Bushra Griffith
Sugar is a sweet crystalline substance that is commonly used as a sweetener in various foods and beverages. However, some people have reported experiencing an unusual odour, resembling cheese, feet, or other unpleasant smells, emanating from their sugar. This phenomenon has sparked curiosity and concern among consumers, leading them to question the cause of this strange occurrence. While the exact reason for the odour remains uncertain, several theories have emerged, including improper storage, contamination from other food items, and the potential influence of the sugar's origin, such as beet or cane sugar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possible reasons for sugar smelling like cheese | Improper storage, contamination, proximity to strong-smelling food items, or the sugar being made from sugar beets |
| Suggested solutions | Aerating the sugar, using a vanilla bean pod to override the smell, or discarding the sugar |
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What You'll Learn
Sugar made from beets may smell bad
However, it is important to note that some people refute the claim that beet sugar inherently smells bad, suggesting that the odour may come from external sources. For example, it could be a result of improper storage, with the sugar absorbing odours from strong-smelling food items nearby, such as garlic or chilli powder.
Additionally, the container in which the sugar is stored may contribute to the smell. One person suggested that the odour could be from the plastic container, or even the charcoal or animal bones used in the refining process.
To mitigate the unpleasant smell of beet sugar, some people recommend aerating the sugar before use. Alternatively, placing a vanilla bean pod in the sugar can help to mask the odour.
While the exact reason for the bad smell of beet sugar remains unclear, it is worth noting that sugar produced in America is often made from sugar beets, which could explain why some people experience strange odours in their sugar.
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Sugar picking up odours from elsewhere
Sugar can sometimes pick up odours from other sources. This could be due to improper storage, with some strong-smelling food items, such as garlic or chilli powder, contaminating the sugar. It could also be due to the sugar being stored in a container that previously held another substance with a strong odour, such as a plastic container. In some cases, the odour may be a result of the sugar being produced from sugar beets, which can have an unpleasant smell during processing. However, it is important to note that the chemical composition of beet sugar and cane sugar is identical, so the source of the sugar itself should not be the cause of the odour.
If you notice that your sugar has an unusual odour, it is recommended to toss it out and purchase a new batch. While it may not necessarily be harmful, the odour could affect the flavour of your food, especially in baked goods where sugar is a significant ingredient. To prevent this issue in the future, ensure that your sugar is stored in a well-sealed container and kept away from strong-smelling foods or substances. Additionally, you can try aerating the sugar before transferring it to a canister to help eliminate any unwanted odours.
It is worth noting that some people may be more sensitive to certain odours than others, so what one person perceives as a strong smell may not be noticeable to someone else. However, if you notice any significant changes in the smell or appearance of your sugar, it is generally best to discard it and obtain a fresh supply. This is especially important if you plan to use the sugar for cooking or baking, as the odour could negatively impact the taste of your final product.
While sugar itself does not typically go bad, improper storage or contamination can introduce unwanted odours and potentially affect the quality and safety of the product. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain good storage practices and regularly inspect your sugar for any signs of odour, clumping, or discolouration, which could indicate the presence of moisture or other contaminants. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your sugar remains fresh and suitable for use in your culinary creations.
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Funky sugar due to poor storage
Sugar is a staple in most kitchens and is used in a multitude of recipes. So, it can be quite disconcerting when you reach for your sugar and find that it has developed a funky smell. While pure sugar is unlikely to go bad, poor storage can cause it to pick up odors from its surroundings. This can be anything from the smell of garlic or chilli powder to an unpleasant stench from a nearby sugar beet factory.
If your sugar has taken on a funky smell, it is likely due to improper storage. This could have occurred at any point between the manufacturer and the end user. Perhaps it was stored next to a strong-smelling food item in the grocery store or your own kitchen. It is also possible that a measuring cup or spoon was reused, contaminating the sugar with traces of another ingredient.
The type of sugar may also play a role in its susceptibility to absorbing odors. Cane sugar and beet sugar are chemically identical and should not have a distinct smell. However, some people have reported an unpleasant smell associated with beet sugar, possibly due to the processing methods used.
