What’s the Deal with Blackstrap Molasses? (2024)

FAQs

Why is there a warning on blackstrap molasses? ›

Blackstrap molasses has a lead warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because the processing of molasses infrequently involves using a direct flame with coals that may contain a high amount of the caustic substance potash. The soil in which the sugar cane grows may also contain lead.

Blackstrap molasses is a nutritious byproduct of sugarcane production. Unlike refined sugar, it's naturally rich in antioxidants, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin B6. As such, it may relieve constipation, help treat anemia, and support bone and hair health.

Do not substitute blackstrap molasses for light or dark molasses; the resulting flavor may overpower the recipe. Only use blackstrap molasses if a recipe specifically calls for it.

The ideal intake of molasses is one tablespoon or 20 grams per day. Though blackstrap molasses is rich in iron, vitamins, and copper, you should consume it in moderation each day to avoid side effects like diarrhoea.

Blood Sugar Spikes: Molasses can lead to rapid increases in blood sugar levels, making it unsuitable for those with diabetes or insulin resistance. Iron Overload: Excessive consumption of molasses, particularly blackstrap molasses, can lead to excessive iron intake, which may be harmful to some individuals.

Note: This is not blackstrap molasses. Grandma's molasses is a mild molasses from the first processing of the sugar cane and has a relatively high sugar content, while blackstrap molasses is the remnant from the third processing and has the maximum amount of sugar removed.

While light and dark molasses can be used fairly interchangeably, blackstrap molasses can overpower your baking with off-putting flavors. Until you're familiar with it, look for recipes that specifically call for blackstrap molasses.

Blackstrap Molasses

How it's made: Blackstrap is made from the third and final boiling of the molasses. It is considered the healthiest of all molasses since it retains the most vitamins and minerals.

And, yes, it may even turn premature grey hair back to its original color. Most folks who use blackstrap molasses for an ailment (or to remove greys) usually either take it by mouth, dissolve it in water or milk, or drizzle over oatmeal.

Which is healthier molasses or blackstrap molasses? ›

Blackstrap molasses has been cooked the longest, which means that it is the most heavily caramelized. Blackstrap molasses contains higher vitamin and mineral content as compared to all the types of molasses since it has been concentrated the most by the three boilings.

Molasses has a very stable shelf life and rarely ever goes bad (unless contaminated by something dirty). Golden Barrel has given their molasses a shelf life of 4 years even after it's been opened.

Experts have linked high lead levels in molasses to soil in which sugar is grown, and also to the manufacturing process. Sources of lead in powdered ginger have also been linked to contaminated soil in which ginger is grown, and to the brining process in which it is dried.

Prop 65 warning on molasses packaging

The packaging of molasses develops the awakening call for the consumers as we are aware of the fact that molasses contains heavy and lengthy metals like copper, iron, arsenic, and zinc. Due to this, it is necessary to have a prop 65 warning on every molasses packaging.

After the end of World War I, refined sugar prices dropped drastically resulting in the migration of consumers from molasses to white sugar crystals.