"So it is also a type of refined sugar, but nutrients have actually been added instead of taken away."

From my understanding (not a nutritionist), sugar has been taken away; nutrients have not been added, just concentrated by the extraction of sugar.

"I tend to stay away from these kinds of factory produced foods. You have to put trust in the manufacturer not to be adding chemicals, etc."

Because it's fairly nutritious as sweeteners go, it's available in organic form at many health food stores.