The Power of Sugar

“Over the course of less than two centuries, a nation most of whose citizens formerly subsisted almost exclusively on foods produced within its borders had become a prodigious consumer of imported goods.” (page 151). This opening quote for Chapter 4 set the tone for what’s to come. As families became more involved in the market, producers expanded their sales and economic activity was booming. Exotic treats became more in demand than the ordinary consumables, and the meaning behind the food that was consumed was unquestionably significant. Social differences were always taken into account as substances were given a specific action in the course of social events. Food no longer represented survival, but rather symbolized something far beyond itself. Human intelligence assigned meaning accordingly as our capacity to endow anything with meaning exerts a certain amount of control over society. Thus, having access to sugar, and validating this power by demonstrating it to guests, helped the rich and dominant figures feel more precious control of their environment, and all the more privileged.

The association of sweet substances having a positive connotation is still present in today’s society when individuals call their significant other ‘honey’ or ‘sweetie’. The impact such a product had on society is endless as the imagery from the good set a scene that would last for centuries. Something so important and wonderful tasteful could only persuade civilization in its favor.

But could such a product become so influential without the government’s tendency to nudge the market in the predetermined direction? Could they have attained the same effect without the already in place importance of tea in many communities?

Sugar became a moneymaker nonetheless, and a big one at that. It managed to cumulative value for the crown (or capital in general) far more than most products ever will.

But as the availability of sugar increased, so did the views of the people on its validity as an essential in every household. Is this due to its multiple uses towards the head of the house needs or more along the lines of significance to cultural demands? Perhaps both. Either way, profound changes in dietary patterns throughout Europe could not be sized as random. Whether it was due to the hefty relationships at hand or the taste buds of the common, sugar no doubt globally took over. Was it a cause? Or a consequence?