8 Best Substitutes for Molasses

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Molasses is a by-product attained post sugar extraction from sugar beets or sugarcane. It is a sweet, syrupy, dark liquid perfect for baked goodies like gingerbreads to baked beans.

It is an excellent source of copper, iron, and selenium that function towards safeguarding your bones. Its calcium content maintains adequate bone density and prevents chronic ailments like osteoporosis.

But, too much of anything is harmful. Excess intake of molasses can result in increased blood sugar levels. Therefore, it’s best to continue reading and get a peek into the world of molasses substitutes.

8 Substitutes for Molasses

Through this article, we present to you our handpicked eight substitutes for molasses that shall bring along with them delight in your lives.

Honey

Honey is the nectar attained through honeybees. It has a thick consistency with a sweet taste, while it comprises absolutely no fats, fiber, or proteins.

Honey is a reservoir of antioxidants like flavonoids that prevent cell damage via free radical activities and reduces blood pressure. It lowers

low-density lipoprotein cholesterols and triglycerides, making honey consumption safe for the heart.

Honey soothes inflammation and relieves burns and wounds instantly. Young children suffering from cough can consume honey for instant relief.

Apart from the merits, honey is high in calories and sugar content, resulting in obesity and increased blood sugar levels.

Summary

Honey is rich in antioxidants that promote heart health by reducing blood pressure and prevents cell damage. It relieves inflammation, burns, wounds, and cough.

Sorghum Syrup

Sorghum is a traditional cereal that belongs to the Poaceae family. It can be transformed into a sweetened syrup that can top your desserts.

Sorghum is a gluten-free substitute for molasses. As compared to molasses, sorghum syrup has more fructose and sweetness. It is loaded with phenolic compounds that act as antioxidants and prevent cell damage.

It comes with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects that reduce your chances of developing breast cancer. Sorghum intake aids in weight management and safeguards you from celiac disease.

Unfortunately, sorghum may cause allergic reactions and result in swollen mouth, inching, and abdominal pain.

Summary

Sorghum syrup is sweeter than molasses. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects and assists in weight loss and celiac disease prevention.

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is acquired from sugar maple trees through sap or circulating fluid. It comes with two significant variants, grade A and grade B.

It contains around 24 different types of antioxidants that prevent oxidative stress and cell damage. Active compounds residing in maple syrups are known to combat the formation of cancer cells.

Maple syrup is low in cholesterol. Its magnesium content boosts brain health and prevents Alzheimer’s disease.

On the flip side, maple syrups are high in calories and sugar that may not be an excellent option for your heart health may cause diabetes complications and tooth decay.

Summary

Maple syrup contains antioxidants and several minerals that improve your overall health and restrict cancer cell formation. Magnesium prevents chronic ailments like Alzheimer’s.

Dark Corn Syrup

Dark corn syrup is a sweet fluid curated from corn starch to replace sucrose. One can use dark corn syrup for baked goodies, either for moisture retention or browning.

The monosaccharides present in dark corn syrup give your food a better taste, texture, color, and freshness. It provides instant energy and boosts your metabolism rates.

Its sugar content can provide you with energy for the future in the form of glycogen. It is an instant mood enhancer and is known to sharpen your cognitive skills.

On the contrary, its high-calorie content may boost risks related to type 2 diabetes, obesity, dementia, liver failure, and heart diseases.

Summary

Dark corn syrup gives your food the ideal flavor, appeal, and freshness while generating tons of energy. It is known for its mood-enhancing and cognitive skills sharpening abilities.

Golden Syrup

Golden syrup is a sweet syrup that can be used as a topping for both sweet and savory dishes. It is an excellent vegan alternative.

It contains omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, resulting in a powerful effect on your heart and digestion. Copper acts as an antioxidant and prevents cell damage. It contributes towards reinforcing your immunity and nervous system.

Iron assists in red blood corpuscle formation and generates a dose of instant energy. Calcium strengthens your teeth and bones, while potassium aids in maintaining normal blood pressure.

Unfortunately, excess intake may lead to obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver ailments.

Summary

The golden syrup contains omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and several minerals like copper, iron, calcium, and potassium that collectively boost brain, heart, teeth, and bone health.

Granulated Sugar

Granulated sugar is also known as table sugar which is used as a sweetener in beverages and desserts. It instantly dissolves and blends into the dish upon heating.

Sugar in any form is an excellent source of energy. It converts into glucose and is soaked in by the cells to release energy. Individuals suffering from low blood pressure can consume some sugar to normalize their blood pressure.

Sugar reinforces your brain and permits it to carry out its functions in a synchronized fashion. It treats depression and heals wounds faster than otherwise.

But too much sugar may cause diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Summary

Granulated sugar gives instant energy and normalizes your blood pressure. It supports brain functions, treats depression, and heals wounds faster.

Apple Sauce

Apple sauce fundamentally consists of water, apple puree, and ascorbic acid. The apples are cooked before extracting their puree.

Apple sauce contains phytochemicals that reduce your chances of contracting diabetes, cancer, heart ailments. Ascorbic acid boosts immunity and iron absorption in the body.

Free radicals are battled by vitamin C. Fiber aids in reduces cholesterol levels in the body and improves digestion. Pectin fiber is known to nourish the good bacteria present in your gut.

On the contrary, the antioxidant levels in apple sauce depend upon whether the apples were crushed with or without peels.

Summary

Apple sauce is enriched with phytochemicals that protect your heart and prevent cancers and diabetes. Vitamin C secures cells, while fiber improves digestion.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a nutritious dairy product that is crafted from the bacterial fermentation of milk. Yogurt cultures are used to ferment milk lactose.

It is fused with the goodness of calcium that is an essential mineral for boosting teeth and bone health, and prevents osteoporosis.

Vitamin B12 and riboflavin safeguard your heart. Yogurt is an excellent source of proteins that build our metabolism.

Probiotics like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus assist in improving digestive health. Yogurt intake reinforces your immune response against pathogens and subsides inflammation and pain.

A significant contradiction with yogurt is that lactose-intolerant individuals should not consume it. It may cause a milk allergy due to the presence of whey and casein.

Summary

Yogurt contains tons of nutrients like calcium, vitamin B12, riboflavin, probiotics, and antioxidants that benefit our health.

FAQs

Can I substitute blackstrap molasses with regular ones?

Blackstrap molasses aren’t an ideal substitute for regular molasses because they have an intense flavor that may overpower your recipe and not be suitable for your dish.

Can I substitute caramel for molasses?

Caramel is curated from a perfect blend of caramelized sugar and cream; alternatively, fruits, butter, purees, and vanilla are added, making it an ideal substitute for molasses.

What is the difference between molasses and sorghum syrup?

Molasses are a by-product attained through sugarcane processing to sugar, while sorghum syrup is acquired from the green fluid of a sorghum plant.

Bottom Line

Molasses contain tons of micronutrients that uplift your overall well-being.

But looking out for alternatives is never a bad option. Let your hunt for molasses substitutes end here by going through our recommended eight replacements.

We hope that this article was beneficial for you to choose your perfect substitute.

Do let us know in the comments section about your chosen replacement if we missed it this time.

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About Nancy Miller

Nancy is a foodie by heart and loves experimenting with food. She likes to experiment not only as part of academics but also as a cook at home, sometimes she does not get the desired outcome of these experiments though! But that doesn't stop her from trying more out-of-the-box things. When Nancy entered college, it became clear to her that food was going to be an important part of her life.