Molasses powder

Description
• Dry, free-flowing sweetening ingredient made from molasses (mainly cane or beet) that is concentrated and spray-dried onto a carrier (e.g., maltodextrin, glucose syrup, starches), then agglomerated for easy dispersion.
• Flavor is caramelized–toasty with light rum/licorice notes and a mild bitterness; color dark brown.
• Compared with liquid molasses: easier dosing and weighing, less stickiness, and better stability in dry mixes.

Caloric value (per 100 g)
• Typically ~360–390 kcal/100 g (depends on carrier and moisture).
• Indicative composition: carbohydrate 90–97 g (mostly sugars), protein <1 g, fat <1 g, fiber varies (from carrier), sodium low unless added.

Key constituents
• Sugars: sucrose, glucose, and fructose (ratios vary by source/process).
• Minerals relatively high for a sweetener: potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron (highest in blackstrap grades).
• Phenolics and Maillard precursors that drive color and aroma.
• Ash higher than most sugars; traces of SO₂ possible in “sulfured” molasses.
• Carriers: maltodextrin/glucose syrup/starches (must be declared on label).

Production process
• Concentration of molasses → optional clarification/filtration → spray-drying with suitable carrier → agglomeration for improved wettability → screening and barrier packaging under GMP/HACCP.

Sensory and technological properties
• Provides sweetness, body, and brown color; caramel–roasted profile with a balancing mild bitterness.
• Good solubility; hygroscopic (prone to caking at high RH).
• Promotes browning/Maillard in baking and sauces; supports moisture retention in bakery.

Food uses
• Bakery (dark breads, spice cakes, cookies), dry rubs and BBQ sauces, marinades, flavored cereals/snacks, instant beverages (coffee/whitener systems), bars.
• Typical inclusion: 0.5–5% in finished foods; in rubs often 5–15% of the blend. Validate by pilot trials.

Nutrition and health
• Source of added sugars → consider glycemic load of the overall recipe.
• Minerals (e.g., potassium/iron) are meaningful for a sweetener but insufficient for health claims without authorization.
• Contains fructose (variable by origin): people with HFI (hereditary fructose intolerance) must avoid fructose.
• In renal impairment, the relatively high potassium of the source molasses can be relevant.

Lipid profile
• Total fat negligible; only trace SFA (saturated fatty acids—excess may raise LDL), MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids—generally neutral/favorable), and PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids—beneficial when balanced). Nutritional impact is insignificant at use levels.

Quality and specifications (typical topics)
• Moisture, aw, particle size, bulk density, solubility, color (L, a, b***), pH (10% soln), ash.
• Microbiology compliant (low TVC/yeasts/molds); metals/pesticides within limits.
• SO₂/sulfites if applicable; full carrier declaration required.

Storage and shelf-life
• Store cool and dry in moisture-barrier packaging; avoid high RH and odor pickup.
• After opening, reclose tightly; consider desiccant sachets.
• Typical shelf-life 12–24 months when specs are maintained; apply FIFO.

Allergens and safety
• Molasses powder itself contains no major allergens unless introduced via carrier (e.g., wheat starch) or process (e.g., sulfites) → check labels.
• Manage hygiene and moisture CCP under HACCP; prevent cross-contamination.

INCI functions (cosmetics)
• Listed as Molasses Extract or Saccharum Officinarum (Molasses) Extract.
• Roles: humectant, masking, mild antioxidant/skin conditioning; account for characteristic color/odor in formulation.

Troubleshooting
• Caking/clumps: high RH → upgrade barrier, add permitted anti-caking, include desiccants, consider system Tg.
• Poor wettability/lumping in water: use agglomerated grades or pre-slurry.
• Excess bitterness/too dark color: high dose or blackstrap base → reduce dose or select a lighter grade.
• Flavor variability between lots: origin/process differences → tighten specs and qualify suppliers.

Sustainability and supply chain
• Upcycling of a sugar-refining by-product; strong valorization case.
• Effluent management to BOD/COD targets; energy efficiency in evaporation/spray-drying; recyclable packaging.
• Full traceability under GMP/HACCP.

Conclusion
Molasses powder delivers sweetness, color, and caramel notes with dry-mix convenience. Proper carrier selection, humidity protection, and sensory standardization ensure repeatable performance in bakery, sauces, and snacks.

