Demerara Sugar

TLDRLast updated 3 October 2026

Demerara sugar is low FODMAP at 5 g. Fructose is moderate at 73 g; at 98 g, fructose is high and fructans are moderate. The larger reference amounts are not suggested individual servings.

Serving sizes for demerara sugar

The low reference is 5 g. The 73 g moderate and 98 g high references describe larger amounts and should not be interpreted as meal recommendations.

Low
1 teaspoonabout 5 g

Tested serving sizes

Tested serving sizes for Demerara Sugar and their Gut Friendly rating
ServingAmountMain FODMAPRating
1 teaspoon5 gFructose 0.01 gLow
73 g portion73 gFructose 0.11 gModerate
98 g portion98 gFructose 0.15 gAvoid

Breakdown for 1 teaspoon

0.01gFructose
0gLactose
0.01gFructans
0gGOS
0gSorbitol
0gMannitol
1 teaspoonabout 5 g

Is demerara sugar low FODMAP?

The group profile changes with portion size: all listed groups are low at 5 g, fructose becomes moderate at 73 g, and the 98 g reference has high fructose plus moderate fructans. These are reference points rather than a precise boundary for every intermediate amount. Brown sugar and raw sugar are separate catalogue entries.

Demerara Sugar and IBS: what to know

For coffee or a crunchy breakfast topping, count the demerara sugar actually added, including any second spoonful. In a crumble or biscuit, the sugar is only one part of the recipe. A low FODMAP sugar amount does not establish the finished dish's rating or predict whether it will suit every person with IBS.

Gut-friendly ways to eat demerara sugar

Weigh demerara before adding it to a recipe. For a topping, distribute it evenly so the sugar per portion can be estimated from the total used. When dividing a bake, use the number of pieces actually eaten rather than the recipe's intended serving count alone. If substituting white sugar, check its own guide and consider the texture needed for the dish.

Frequently asked questions

Is demerara sugar low FODMAP?

The listed 5 g portion, described as one teaspoon, is low. Larger listed amounts have different group ratings.

Is fructose the only elevated group at 98 g?

No. Fructose is high and fructans are moderate at that reference. The remaining listed groups are low.

Can I use demerara's portion for brown sugar?

Use the separate brown sugar guide. Similar appearance or a similar role in baking does not make the entries identical.

How do I count a demerara topping on a crumble?

Divide the sugar used in the topping by the servings actually eaten. Assess the fruit, flour and other ingredients separately.

Check a whole plate in seconds.

Not sure about a whole meal? Scan it with the Gut Friendly app.

Get the app

Sources and editorial notes

Published and maintained by Gut Friendly. This guide has not been independently reviewed by a dietitian. Serving information comes from our food catalogue. Where references are listed, they explain the research and preparation differences. Check the original source for current portions.

Gut Friendly provides general information, not medical advice.