweeteners include coconut sugar, which has a lower glycemic index than cane sugar and is rich in minerals, and stevia, which is a natural, calorie-free sweetener that can be used in moderation.
The Bottom Line
Now that you have read this article, it is clear that the decision of whether or not to include cane sugar in your paleo diet should be based on your personal health goals and preferences, so choose wisely and enjoy cane sugar or go for any of its alternatives mentioned above!
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