Panela: Whole, Mineral-Rich and Chosen with Intention

A Note from Aether Ground

In every Aether Ground blend, the sweetness isn’t just flavour—it’s frequency.

We use panela, a traditional whole cane sugar, because it aligns with our values:
Unrefined. Earth-derived. Intact in its mineral matrix.

For those asking: “Why not remove sugar altogether?”—the answer is both nutritional and energetic.

What Is Panela?

Panela is a traditional sweetener made by evaporating fresh sugarcane juice—not refining or bleaching it. It’s known by many names around the world:
• Jaggery (India)
• Rapadura (Brazil)
• Panela (Latin America)

Unlike white sugar, panela retains the cane’s natural molasses, meaning it’s rich in:

• Iron

• Magnesium

• Potassium

• Calcium

• Phytonutrients

It tastes warm, caramel-like, and earthy—supportive of sustained energy and natural mineral support.

Why We Choose Panela

Aether Ground blends are designed to support the nervous system, not overstimulate it.

Panela was chosen because it:

• Gently balances bitter, adaptogenic ingredients like turmeric, matcha, and mushrooms

• Supports smoother energy without the spike/crash pattern of refined sugar

• Offers trace nutrients that support cellular and energetic integrity

• Carries the energetic memory of the whole plant

Comparison at a Glance

PANELA
• Refined? — No
• Nutritional Content — Rich in iron, magnesium, and natural molasses
• Flavor — Warm, earthy, caramel-like

WHITE SUGAR
• Refined? — Yes
• Nutritional Content — None (stripped of all minerals)
• Flavor — Sharp, neutral

COCONUT SUGAR
• Refined? — Minimally processed
• Nutritional Content — Moderate trace minerals
• Flavor — Smoky, toasted, slightly bitter

STEVIA (Isolated Extract)
• Refined? — Yes
• Nutritional Content — None (unless whole leaf)
• Flavor — Cool, slightly bitter aftertaste

MONK FRUIT (Processed)
• Refined? — Yes
• Nutritional Content — None
• Flavor — Clean, sharp sweetness (often blended with erythritol)

Sweetness as Ritual

In many ceremonial lineages, sweetness is not removed—it is respected.

We use panela to support:

• Emotional grounding

• Sensory pleasure as medicine

• Ritual nourishment, not excess

For us, it’s about intention and relationship, not just the ingredient.

For Those Avoiding Sugar

If you're navigating dietary limitations, we see you.

We're exploring:

• DIY unsweetened versions

• Lucuma-forward blends

• Low glycemic alternatives that still honor the integrity of the product

Please reach out—we’re always listening.

Final Thought: Sweetness Is Not the Enemy—Disconnection Is

When sugar is stripped of origin, refinement becomes dissonance.

But in its whole, Earth-born form, sweetness can reconnect us:

• to pleasure

• to nourishment

• to the natural world

That’s why we use panela. Not just as a sweetener—but as a frequency carrier.

From the plants,
With presence,
Aether Ground