Mini-glossary
• aw — Water activity: lower aw improves microbial stability.
• Tg — Glass transition temperature: lower Tg increases stickiness of amorphous powders.
• SFA — Saturated fatty acids: limit excess; high intakes may raise LDL.
• MUFA — Monounsaturated fatty acids (e.g., oleic): generally favorable/neutral for blood lipids.
• PUFA — Polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6/n-3): beneficial when balanced within the diet.
• HFI — Hereditary fructose intolerance: genetic aldolase B deficiency; fructose must be avoided.
• GMP/HACCP — Good Manufacturing Practice / Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points: hygiene and preventive-safety frameworks.
• BOD/COD — Biochemical/Chemical Oxygen Demand: indicators of wastewater organic load and environmental impact.
• FIFO — First in, first out: stock rotation using older lots first.

References__________________________________________________________________________

Valli V, Gómez-Caravaca AM, Di Nunzio M, Danesi F, Caboni MF, Bordoni A. Sugar cane and sugar beet molasses, antioxidant-rich alternatives to refined sugar. J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Dec 26;60(51):12508-15. doi: 10.1021/jf304416d. 

Abstract. Molasses, the main byproduct of sugar production, is a well-known source of antioxidants. In this study sugar cane molasses (SCM) and sugar beet molasses (SBM) were investigated for their phenolic profile and in vitro antioxidant capacity and for their protective effect in human HepG2 cells submitted to oxidative stress. According to its higher phenolic concentration and antioxidant capacity in vitro, SCM exhibited an effective protection in cells, comparable to or even greater than that of α-tocopherol. Data herein reported emphasize the potential health effects of molasses and the possibility of using byproducts for their antioxidant activity. This is particularly important for consumers in developing countries, as it highlights the importance of consuming a low-price, yet very nutritious, commodity.

Karakaya H, Bilenler Koc T, Karabulut I. Bioaccessibility of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in fruit molasses using an in vitro digestion model and risk assessment based on molasses consumption in Turkiye. Food Addit Contam Part A Chem Anal Control Expo Risk Assess. 2025 Oct 24:1-15. doi: 10.1080/19440049.2025.2565693. 

Abstract. Molasses is a functional food produced by concentrating fruit juice at high temperature and is prone to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) formation. In this study, the bioaccessibility and exposure risk of HMF in grape, mulberry, and carob molasses were investigated. According to a validated HPLC analysis, HMF contents of the molasses were determined in the range of 1.95-108.63 mg/kg. The mean HMF concentration was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) in grape molasses. Molasses and HMF standard solutions were separately subjected to in vitro digestion to investigate the change in HMF concentration. The HMF content in aqueous solution decreased to 58% in the fluid containing digestive enzymes, while there was no significant change in the medium without enzymes. This suggests that HMF bio-accessibility is greatly influenced by digestive enzymes. After simulated digestion of molasses, it was found that only 70%-79% of the initial HMF concentration was detectable in the digestive mediums. Based on risk assessment data, the chronically daily intake of HMF from molasses was above the threshold of concern. This study emphasises the importance of measuring contaminant concentrations not only in food matrices but also in the gastrointestinal tract when determining actual exposure levels.

Wang M, Zhao L, Wang Y, Zhang C, Li H. Sugarcane Molasses Polyphenol Extract Attenuates Alcohol-Induced Chronic Liver Damage via Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and CYP2E1/Keap1/NF-κB Pathway Modulation. Nutrients. 2025 May 5;17(9):1589. doi: 10.3390/nu17091589. 

Abstract. Background/objective: The prevention and treatment of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) urgently require safe and effective nutritional intervention strategies. Polyphenol extracts from sugarcane molasses (SP) show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, yet their protective effects against ALD have not been elucidated. This study explored the therapeutic potential of SP in alcohol-induced chronic liver damage. Methods: A graded alcohol concentration-induced liver damage model was established in C57BL/6J mice to systematically evaluate SP's regulatory effects on liver function markers, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress indicators, inflammatory factors, and related molecular mechanisms through a 10-week nutritional intervention. Results: The results demonstrated that SP intervention significantly inhibited the liver index, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, and triglyceride and total cholesterol accumulation in mice. SP enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities in a dose-dependent manner, with the high-dose group increasing catalase activity by 161.19% and superoxide dismutase activity by 22.97%. Furthermore, SP significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, thereby alleviating hepatic inflammatory infiltration. Mechanistic studies revealed that SP effectively mitigated alcohol-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory injury by inhibiting cytochrome P450 2E1 overexpression, regulating the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 signaling pathway, and suppressing nuclear factor-kappa B pathway activation. Conclusions: The findings reveal that SP mitigates ALD via synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, providing a novel strategy for high-value utilization of sugarcane molasses byproducts in agricultural industries. Future studies should focus on the contribution of the different phenolics in SP and validate their specific hepatoprotective mechanisms.

