Myth: Jaggery and brown sugar are healthy replacements for sugar.

What science says

Jaggery, brown sugar, coconut sugar and white sugar are all free sugars with similar energy. Trace minerals in jaggery are too small at normal serving sizes to change the overall picture.

BhojVigyan take

Whichever you prefer for taste, the amount is what matters. Guidance is to keep free sugars low — under about 10% of daily energy, ideally under 5%.

Source & review

WHO — Guideline: sugars intake for adults and children — Free-sugar limits apply to all added sugars, including unrefined forms.

Reviewed on 21 August 2026