Vol. 7, Issue 9, Part C (2025)

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is a major cash crop, globally cultivated for its role in sugar production, contributing to 80% of the world's sugar supply. Jaggery, a non-centrifugal sugar derived from sugarcane juice, has gained attention as a healthier alternative to refined sugar due to its nutritional content, including essential minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium. Unlike white sugar, which is associated with various health issues, jaggery offers significant health benefits, including improved digestion, immunity, and the management of conditions such as anemia and hypertension.
This review focuses on the potential of value-added jaggery products, particularly when fortified with medicinal herbs, spices, and nuts, for enhanced health benefits. The fortification of jaggery with ingredients like pumpkin seeds, amaranth, and peanuts has resulted in the creation of energy bars, jams, and jaggery-based chocolates, providing both nutritional value and market potential. Comparative studies between sugar and jaggery based products reveal that jaggery-enriched formulations possess significantly higher mineral content, thereby offering a healthier alternative for nutritionally conscious consumers. Further, review studies evaluating the organoleptic qualities and physicochemical properties of jaggery-based products like mango jam and peanut energy bars highlight the high consumer acceptance of these items. The review also underscores the need for additional research into more value-added products, microbial safety and long-term storage viability of these products.