Before 2018, all organic Australian sugar producers had to get their sugar mixed in with the conventional processors as their wasn't a certified processor in Australia. You may have noticed in shops that all the organic sugar was coming from Brazil, Paraguay or Thailand. Well, that changed with the 2018 harvest after Bundaberg Sugar gained organic certification.

This golden, unrefined sugar is produced from organically grown sugarcane in the Bundaberg region of Queensland. Milled by Bundaberg Sugar, one of Australia’s most established sugar producers, it’s Australia’s first large-scale certified organic raw sugar – the result of a dedicated shift toward regenerative agriculture and more sustainable milling practices.

Crystallised directly from the first pressing of the cane juice, this sugar retains its natural colour and molasses flavour. It’s unbleached, unrefined, and free from anti-caking agents or additives – just raw Australian cane sugar, as close to the source as you can get.

How is raw sugar made?

Raw sugar is the result of the first crystallisation of cane juice after pressing and evaporation. In contrast to white sugar, it’s not refined or bleached – meaning it holds onto naturally occurring trace minerals and colour compounds from the cane itself.

Culinary uses

• Everyday sweetener for coffee, tea or baking

• Adds warmth and depth to cakes, biscuits and muffins

• A natural choice for fermentation starters (e.g., kombucha)

• Excellent in spice blends, chutneys and glazes

What makes it organic?

Bundaberg Sugar’s organic range is certified by Australian Certified Organic (ACO). Their organic farms use no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers, and instead focus on building soil biology, biodiversity, and long-term farm health. The cane is then milled without chemical refining, preserving the sugar’s flavour, nutrients and integrity. At the moment, Bundaberg have about 20 hectares of land under certification with another 35 hectares under conversion. 

About the Producers

Bundaberg Sugar has been growing and milling sugarcane in the Bundaberg and Isis districts of Queensland for over a century. Their move to certified organic production in 2018 is a major step for the Australian sugar industry, and they now lead the way in supplying domestically grown, organic raw sugar at scale.

Their regenerative approach reduces chemical runoff, improves soil structure, and supports the long-term sustainability of cane farming in the region. It’s a project that connects Australia’s food system with better environmental stewardship and true paddock-to-plate transparency.

FAQs

Is this sugar fully certified organic?

Yes. This raw sugar produced under the Australian Certified Organic (ACO) certification, Australia’s most widely recognised organic standard. It’s grown without synthetic chemicals and processed without bleaching or refining agents.

What’s the difference between raw sugar and white sugar?

Raw sugar is made by crystallising cane juice after the first boil. It retains more of the cane’s natural colour, flavour, and trace minerals, whereas white sugar is refined further to remove colour and molasses content.

Does this sugar contain any additives or anti-caking agents?

No. This is pure raw cane sugar, free from anti-caking agents, bleaching chemicals, or processing aids. It’s also non-GMO.

Can I use it in place of white sugar in baking?

Yes, raw sugar can be used 1:1 in most recipes. It has a subtle molasses note and golden hue that may slightly change the taste or colour of delicate baked goods, but in most cases it’s a flavour-enhancing swap. If you need something finer, you can run the sugar in a blender to get something closer to caster sugar

Is raw sugar better for you than refined white sugar?

While both are sources of sucrose and should be used in moderation, raw sugar contains trace minerals and natural molasses compounds that are stripped during the white sugar refining process.

Is this sugar suitable for vegans?

Yes. There have been no animal products are used in the growing or processing of this sugar. Some International refined sugars are bleached using bone char — this is not practiced in Australia.

Is this Organic Raw Sugar Australian grown?

Absolutely. The sugarcane is grown and milled in the Bundaberg region of Queensland, supporting local farmers and regional communities. The sugarcane is cultivated on company farms and then crushed at the Millaquin Mill, which is also located in Bundaberg

When is Organic Sugar Harvested in QLD?

New season organic raw sugar is available after the dry season in Queensland, which is our winter. We start to see new season stock come through in November.