from what I read there is a big difference in raw Sugar cane and refined sugar.... they didn't start to refine Sugar until the 1940's so any thing used before that was a live food with enzymes. I won't eat refined Sugar or any product that has sugar in it, as many health experts believe that refined sugar affects the immune system, making it less effective depending on how much is eaten. Since I quit eating refined sugar I haven't had a cold or the flu. (6 years) I do eat sweets made with evaporated cane juice (unrefined sugar) and the herb, stevia.