Which Lime Is Used in Sugar Refining?

Sugar mills use lime during the purification and clarification of sugarcane juice. But not all types of lime are suitable — only one specific type is safe, effective, and approved for refining sugar.

The lime used in sugar refining is Food-Grade Quick Lime and Food-Grade Hydrated Lime, depending on the processing stage.
These are specially purified grades of lime used to remove impurities from sugarcane juice and improve the clarity of sugar.

Food-grade lime helps make sugar clean, pure, and white during the clarification process.

Why Lime Is Used in Sugar Refining

Removes impurities from sugarcane juice
Helps in clarification and purification
Neutralizes acids in the juice
Improves color and quality of sugar
Helps in removing non-sugars (proteins, colloids, organic acids)
Used in sulphitation and carbonation processes
Makes sugar safe, refined, and crystal clear

How Lime Works in Sugar Refining

When sugarcane juice is extracted, it contains mud, fibers, acids, proteins, and many impurities.Food-grade lime is added to the juice to:

Neutralize acidity
React with impurities
Form “flocs” that lift impurities to the top
Make the juice clear and clean

After the process, impurities are removed, and the juice becomes fit for making pure white sugar crystals.

Lime Type	Scientific Name	Food Safe?	Used in Sugar Refining?	Purpose
Food-Grade Quick Lime (Main Use)	Calcium Oxide (CaO)	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	Used for juice clarification and pH adjustment
Food-Grade Hydrated Lime	Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	Used in carbonation and purification