Sucrose

Definition

Sucrose is a type of sugar that occurs naturally in many plants and is commonly used as a sweetener in food and drink.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Sucrose is a disaccharide sugar composed of one molecule of glucose and one molecule of fructose. It is a white, crystalline powder with a sweet taste, commonly referred to as table sugar.

Benefits

• Provides a quick source of energy.
• Enhances the taste and palatability of food.

Examples

• Table sugar used in baking and cooking
• Natural sucrose found in fruits like bananas and pineapples
• Sugarcane and sugar beets, primary sources of commercial sucrose

Additional Information

• Known issues: Consuming too much sucrose can lead to health issues such as tooth decay, obesity, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Related Terms

• Glucose
• Fructose
• Carbohydrates
• Simple Sugars
• Disaccharides

References

• Sugar and Health
• The Science of Sugars