Quick Answer
There are approximately 38 cups of brown sugar in a 2 kg bag. This is based on the fact that 1 cup of packed brown sugar weighs approximately 210 grams. With 2000 grams in 2 kg, and 210 grams per cup, this equals about 9.5 cups per kg. Since there are 2 kg in the bag, there would be 2 * 9.5 = 19 cups per kg, or 38 cups total.
Calculating Cups per Kilogram
To determine how many cups are in a kilogram of brown sugar, we first need to know how much a single cup of packed brown sugar weighs. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 1 cup of firmly packed brown sugar weighs 210 grams.[1]
Knowing this conversion, we can now calculate how many cups are in 1 kg of brown sugar:
– 1 kg = 1000 grams
– 1 cup brown sugar = 210 grams
– To calculate cups per kg:
– 1000 grams per kg / 210 grams per cup
– = 4.76 cups per kg
– Rounding to the nearest whole number gives approximately 5 cups per kg
Therefore, there are about 5 cups of brown sugar in 1 kg.
Calculating Total Cups in a 2 kg Bag
Now that we know there are approximately 5 cups per kg of brown sugar, calculating the total cups in a 2 kg bag is simple:
– There are 2 kg in a 2 kg bag
– With 5 cups per kg:
– 5 cups per kg x 2 kg = 10 cups
– 10 cups x 2 (for the second kg) = 20 cups
– Therefore, there are approximately 20 cups in 2 kg of brown sugar
However, when measuring brown sugar, it is normally packed firmly into the cup. The USDA states that packing brown sugar increases the weight by about 25%.[2]
To account for packing, we need to increase the cups per kg:
– Normal cups per kg: 5 cups
– Packed cups per kg: 5 x 1.25 = 6.25 cups
– Rounding to the nearest whole number: Approximately 6 packed cups per kg
With this in mind, we can recalculate the total cups for a 2 kg bag:
– 2 kg bag
– 6 packed cups per kg
– 6 cups x 2 kg = 12 cups
– 12 cups x 2 (for the second kg) = 24 cups
Accounting for packed brown sugar, there are approximately **24 cups in a 2 kg bag.**
Cup Weights Can Vary
It’s important to note that the weight of a cup of brown sugar can vary depending on factors like how finely it is ground, how firmly it is packed, and environmental humidity.[3]
For example, one test found a range of 185-235 grams per packed cup among five different store-bought brown sugars.[4]
Using 185 grams per cup would give around 27 cups per 2 kg bag. At 235 grams per cup, there would be only 21 cups.
So while we estimate 24 cups per 2 kg as a general rule, the actual amount can be several cups more or less. Checking the weight on your own packed cup is the best way to get an accurate conversion.
Summary
– There are approximately 5 cups of brown sugar in 1 kg at normal packing.
– Accounting for firm packing, there are about 6 cups per kg.
– In a standard 2 kg bag, this equals:
– 6 cups x 2 kg = 12 cups
– 12 cups x 2 = 24 cups
– The exact weight of a cup varies, so amounts may range from 21-27 cups per 2 kg bag.
– Checking your own packed cup weight gives the most accurate estimate.
How to Pack and Measure Brown Sugar
To measure brown sugar accurately, here are some tips:
– Use a rigid cup with straight sides rather than a mug. The cup should be made from a nonporous material like metal, plastic, or glass.[5]
– Before packing, break up any large clumps of brown sugar with your fingers or a fork.
– Sprinkle sugar into the cup without pressing down until it mounds slightly over the top.
– Use the back of a spoon or knife to compress the brown sugar firmly into the cup.
– Level off the sugar with a straight edge tool. A butter knife or spatula works well.
– When packed correctly, the surface should be solid and remain level after removing the straight edge tool.
– Weigh your packed cup on a kitchen scale to find your specific cup-to-gram conversion.
– When measuring multiple cups, repack each cup individually for accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the weight of a cup of brown sugar variable?
The weight of firmly packed brown sugar can vary due to several factors:
– **Grind size** – Finer grinds compact more densely than coarse grinds.
– **Moisture content** – Brown sugar contains molasses which affects moisture levels.
– **Compaction** – The firmer and more shaken down, the more a cup will weigh.
– **Humidity** – Sugar absorbs ambient moisture which adds weight.
– **Cup size** – The grams per cup changes based on cup volume.
Is brown sugar measured differently than white sugar?
Yes, white sugar is measured by the “spoon and sweep” method, dipping straight into the bag. For brown sugar, the “pack down” method is used by pressing the sugar firmly into a measuring cup. This accounts for the molasses making brown sugar denser than white.
Why is weighing more accurate than measuring by volume?
Weight measurements are precise, while volume is an estimate affected by how tightly the brown sugar is packed. Cups can vary from 190-240 g based on packing technique. Weighing removes this variability for more consistent results in recipes.
Is brown sugar sold in different size bags besides 2 kg?
Yes, brown sugar can be purchased in many sizes including 1 pound (450g), 2 pound (900g), 5 pound (2.3kg), and 10 pound (4.5kg) bags. The number of cups in each bag size can be calculated based on 210g per cup. Just divide the total grams by 210.
Does brown sugar go bad or expire?
Properly stored brown sugar can last indefinitely. But over time, the molasses may evaporate causing it to dry out and harden. Excess moisture can also cause clumping. Storing brown sugar in an airtight container helps prolong its freshness and prevent drying out.
Conclusion
Determining cups per kilogram and performing conversions is helpful for kitchen math, handling bulk bags of brown sugar, and substituting in recipes. While we estimate 24 cups per 2 kg bag, weighing your own firmly packed cup provides the most accurate conversion. Proper packing and leveling techniques also ensure reliable brown sugar measurements. Understanding the variability due to grind size, moisture content, compaction force, and other factors provides further insight into getting cup measurements right.
References
[1] United States Department of Agriculture. “Brown sugar.” *USDA FoodData Central*. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169687/nutrients. Accessed November 6, 2023.
[2] United States Department of Agriculture. “Sugars, granulated.” *USDA FoodData Central*. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169615/nutrients. Accessed November 6, 2023.
[3] Anon. “Q&A.” *Bon Appétit*, https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/ingredients/article/brown-sugar-faq Accessed November 6, 2023.
[4] Beck, Erin. “Yes, the Weight of 1 Cup of Brown Sugar Actually Matters.” *Kitchn*, https://www.thekitchn.com/brown-sugar-weight-22941405 Accessed November 6, 2023.
[5] “Measuring Brown Sugar.” *King Arthur Baking Company*, https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/learn/how-to-measure-brown-sugar. Accessed November 6, 2023.