To prevent your sugar from developing an unpleasant smell, it is important to store it properly. Choose a storage container that seals tightly, such as a glass jar with a lid, to prevent odors from seeping in. Keep the sugar away from strong-smelling foods or substances, as it may absorb their odors over time.
If you find yourself with a batch of funky-smelling sugar, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, aerate the sugar by exposing it to fresh air. This may help to dissipate the absorbed odors. If the smell remains, it is best to discard the sugar and purchase a fresh batch. To avoid wasting sugar in the future, consider storing it in smaller quantities and using it up more frequently.
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Sour-smelling sugar may be contaminated
Sugar is a sweet-smelling and sweet-tasting ingredient, so when it starts to smell sour, it can be a cause for concern. While pure cane sugar does not typically go bad, it is possible for it to be contaminated or affected by outside factors.
One of the most common reasons for sugar to smell odd is improper storage. If the sugar has been exposed to moisture or has come into contact with other strong-smelling food items, it can absorb these odours and take on a sour smell. This can happen if the sugar is stored in a container that is not airtight or if it is stored near strong-smelling foods such as garlic or chilli powder.
Another possibility is that the sugar itself is contaminated. This could occur during the manufacturing or packaging process if the sugar comes into contact with other substances. For example, one person reported that their sugar smelled like diesel exhaust fumes, which they believed was due to improper storage or manufacturing. In this case, tossing the sugar and contacting customer service is the best course of action.
It's worth noting that the type of sugar can also affect its smell. Sugar can be derived from either sugar cane or sugar beets, and some people have reported that beet sugar has a more unpleasant smell. However, others disagree, stating that refined sugar, regardless of its source, should not have a noticeable smell.
If you notice that your sugar has a sour smell, it is important to err on the side of caution. Tossing the sugar and purchasing a new batch is often the safest option, especially if the smell is strong. Additionally, if you are concerned about contamination, you can contact the manufacturer to inquire about potential issues during production or to request a refund or coupon.
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Charcoal or animal bones used in sugar refining
Sugar is a sweet-tasting food that is usually derived from either sugar cane or sugar beets. However, some people have reported that their sugar has developed an odd smell, similar to cheese or feet. While the cause of this smell is not entirely clear, it could be due to improper storage or the proximity of the sugar to other strongly-scented foods. It is worth noting that sugar produced from beets can have an unpleasant smell, and this may be the explanation for the odd smell in some cases.
Charcoal or animal bones, known as bone char, have been used in sugar refining, particularly for cane sugar, as it contains more colored impurities. Bone char is produced by charring animal bones, mainly from cattle and pigs, at high temperatures of up to 700 °C in a sealed vessel with low oxygen concentration. This process results in a porous, black, granular material that is used for filtration and decolorization. Historically, bone char was commonly used in sugar refining to remove colored impurities and ash. Today, only a small number of companies still rely on bone char for sugar refinement.
The use of bone char in sugar refining has raised concerns among some consumers, particularly those who wish to avoid animal-derived products. As a result, alternative refining methods have been developed, and certain companies have transitioned to using bone-char filters. For example, Western Sugar, a subsidiary of Tate & Lyle, uses bone-char filters but only for refining beet sugar, which does not involve the use of bone char.
For those who wish to avoid refined sugars that may have been filtered with bone char, there are alternative options available. Sucanat and turbinado sugar, for instance, are not filtered with bone char. Additionally, beet sugar does not typically involve the use of bone char in its refining process. Edward & Sons Trading Company has also developed a vegan confectioner's sugar that does not use bone char, catering to those who prefer animal-free ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
Sugar can sometimes pick up odours from strong-smelling food items stored nearby. If your sugar has a cheesy smell, it may have been contaminated by something it was stored next to.
To prevent your sugar from picking up unwanted odours, ensure that it is stored in a sealed container and kept away from strong-smelling foods.
If the smell is strong and noticeable, it is advisable to discard the sugar. However, if the smell is faint and does not affect the taste, it is likely safe to consume, but it is always better to err on the side of caution.
You can try aerating the sugar by spreading it out on a tray and letting it sit for a while. Additionally, placing a vanilla bean pod in the sugar may help to override the unpleasant smell.
