White sugar is processed and isn't straight off the plant. Sugar in the raw is relatively unprocessed; therefore doesn't have the nutrients stripped out of it. I love sugar in the raw and sucanat- both are great for cooking, and taste great.
Stevia is probably the best sugar substitute for those not wanting to eat sugar. I've never used it; my mom loves it.
Rule of thumb for healthy eating: how much has the ingredient in question changed since it was on the plant? If it never was a plant, beware! lol! (besides meat of course, but you could say the same thing in regard to things like hot dogs, canned meat, etc.) You want to eat things that are the closest to their natural form as possible.