As far as I can tell, those packets of raw sugar have the same calories as refined sugar, with 1/10th the ability to sweeten. So if you wish to sweeten your coffee, for example, you end up consuming about 5x the sugar, than if your stupid coffee shop just offered regular damn white sugar. Why? Why does this stuff exist? Who prefers it?
I believe it’s less about the calories and more about how your body processes it
There is no difference whatsoever how your body processes it. Both are sugar.
Others have pretty much covered it, but “raw” can be made by literally taking it out of the refining process “earlier” where stuff is still in it.
Or, more hilariously, by taking white sugar and adding molasses back. Like the irony of “pulpy” orange juice - it’s not less processed, they just add pulp back to it at the end.