Non-centrifugal Sugar and Health: Content of Phenolic Compounds, Antioxidant Activity and Consumer Expectations

• Grant number: 23/11893-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• End date: January 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Food Science and Technology - Food Science
• Principal Investigator: Maria Aliciane Fontenele Domingues
• Grantee: Manuelle Nobuo da Silva
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). Araras , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Brazil is recognized as the largest sugarcane producer in the world, being one of the leading agricultural products destined as raw material for sugar-energy industries, aiming at producing refined sugar and ethanol. However, it also meets the demand for producing other derivatives, such as non-centrifugal sugar, panela, and molasses. These derivatives are important when discussing sustainability, healthiness, and natural or artisanal products. It is known the growing interest in substances of natural origin to provide functional properties to processed foods, both concerning substances already known for many years, as well as those recently discovered. Non-centrifugal sugar has the potential to be considered a product with functional properties. Thus, this project aims to evaluate the content of phenolic compounds in sugarcane juice and the obtained non-centrifugal sugars, evaluating the effect of processing on the phenolic content and its antioxidant activity. Based on these results, an exploratory study will be conducted on consumer attitudes and expectations regarding healthy components in non-centrifugal sugar. This study promotes greater knowledge about brown sugar, presenting it as a healthier alternative to other sweeteners.