Beekeepers are usually told to feed bees plain white granulated sugar, not raw, brown or other unrefined sugars. Raw sugar contains molasses and other solids that bees cannot digest well, and in cold weather that can lead to dysentery. Here are the real benefits and risks.
What is “raw” sugar?
Raw, turbinado, demerara and brown sugars keep some of the molasses left over from sugar cane processing. That gives them color, flavor and trace minerals, which people like. Bees need almost none of that. Sucrose is what they use for energy.
Possible benefits
- Some beekeepers say bees take raw sugar eagerly because of the stronger smell.
- It may contain traces of minerals, though bees get what they need from nectar and pollen.
None of these is a strong reason to choose raw sugar over white sugar, and the benefits for bees are not well established.
Risks to know
- Indigestible solids. Molasses and plant material build up in the bees’ gut. Bees do not defecate inside the hive and may hold waste for weeks in cold weather, so this raises the risk of dysentery and disease.
- Winter danger. The risk is highest when bees cannot take cleansing flights.
- Possible toxins. Some unrefined products may form compounds that are harmful to bees, especially when heated.
- Spoilage. Syrup made with raw sugar can ferment or mold faster.
What to feed instead
- Plain white granulated cane or beet sugar, with no additives.
- Mixed 1:1 by weight with water in spring and summer, or 2:1 in fall. See the right way to make sugar water for bees.
- Dry sugar methods for winter, such as the mountain camp method or a sugar board.
Things to avoid
- Brown sugar, raw sugar, powdered sugar with anti-caking starch, and fruit juices or syrups
- Honey from unknown sources, which can carry disease
- Overheating sugar or syrup
Bottom Line
Stick with plain white sugar for your bees. Raw sugar offers no proven benefit and carries a real risk of digestive trouble, especially in winter. Check with your local beekeeping association for feeding schedules in your climate.
