Unraffiniert

Unraffiniert is an adjective used in German to describe substances or products that have not undergone refining processes to remove impurities, whiten, or standardize them. It signals that natural components or colors are retained to a greater extent than in refined versions. The word combines un- with raffiniert (refined), itself derived from a Latin or French root related to purification and improvement.

In everyday use, unraffiniert is common in discussions of food and raw materials. Unraffinierter Zucker, also called roher Zucker or Rohzucker, retains molasses and impurities, giving it a darker color and stronger flavor than white, refined sugar. Unraffinierte Öle are oils that have not been fully processed; they tend to preserve more aroma and nutrients but may have a shorter shelf life and a lower or variable smoke point compared with refined oils. The term can also apply to salt, cereals, and other commodities that retain more natural minerals or textures.

Beyond food, unraffiniert describes materials or products that have seen minimal processing in areas such as metallurgy, chemistry, or energy, where refinement typically aims at higher purity. In marketing, unraffiniert is sometimes used to emphasize a natural or less processed character, though there is no single universal standard governing its use across industries.

See also: Raffinierung, Rohstoff, Rohzucker, Meersalz.