Molasses is a thick syrup that is a byproduct of sugar production. It contains more vitamins and minerals than other sweeteners but is still high in sugar.
Molasses is a thick syrup that people use as a sweetener. It is a byproduct of the sugar-making process, and it comes from crushed sugar cane or sugar beets.
First, manufacturers crush sugar cane or sugar beets to extract the juice. They then boil down the juice to form sugar crystals. Molasses is the thick, brown syrup left over after they remove the crystals from the juice.
Manufacturers repeat this process several times, producing different types of molasses each time.
Molasses can form part of a balanced diet, but people should not rely on it for its nutritional content.
The different types of molasses vary in color, consistency, flavor, and sugar content.
Light molasses
This is the syrup that results from the first boiling. It has the lightest color and the sweetest taste. People commonly use it in baking.
Dark molasses
This is the syrup that results from the second boiling. It is thicker, darker, and less sweet. People can use it in baking, but it lends foods a distinct color and flavor.
Blackstrap molasses
This is the syrup that results from the third boiling. It is the thickest and darkest type of molasses and tends to have a bitter taste.
Blackstrap molasses is also the most concentrated form and is a
Unsulfured and sulfured molasses
Molasses labeled “sulfured” contains added sulfur dioxide, which acts as a preservative and prevents the molasses from spoiling.
Sulfured varieties tend to be less sweet than other varieties.
Unlike refined sugar, molasses contains some vitamins and minerals.
One tablespoon —
| Per 20 grams (g) | % daily value | |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 41 milligrams (mg) | 3% |
| Iron | 0.944 mg | 5% |
| Magnesium | 48.4 mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 293 mg | 6% |
| Zinc | 0.058 mg | less than 1% |
| Dietary copper | 0.097 mg | 11% |
| Selenium | 3.56 micrograms (µg) | 6% |
| Thiamin | 0.008 mg | less than 1% |
| Niacin | 0.186 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.134 mg | 8% |
One tablespoon also contains about 58 calories.
In addition to containing vitamins and minerals, molasses is very high in sugar. In excess, sugar can be very harmful to a person’s health.
Excess sugar intake has
Limited research about the health effects of molasses is available. However, it contains nutrients that may have beneficial effects on health.
Bone health
Molasses contains selenium and
However, the amount of selenium and calcium in molasses is relatively low. Additionally, people can easily find other healthful food sources of these minerals, including nuts, seeds, and dairy products. People should not rely on molasses as a source of these nutrients.
Heart health
Molasses is a decent potassium source,
Alternative sources of potassium include:
- leafy greens, such as spinach
- potatoes
- peas
- lima beans
- tomatoes
- mushrooms
- nuts and seeds
- coconut water
- milk and yogurt
- whole grains
- fruits, including cantaloupe and honeydew melon, grapefruit, oranges, prunes, raisins, and dates
- fish, including salmon, tuna, and halibut
Antioxidants
Antioxidants
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While both molasses and sorghum molasses are thick, dark brown sweeteners, manufacturers process them from different plants.
Molasses is made by converting sugar cane into sugar. Sorghum molasses is made by boiling the juice from crushed stalks of sorghum plants.
Brown sugar, which contains granulated sugar and molasses, is the closest substitute for molasses. A person can also use:
- maple syrup
- honey
- dark corn syrup
- golden syrup
- sorghum syrup
Molasses is available to purchase in grocery stores, health food stores, and online stores.
In stores, a person can usually find molasses in the baking aisle near other sweeteners like sugar and corn syrup. It is often available in bottles or jars.
Some varieties of molasses, such as blackstrap and sulfured molasses, may only be available in health food stores or online.
Molasses are made by boiling down sugar cane or sugar beets, which are naturally vegan. However, some sugar cane may be filtered and bleached using bone char, which consists of charred animal bones.
A person should check the label on the packaging to ensure it is suitable for vegans.
Compared to honey, molasses contain higher amounts of many minerals and vitamins, including iron, calcium, potassium, and B vitamins.
In addition, molasses is slightly lower in calories than honey.
Molasses is high in carbohydrates, so people living with diabetes should consume it in moderation. Instead, they may benefit from using a low calorie sweetener, such as stevia or erythritol.
Molasses does not typically need to be refrigerated after a person opens the jar. They can store it in a cool, dry place. A person can check the packaging to find out how to best store molassses once opened.
Molasses contains more nutrients than refined sugar. While molasses appears to be a slightly less harmful version of sugar, it can still have negative health effects.
Anyone consuming molasses should do so in moderation, as a serving is 1 tbsp, or 20 g.