Wangui-Verry J, Farrington M, Matthews G, Tucker SJ. CE: Original Research: Are Milk and Molasses Enemas Safe for Hospitalized Adults? A Retrospective Electronic Health Record Review. Am J Nurs. 2019 Sep;119(9):24-28. doi: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000580148.43193.76. 

Abstract: Background: Constipation in hospitalized patients is common. As a treatment of last resort for unresolved constipation, a milk and molasses enema is often used by nursing staff. But there has been little research investigating the safety and efficacy of this approach. Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety of milk and molasses enemas for hospitalized adults with constipation that remained unresolved after standard treatment options were exhausted. Methods: Data were extracted from the electronic health records (EHRs) of 615 adult patients who had received a milk and molasses enema between July 2009 and July 2013 at a large midwestern academic medical center. Data analysis occurred for a random subset of this group.Participant characteristic variables included age, sex, admitting diagnosis, diet orders, medications, laxatives and enemas administered before the milk and molasses enema, and laboratory values. Serious complication variables included bacteremia, bowel perforation, electrolyte abnormalities, allergic reaction, abdominal compartment syndrome, cardiac arrhythmia, dehydration, and death. Findings: The final sample of 196 adults had a mean age of 56 years; 61.2% were female and 38.8% were male. Of 105 admitting diagnoses, the most frequent (9.7%) was abdominal pain, unspecified site. Of the 14 discharge dispositions, the most frequent was home or self-care (50.5%). A laxative order was present for 97.4% of patients and a stool softener order was present for 86.2%. Sodium and potassium levels remained within normal limits during hospitalization. For the subset of patients who had these values measured within 48 hours before and after milk and molasses enema administration, no significant changes were found. No cases of nontraumatic abdominal compartment syndrome or other serious adverse enema-related events were documented in the EHR. Conclusions: No safety concerns were identified from this retrospective EHR review of hospitalized adults who received a milk and molasses enema for constipation relief. The findings indicate that this treatment is safe, although further study examining its efficacy in this population is needed.

Rahiman F, Pool EJ. The effect of sugar cane molasses on the immune and male reproductive systems using in vitro and in vivo methods. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2016 Oct;19(10):1125-1130.

Abstract. Objectives: Sugar cane molasses is a commonly used ingredient in several food products. Contrasting reports suggest that molasses may have potential adverse or beneficial effects on human health. However, little evidence exists that examines the effects of molasses on the different physiological systems. This study investigated the effects of sugar cane molasses on various physiological systems using in vivo and in vitro methods. Materials and methods: Molasses was administered orally to BALB/c, male mice and animals were randomly assigned into either a treatment or control group. General physiological changes, body weight and molasses intake of animals were monitored. At the end of the exposure period, collected blood samples were evaluated for potential toxicity using plasma biomarkers and liver enzyme activity. Immunised treated and untreated mice were evaluated for antibody titre to determine the effect of molasses on the immune response. To investigate the impact of molasses on testicular steroidogenesis, testes from both treated and control groups were harvested, cultured and assayed for testosterone synthesis. Results: Findings suggest that fluid intake by molasses-treated animals was significantly increased and these animals showed symptoms of loose faeces. Molasses had no significant effect on body weight, serum biomarkers or liver enzyme activity (P>0.05). Immunoglobulin-gamma anti-antigen levels were significantly suppressed in molasses-treated groups (P=0.004). Animals subjected to molasses exposure also exhibited elevated levels of testosterone synthesis (P=0.001). Conclusion: Findings suggests that molasses adversely affects the humoral immune response. The results also promote the use of molasses as a supplement to increase testosterone levels.