Vellam, Karupatti, Nattu Sakkarai: Jaggery Types Explained
Nattu sakkarai, vellam, karupatti and panakarkandu are all traditional unrefined sweeteners, but they come from different plants and suit different dishes. Here is how to tell them apart, with today's prices.
Nattu Sakkarai (Country Sugar, 1 mm)
Coffee, tea, porridge and baking: anywhere you would use white sugar.
5 kg ₹7751 kg ₹160500 g ₹85250 g ₹45
Vellam (Jaggery)
Pongal, payasam, adhirasam and kozhukattai filling. Melt and strain before use.
5 kg ₹9651 kg ₹198500 g ₹104250 g ₹55
Karupatti (Palm Jaggery)
Karupatti coffee, paniyaram and traditional sweets.
1 kg ₹1,060500 g ₹535250 g ₹270
Sukku Karupatti (Dry Ginger Palm Jaggery)
Palm jaggery mixed with dry ginger (sukku), often taken with tea or after meals.
1 kg ₹1,090500 g ₹550250 g ₹278
Panakarkandu (Palm Candy)
Crystals dissolved in warm milk, or used in traditional home preparations.
1 kg ₹1,595500 g ₹803250 g ₹404100 g ₹137
Thennai Sakkarai (Coconut Sugar)
Granulated sugar from coconut sap, used in drinks and baking.
1 kg ₹725500 g ₹368250 g ₹189100 g ₹78
Common questions
What is the difference between vellam and karupatti? Vellam is jaggery made from sugarcane juice. Karupatti is palm jaggery, made from the sap of the palmyra (panai) tree. Karupatti is darker and has a deeper, slightly smoky taste.
What is nattu sakkarai? Nattu sakkarai (country sugar) is sugarcane jaggery in powder form, so it dissolves easily in coffee, tea and batters.
How do I store jaggery? Keep it in an airtight jar in a dry place. Jaggery absorbs moisture and can turn sticky in humid weather; a dry spoon helps.
Buy in Chennai
Order online for delivery across Chennai in 1–3 days and shipping across India, or pick up at Raahat Plaza, Vadapalani. Choose the type and pack size on the product page.