Organic Panela de Caña: Whole cane sugar from sustainable cultivation

Organic Panela – Natural whole cane sugar from Colombia

Not all sugar is the same – and De Caña proves this with its organic Panela whole cane sugar, which not only sweetens but also contains valuable minerals and nutrients. We visited the company at FOOD & LIFE in Munich and sampled this special sugar from Colombia. Panela is produced using traditional methods and differs from conventional refined sugar in its gentle processing and natural caramel flavor. Panela unfolds its special flavors particularly well in coffee and tea, but also in cooking and baking, bringing a natural sweetness to every dish.

What makes panela so special?

The biggest difference between panela whole cane sugar and conventional table sugar lies in the production process: while refined sugar is chemically processed and stripped of its nutrients, panela remains completely natural. The sugar is extracted from sugar cane juice using traditional methods, gently thickened and then dried. This preserves valuable minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc, as well as vitamins. “Our sugar comes from Colombia and is completely unrefined. This not only gives it a particularly aromatic taste, but also means it offers more nutrients than normal sugar,” explains Sonja Gmehling from De Caña. The taste is mildly caramel-like, with a natural sweetness that goes particularly well with hot drinks such as coffee and tea, but can also be used in baking or to refine dishes. Fair trade and sustainable production Another important concern for De Caña is supporting fair working conditions. The organic panela sugar currently comes from a small organic farm in Colombia, but the company is working to establish further partnerships with local farmers. “We are a start-up and have only just begun. Our goal is to pay fair wages and support the region with social projects,” explains Gmehling. Colombia, which in the past has often been associated with crime and drug trafficking, is benefiting from sustainable industries that offer people long-term prospects.

How much does organic panela whole cane sugar cost?

Price and packaging – quality that pays off. Despite the long transport routes and fair payment for farmers, panela remains an affordable natural product. A 250g pack costs €5.90, which reflects the high organic standards and sustainable production. The stylish decorative boxes not only look good as kitchen decorations, but also make a lovely gift for foodies. Those who use Panela regularly can purchase refill packs, thereby consuming more sustainably.

For anyone looking for a healthier alternative to refined sugar, Panela from De Caña is an excellent choice. This natural whole cane sugar impresses with its delicate aroma, valuable nutrients, and fair production—a sweet innovation that not only tastes good but also does good.