The Complete Guide to Sulfites and Sugar

The Dangers of Cane, Beet, and Powdered Sugar for the Sulfite Sensitive

Sulfites and sugar? You want to learn about sulfites and sugar? Are you sure? Okay. The good news or the bad news? Bad news first then: sugar tastes good. Is that really bad news? It is for people with sulfite allergies. The main thing that people know about sugar is that it tastes good, the main thing they don't know is that most sugars contain sulfites. Bad news indeed for those of us with sulfite allergies. Sulfites and sugar go hand in hand, and for those who suffer from sulfite allergies, sulfites and sugar can make a very harmful combination.

Sulfites and Sugar: The Good News

Just because sulfites and sugar like to play house together does not mean that those of us with sulfite allergies can never have sugar. Some sugars have relatively low sulfite levels, and are tolerated well by many people with sulfite allergies, thus making the sulfites and sugar dilemma less trying. Score one for the sulfite sufferers.

Sulfites and Sugar: The Bad News

I remember the day I found out that sulfites and sugar were natural allies. "Can it be true?" I screamed. "Sulfites and sugar?" Anger, confusion, despair washed over me. Sulfites and sugar? The thing I'm most allergic to in league with the thing I most love? Alas, the truth is out there. Yes, sulfites and sugar are, in fact, connected. If you have an intolerance to sulfites, you probably have an intolerance to sugar as well (insert pouty face).

Sulfites and Sugar: Good News Revisited

Granulated cane sugar, probably the most common sugar used, is relatively low in naturally occurring sulfites, and is generally okay for those of us with sulfite allergies, nixing the sulfites and sugar problem in the bud. Brown cane sugar is likewise low in sulfites. Beet sugar, however, requires more attention. Sulfites and sugar find their path thrown together when it comes to beet sugar, which is often bleached with sulfur dioxide to make it whiter. Brown beet sugar is simply white beet sugar which has had cane molasses added to it to make it brown. Neither are a good choice for someone with sulfite sensitivities. But who likes beet sugar anyway? Sulfites and sugar lose one point.