ICUMSA 45 vs ICUMSA 150 sugar: differences and uses
What ICUMSA means, how ICUMSA 45, ICUMSA 150 and brown sugar differ, and which one suits each industry.
ICUMSA is the international scale that measures sugar color in solution: the lower the number, the whiter and more refined. It is the reference used to buy and sell sugar in international trade.
Quick comparison
| Parameter | ICUMSA 45 | ICUMSA 150 | Brown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color (IU) | 45 | 150 | 600–1200 |
| Polarization | 99.8 °Z | 99.5 °Z | 96.0 °Z |
| Moisture | 0.04% | 0.10% | 0.15% |
| Grain size | 0.4–0.8 mm | 0.4–0.9 mm | 0.5–1.2 mm |
ICUMSA 45: refined
ICUMSA 45 is high-purity refined sugar. It is used where color and cleanliness of the final product matter: clear beverages, confectionery, dairy and retail.
ICUMSA 150: white
ICUMSA 150 is white sugar with a slight tint. It is common in industrial bakery, canning, dark beverages and processes where final color is not critical, at a lower cost than refined sugar.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar retains part of the molasses and its natural minerals. It is used in retail, baking and products where cane flavor is an attribute.
We offer all three grades of Brazilian origin in 50 kg bags. See the sugar category or request a quote.
