15% off €25

Code:DEAL
☀️ SummerVitamins & SupplementsCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNovominsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouBioglanNatures AidWild NutritionDAME3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutlet3 for €18Short Dated August 2025Short Dated July 2025Dairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeSoya FreeAlcohol FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomChaga MushroomCollagenCastor OilShiitake MushroomVitamin EAloe VeraMaitake MushroomNew inFood & DrinkVegan Food & DrinkDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedManuka HoneyTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksTeasMatcha & Green TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksProtein ShakesJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksKombuchaSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksKefirSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood PowdersMoringa PowderSpirulinaGoji BerriesBaobabChia SeedsHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSpreadsPateBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeNakdPukkaHeath & HeatherManuka DoctorPerfectTedEgmont HoneyTREKBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for €6OutletIntro Offer3 for €18Gluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeSugar FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeNut FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeApple Cider VinegarLion's Mane MushroomReishi MushroomChaga MushroomNew inSports NutritionProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsSports CollagenBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoHolland & BarrettApplied NutritionOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredMyproteinGrenadeUSNNakdTriActiveSiSSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletIntro OfferShort Dated August 2025Gluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreePalm Oil FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeVitamin ENew inBeautyAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupDr OrganicFaith in NatureNaturtintWeledaTisserandQ+AMiaromaTrilogyWildChilds FarmSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price2 for €233 for 2 Mix & MatchOutletBuy 1 Get 1 FreeAlcohol FreeFluoride freeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeVitamin CTea TreeRosemaryHyaluronic AcidVitamin EAloe VeraRosehipLavenderSeaweedSalicylic AcidNew inWeight ManagementSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportHolland & BarrettGrenadeOptimum NutritionHeath & HeatherPulsinUSNDiabloEat WaterKalloNudie SnacksSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletShort Dated August 2025Gluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeMilk FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeApple Cider VinegarNew inNew InTrendingBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for €23Outlet2 for €6Intro OfferShop all Health & WellnessWomen's HealthMen's HealthImmunityJoints, Bones, & MusclesEnergyGut HealthSleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettDr OrganicFaith in NatureVitabioticsNaturtintOptimum NutritionWeledaApplied NutritionPrecision EngineeredQ+ABuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for €23Outlet2 for €63 for €18Gluten FreeDairy FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeParfum FreeSoya FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSesame Seed FreeMilk FreeVitamin CApple Cider VinegarTea TreeLion's Mane MushroomHyaluronic AcidVitamin ERosehipAloe VeraLavenderRosemaryNew inArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Skip to content

What can I do with unrefined sugars?

A jar of honey next to some bread or toast
So you've stocked up on healthier unrefined sugars but find yourself asking 'What can I do with unrefined sugars?' Here's some tasty ideas!
We all need to reduce the amount of sugar we’re eating, so how can products like coconut sugar, agave syrup and molasses help? As the amount of sugar we eat steadily increases, more and more research is uncovering just how bad an excess of sugar can be for our health. Many people are turning to unrefined sugars in their cooking – these have more nutrients than simple, white sugar; they are less processed and their richer flavours can make for a tastier dish – meaning you don’t need so much sweetening. Different sugars also have a different scientific make-up. Ordinary table sugar is known as ‘sucrose’, whereas unrefined sugars can also include different types of sugars, such as glucose and fructose. Fructose is a particularly sweet sugar – which should sound like good news: if it’s sweeter, you won’t need so much. However, fructose is not exactly a healthy choice, as limited studies have linked it to fatty arteries and increased cholesterol. The latest government advice is to limit our intake of added sugars to less than five per cent of our daily calories (it’s easier to visualise as around seven sugar cubes). You don’t need to think about the naturally occurring sugars in fruit and veg, dairy and so on – but you should be cutting down on syrups, honey and fruit juice, as well as sugar that you add while cooking, or sugars in ready-made foods (sauces, microwave meals, drinks, cakes and so on). This is where unrefined sugars can be useful. Generally, the darker the colour, the stronger the flavour – so add molasses instead of granulated sugar when you’re making your own sauces or marinades and you’ll have a tastier dish with a lower sugar content. And if you opt for agave nectar or honey, these are sweeter than sugar, so you can reduce the amount you’re adding. Try these recipes, or check out our Free From Refined Sugars section.

Honey tea bread

Good for: a dairy-free treat that’s low in fat Makes: one 900g (2lb) loaf

Ingredients

  • 225g raisins *
  • 75g set honey *
  • 300ml freshly made strong black tea
  • 2 eggs, size 3, lightly beaten
  • 275g wholewheat flour *
  • ½ tsp ground mixed spice *
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • Place the raisins in a bowl. Stir the honey into the tea and pour this over the raisins. Leave to soak for 2 hours.
* Available at Holland & Barrett

Method

Step 1 Stir the eggs into the raisin mixture. Heat oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Mix the flour with the spice and baking powder then mix these dry ingredients into the raisin mixture. Step 2 Transfer to a greased 900g (2lb) loaf tin and bake for about 1 hour 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and serve in slices. Recipe courtesy of The Honey Association.

Home-made chipotle BBQ sauce

Good for: a super-tasty condiment Makes: 1 jar

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 100ml cider vinegar *
  • 90ml date syrup *
  • tsp mustard powder
  • tsp smoked paprika *
  • 2 tsp yeast extract *
  • 2 tsp chipotle paste
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 350ml passata
  • 75ml molasses *
  • 70g unrefined dark brown sugar
* Available at Holland & Barrett

Method

Step 1 Heat the oil in a small saucepan and gently cook the onion and garlic for 4-5 minutes until soft. Step 2 Add all the other ingredients and bring to a simmer while stirring. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sugar had dissolved and the sauce has become thick. Use straight away or store in the fridge. Recipe courtesy of Meridian Foods

Light blueberry cheesecake

Good for: a variety of nutrients Serves: 4 For the base: For the filling:
  • 150g light cream cheese
  • 100g Greek yoghurt
  • 30g agave nectar *
  • 100g fresh blueberries
For the blueberry sauce: * Available at Holland & Barrett

Method

Step 1 Blitz the nuts in a food processor until they’re a fine crumb. Combine with the coconut oil and agave nectar, then press the mixture into ramekins. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes. Step 2 Place the cream cheese, yoghurt and agave nectar in a large bowl and mix with a hand whisk until smooth. Fold in the blueberries and spoon onto the nut base in the ramekins. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours. Step 3 Warm the blueberries, agave and water in a small pan over a gentle heat for around 10 minutes, until the blueberries release their juice. Add the lemon juice. Step 4 Pour some of the blueberry juice over the cheesecakes just before serving. Recipe courtesy of The Groovy Food Company Shop our Food and Drink range.
This article has been adapted from longer features appearing in Healthy, the Holland & Barrett magazine. Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP before trying any remedies.

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers

Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.