Nattu Sakkarai (Cane Jaggery Powder): What It Is and How to Use It

Many Tamil homes are going back to nattu sakkarai for their morning coffee, payasam and sweets. But what exactly is it, how is it different from white sugar and vellam, and how do you cook with it? Here is a simple guide.

What is nattu sakkarai?

Nattu sakkarai (நாட்டு சர்க்கரை) is cane jaggery in powder form, made from sugarcane. It is brown, slightly moist and has a caramel-like taste.

"Nattu" means native or country, and "sakkarai" means sugar. In English it is usually called cane jaggery powder. You use it as a sweetener in drinks, sweets and any recipe that calls for jaggery. Chettyz cane jaggery powder (nattu sakkarai) is made from cane and comes ready to use in powder form.

How is nattu sakkarai made?

Nattu sakkarai is traditionally made by boiling fresh sugarcane juice until it thickens, then stirring and cooling it until it dries into a powder. The colour and flavour of the cane juice stay in the final product.

Methods differ from maker to maker, but the basic idea is simple: cane juice, boiled down and powdered.

How is nattu sakkarai different from white sugar?

The main difference is processing. White sugar goes through more refining steps to remove the brown colour and form clean white crystals, while nattu sakkarai keeps the brown colour and caramel taste of the boiled cane juice.

Both are sweeteners and both contain sugar. Nattu sakkarai is not sugar-free and should not be treated as a sugar substitute. Use it the way you would use sugar, in the amounts you are used to. What you gain is a different flavour: earthy, warm and a little like caramel.

Is nattu sakkarai the same as vellam or karupatti?

No. Vellam is cane jaggery in solid blocks or balls, nattu sakkarai is cane jaggery in powder form, and karupatti is palm jaggery made from palm sap, not sugarcane.

The big advantage of nattu sakkarai is that it is already powdered. You do not need to break, grate or melt a block of jaggery before using it.

How do I use nattu sakkarai in coffee and tea?

Add nattu sakkarai to your filter coffee or tea after the milk is boiled, stirring it in off the flame. Start with the same amount you use of sugar and adjust to taste.

Jaggery has its own flavour, so your coffee will taste a little different: rounder and slightly caramel-like. Many people find they enjoy it once they get used to it. Some home cooks notice that adding jaggery to milk that is still boiling can sometimes make it split, which is why stirring it in off the heat is a common tip.

Which sweets and dishes can I make with nattu sakkarai?

You can use nattu sakkarai in most Tamil sweets that use jaggery or sugar. Here are some popular ideas:

• Payasam: paruppu payasam, arisi payasam and javvarisi payasam all work well with jaggery powder. Add it after the dal or rice is cooked and the flame is low.
• Sakkarai pongal: use nattu sakkarai instead of block vellam. Dissolve it in a little warm water and strain if you like a smooth finish.
• Kozhukattai and poornam: mix with grated coconut for a sweet filling.
• Laddu and urundai: great for kadalai urundai (groundnut balls), ellu urundai (sesame balls) and rava laddu.
• Panakam: stir into water with dry ginger, cardamom and a squeeze of lemon, a classic for Rama Navami.
• Kesari and halwa: gives a deeper brown colour and caramel taste.
• Breakfast: sprinkle on ragi porridge, aval (poha) with coconut, or dosa with ghee for kids.

Can I use nattu sakkarai for baking?

Yes, but it is not always a direct swap for white sugar. Jaggery powder adds colour, moisture and its own flavour, so the cake or cookie may come out darker and softer.

Start by replacing part of the sugar in your recipe and see how you like it. It works nicely in banana bread, wheat cakes, oat cookies and anything with cardamom, dry ginger or cinnamon. You can try it with Chettyz multigrain atta for homemade wheat cakes or cookies.

Why does my nattu sakkarai form lumps?

Nattu sakkarai naturally absorbs moisture from the air, so it can form small lumps. This is normal. Just break them with a dry spoon or crush them between your fingers.

To avoid lumps, keep it in a tightly closed pack or airtight container, use a dry spoon and do not store it next to a steaming kettle or stove. For how long to use it, check the best-before date on the pack.

Quick answers

What is nattu sakkarai in English?

Nattu sakkarai is called cane jaggery powder in English. It is powdered jaggery made from sugarcane.

Is nattu sakkarai sugar-free?

No. Nattu sakkarai contains sugar. Use it as you would use sugar, in moderation.

Can I use nattu sakkarai in coffee?

Yes. Stir it in after the milk has boiled, off the flame, and adjust the amount to taste.

Is nattu sakkarai the same as brown sugar?

Not exactly. Nattu sakkarai is powdered cane jaggery made by boiling down cane juice. Brown sugar sold in shops is usually a sugar crystal product with molasses, made in a different way.

Shop Chettyz nattu sakkarai – free shipping on orders above ₹499. Want a savoury pairing? Try our guide on how to use idli podi, or read the Chettyz story. Questions? See our FAQs.