When my son-in-law hinted that he was out of my granola and it "was the only thing that tasted good" when he was sick, I knew it was time to make another batch. Then I received this letter: "I sure enjoy your columns on food and nutrition that appear in The Dallas Morning News. I would like for you to write sometime about the nutritional value of honey vs. molasses."—Al W.
Happy to, Al, since I use molasses and honey in my granola. Both are considered "added sugars" by nutrition experts. Yet each has some redeeming value when consumed in moderation.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Data Central, one tablespoon of molasses has about 60 calories and 15 grams of carbohydrates (in the form of sugar). The main type of sugar in molasses is sucrose (aka table sugar).
And that's not surprising since molasses is a byproduct of the sugar-making process. After sugar crystals are extracted from the juice of sugar cane or sugar beets, the thick brown liquid left over is molasses.
The longer this liquid is boiled, the more concentrated it gets. Thus, the terms light, dark, or blackstrap molasses—the thickest and darkest of the three. Blackstrap molasses is also a more concentrated source of nutrients.
Depending on which type you choose, molasses is a surprisingly decent source of several nutrients, including calcium, iron, and magnesium, with smaller amounts of zinc and selenium.
Honey is made from … honey. It's a recipe made by bees, flowers, and mother nature, according to the honey growers at the National Honey Board (honey.com ). Honey is similar in calories and carbs to molasses, but its composition is somewhat different. While molasses is primarily sucrose, honey's main sugar is fructose.
The significance of this is that fructose is absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream. Honey is also sweeter than other types of sugar so we can use a smaller amount for the same sweet taste.
Honey has been studied for a host of health benefits, including its use in treating wounds. Honey also contains antioxidant compounds that show promise in fighting various diseases, according to a 2021 review published in the journal Antioxidants.
I was happy to learn that my hot tea with honey when I'm sick is a good thing. In fact, it's recommended as an alternative cough suppressant by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization.
One warning. Do not introduce honey to a child under the age of 12 months due to an increased risk for infant botulism. Honey is safe for anyone one and older.
Molasses and honey add a perfect sweet touch to granola and other recipes. Enjoy.
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FAQs
Is molasses healthier than honey? Molasses are richer than honey in many minerals and vitamins, including iron, calcium, potassium, and B. It also contains more antioxidants than honey, which itself is high in antioxidants such as vitamins A and E. In addition, molasses is lower in calories than honey.
Is a spoonful of molasses a day good for you? ›
Yes, blackstrap molasses can be beneficial for health due to its high mineral content, including iron, calcium, and magnesium. It may help support bone health, boost iron levels, regulate blood sugar, and provide antioxidants.
What does molasses do to your body? ›
The bottom line
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.
How much blackstrap molasses should I take daily? ›
How much blackstrap molasses should I take daily? A. 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.
What is the healthiest syrup to eat? ›
If you're going to reach for one over the other, maple syrup contains the fewest sugars, calories, and carbohydrates per serving.
What is the healthiest sugar to use? ›
You can opt for coconut sugar, honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar, which are some good and healthy options. Another good option is shakkar, an unprocessed sugar rich in nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, and magnesium. You can also use jaggery to sweeten up your desserts and beverages.
Why is there a warning on blackstrap molasses? ›
Blackstrap molasses is used infrequently for direct firing and is relatively high in potassium content. Its use may lead to contamination with substantial levels of potash. Some coals used for direct-firing may lead to the contamination of products with hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide gas.
Is grandma's molasses considered blackstrap molasses? ›
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.
Is grandma's molasses healthy? ›
Grandma's Molasses is a nutritious alternative to refined sugar that is also Kosher and gluten free. It's essential in baked goods (gingerbreads, cookies, pies, cakes) and glazes. Grandma's Molasses is also perfect in slow-cooked dishes like baked beans and barbecue sauce.
Does molasses need to be refrigerated? ›
Molasses is best kept at room temperature between 10°C to 21°C (50 – 70°F). The shelf life of molasses is generally 18 months when kept below 21°C and under reasonably steady conditions of temperature and humidity. Refrigeration or freezing may crystallize the natural sugars and therefore is not recommended.
We determined that administration of unrefined sugar (brown sugar, sugarcane molasses, jaggery) could reduce inflammation as indicated by various inflammatory biomarkers, including IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, TNF-α, IF-g, and NF-κB in animal models and in vitro test systems.
Does blackstrap molasses reverse gray hair? ›
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.
Is there a difference between molasses and blackstrap molasses? ›
Molasses (left) has a red to amber tone and a bright, acidic sweetness. Blackstrap (right) is inky, salty, and bitter.
Does molasses help you sleep? ›
Consume a spoonful of blackstrap molasses to boost energy. 12. Natural Sleep Aid—When taken at bedtime, the calcium and magnesium help the body relax and promote restful sleep. Many people mix a tablespoon with warm milk (dairy or non-dairy) for a delicious sleepy-time drink.
Is molasses good for hair? ›
While the sticky and sugar-rich molasses help create a natural shine and luster to the hair strands, its high nutritional profile makes hair strands healthy from within. This acts as a deep conditioner for the hair, making it soft and shiny.
Why did people stop using molasses? ›
After the end of World War I, refined sugar prices dropped drastically resulting in the migration of consumers from molasses to white sugar crystals.
Can I use molasses in place of honey? ›
Molasses (made from the juice of sugar cane) is a very good substitution for honey. This natural syrup has a sweet, caramel-like flavor that's similar to honey. Substitute molasses for honey on a 1:1 ratio. Be aware that blackstrap molasses is a more refined form of molasses and has a bit of a bitter aftertaste.
Is grandma molasses good for you? ›
Grandma's Molasses is a nutritious alternative to refined sugar that is also Kosher and gluten free. It's essential in baked goods (gingerbreads, cookies, pies, cakes) and glazes. Grandma's Molasses is also perfect in slow-cooked dishes like baked beans and barbecue sauce.
