Not all sugars are completely bad for you. Although the following sugars have some nutritional value, consumption should still be limited.
Raisin Syrup
GI: 64
Raisin syrup is made by soaking raisins in water and then pureeing in a food processor. It is used as a natural sweetener or topping. Raisin syrup is a good source of antioxidants, fiber, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, copper, fluoride, zinc, potassium, and B complex.
Molasses
GI: 55
Molasses is the by-product of sugar refinement. It is the dark liquid that settles to the bottom as the sugar cane is boiled. There are 3 types. Unsulphured molasses is the finest quality and is made from ripe sugar cane. Sulphured (to be avoided) molasses is made from green sugar cane and requires the addition of sulphur fumes to process. Blackstrap molasses is the result of the third boiling of sugar cane and is the most nutrient dense. It contains calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron.
Maple Sugar
GI: 54
Maple sugar and maple syrup are whole foods derived from the sap of maple trees, most often the sugar maple. They are processed with heat to concentrate. Contains the minerals iron, calcium, zinc, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous and has trace amounts of vitamins.
Date Sugar
GI: 63*
Date sugar is a whole food derived from dried dates that are ground into a powder. Dates are the fruit of the Date Palm. They provide nutrition in the form of potassium, copper, manganese, magnesium, vitamin B6, calcium, fiber as well as others. Date sugar is very sweet. It does not dissolve in liquids when baking.
Barley Malt
GI: 64
Barley Malt (malted barley or maltose) is made from sprouted barley or grain. It is half as sweet as refined sugar. It contains B vitamins, minerals, some fiber and protein.
Agave Nectar
GI: 15
Agave nectar is derived from the blue agave plant. It has a lower GI than sugar so it does not spike the blood sugar as some do. The label must state 100% agave or hydrolyzed inulin syrup (the FDA says this is true agave) otherwise you may be getting a highly refined product that is full of HFCS. It has no nutritional value but because it is sweeter than honey–less can be used.