What is "refined sugar"?

Refined sugar, also known as white sugar or granulated sugar, is a common sweetener widely used in cooking, baking, and beverage sweetening. It is made from either sugarcane or sugar beet through a process of refining and purification. During refining, the sugar cane or sugar beet juice undergoes multiple filtration and crystallization steps to remove impurities and concentrate the sucrose content. The resulting sugar crystals are then dried to produce the familiar granulated form. Refined sugar has a neutral flavor and fine texture, making it versatile for various culinary applications. While it provides sweetness and energy in recipes, refined sugar lacks significant nutritional value beyond its carbohydrate content.