Why natural sweeteners are more expensive than refined sugar: To deliver the blessings of nature as they are.

As health consciousness grows, more and more people are choosing natural sweeteners such as monk fruit, agave syrup, and brown sugar.
However, when you actually try to purchase it, you may be surprised to find that it is much more expensive than white sugar.
The reason for this is not simply that it is expensive because it is health-conscious, but is firmly rooted in the differences in ingredients, manufacturing methods, and distribution.

1. The raw materials themselves are rare

Sugarcane and sugar beets, the raw materials for white sugar, are cultivated on a large scale all over the world, and systems are in place to efficiently extract sugar.
On the other hand, monk fruit only grows in limited areas such as the Guilin region of China, and most harvesting is done by hand.
Agave syrup is made from agave, which grows in the dry highlands of Mexico and takes 7 to 10 years to be harvested.
In other words, because the space and time available for cultivation are limited, the raw material itself is expensive.

2. The manufacturing process is delicate and time-consuming

Refining white sugar has been automated and made more efficient through years of technology.
On the other hand, natural sweeteners require multiple low-temperature extractions and filtrations to "preserve the natural nutrients and flavors."
For example, in the case of Monk Fruit, careful production that avoids heat and oxidation is essential to preserve the unique sweet component, mogroside.
That inevitably takes time and costs money.

3. "Not over-refining" increases costs

Natural sweeteners such as cane sugar and brown sugar are minimally refined to retain their minerals and flavor.
As a result, it is sensitive to moisture and requires careful storage and transportation.
In other words, the more "natural" something is left, the more effort it takes to maintain it - another factor that affects the price.

4. Production volume is low, making it difficult to realize economies of scale.

White sugar is consumed in huge quantities around the world, so there is a system in place for mass production.
On the other hand, many natural sweeteners are aimed at a certain segment of the health-conscious population, and because production volumes are low, it is currently difficult to reduce costs.

Summary: It's expensive for a reason

The price of natural sweeteners includes the time and effort required to produce them while preserving the bounty of nature.
This is the maker's very attitude: "We don't use additives, we use the power of nature to bring out the sweetness."

It cannot be produced in large quantities at a low cost like white sugar,
Natural sweeteners are worth more than their price, as they offer sweetness that preserves the flavor of the ingredients and is gentle on the body.

All sweets made at BEYOND SWEETS are made without refined sugar (white sugar).
We only use natural sweeteners such as monk fruit, agave syrup, and brown sugar for the sweetness.