How Many Calories In 12 Cups Of Sugar?

Sugar is a common ingredient in beverages, sweets, cereals, syrups, candy and even ketchup. Fruits, milk and honey contain natural sugars. Although both contain calories, the calories from refined sugars are often unnecessary.

Calorie Amounts

Sugar contains 16 calories in every teaspoon. By itself, this is not many calories. However, if you are making large batches of cookies, sweetened pitchers of fruit punch or homemade preserves, you may use large quantities of sugar. One cup of sugar has 48 tsp., or 768 calories; therefore, 12 cups of sugar has 9,216 calories.

Health Considerations

According to Bonnie C. Minsky, author of "Our Children's Health," your body needs no refined sugar. The carbohydrates your body needs are available from grains, fruits and other foods. Refined sugar may be habit forming, and eating too much sugar may cause you to avoid eating healthier, natural foods.

Healthier Alternatives

When making large batches of sweets, use 1/4 to 1/3 less sugar than the recipe calls for to reduce the calorie content, recommends California State University. If replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners, verify the sweetener can be heated before using. Learn to enjoy the taste of natural fruits and juices and make desserts with fresh fruit.