Psicose is converted into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural or an alkyl ether thereof in a process for the catalyzed conversion of psicose, including the steps of: a. forming a feed including psicose and water or at least one alkanol or a mixture thereof and b. converting the psicose in the feed at a temperature in the range of 50 to 300 degrees Celsius in the presence of a catalyst.