Molasses

Description
• Thick, viscous syrup that is a by-product of sugar refining from cane or beet; it is the mother liquor remaining after successive sucrose crystallizations.
• Common grades: light, dark, and blackstrap (most concentrated, highest minerals, more bitter). Unsulfured grades are preferred for food; sulfured grades may contain SO₂/sulfites.
• Dark brown color; caramelized–roasty aroma with licorice/rum notes; typical pH ~5.0–6.0.

Caloric value (per 100 g)
• Typically ~290–320 kcal/100 g (depends on soluble solids and grade).
• Indicative composition: carbohydrate ~70–78 g (mostly sugars), protein ~0–1 g, fat ~0 g, fiber ~0–2 g; sodium low unless added.
• High °Brix (~75–86); aw moderate–low (osmotic effect).

Key constituents
• Sugars: sucrose, glucose, and fructose (ratios vary by source/process).
• Minerals relatively high for a sweetener: potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron (maximal in blackstrap).
• Phenolics/melanoidins (color/aroma; antioxidant capacity), organic acids; ash higher than most sugars.
• Possible traces of SO₂/sulfites in “sulfured” grades.

Production process
• Juice extraction → clarification (lime/filtration) → evaporation → sucrose crystallization → separation of crystals/mother liquor (molasses).
• Optional decolorization/filtration, desulfurization, °Brix standardization → storage and packaging under GMP/HACCP.

Sensory and technological properties
• Contributes sweetness, body, brown color, and caramel–toasty notes with a balancing bitterness.
• Natural humectant; promotes Maillard/browning in baking and sauces.
• High viscosity; may crystallize (sucrose) or ferment with osmophilic yeasts if poorly managed.

Food uses
• Bakery (dark breads, gingerbread, cookies), braised beans, BBQ sauces/marinades, flavored muesli/snacks, hot beverages.
• Industrial: characterizing sweetener and natural colorant; substrate for fermentations (e.g., rum).
• Typical inclusion: 1–10% (up to 15% in traditional products); optimize by pilot trials.

Nutrition and health
• Source of added sugars → consider the recipe’s overall glycemic load.
• Minerals (e.g., K, Fe) are notable for a sweetener but insufficient for health claims without authorization.
• Contains fructose: individuals with HFI (hereditary fructose intolerance) must avoid it.
• In renal impairment, the relatively high potassium 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). Overall lipid impact is insignificant at use levels.

Quality and specifications (typical topics)
• °Brix/TSS, pH, viscosity, color (e.g., ICUMSA), sugars (sucrose/invert), ash, SO₂/sulfites, metals.
• Microbiology: pathogen-free; monitor osmophilic yeasts.
• Sensory: clean profile; absence of burnt/sulfury notes and foreign matter.

Storage and shelf-life
• Store cool and dark, container tightly closed; avoid contamination and free water ingress.
• Typical shelf-life 12–24 months; after opening, reclose and use in a reasonable time; apply FIFO.
• Packaging compatibility: avoid prolonged contact with reactive metals.

Allergens and safety
• No intrinsic major EU allergens; sulfites must be declared if ≥ 10 mg/kg.
• Manage HACCP with CCP on hygiene, contamination, and °Brix/pH control.

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

Troubleshooting
• Crystallization/sediment: high sucrose or cooling → gentle warming, filtration, adjust °Brix.
• Fermentation/swelling: contamination/unfavorable aw → sanitation, reduce aw, use permitted preservatives.
• Excess bitterness/too dark color: blackstrap grade or overdose → reduce dose or select a lighter grade.
• Too high viscosity: low temperature → warm to 40–50 °C and mix.

Sustainability and supply chain
• Upcycling of a sugar-refining by-product; suitable for bioenergy/fermentation pathways.
• Effluent management to BOD/COD targets; energy efficiency in evaporation; recyclable packaging.
• Full traceability and supplier audits under GMP/HACCP.

Conclusion
Molasses delivers sweetness, body, and caramel notes with both sensory and technical value. Appropriate grade selection, control of °Brix/pH, rigorous hygiene, and proper storage ensure stable performance in bakery, sauces, and other applications.

Mini-glossary
• °Brix — Percentage of TSS (total soluble solids); guides concentration and perceived sweetness.
• aw — Water activity: lower aw improves microbial stability; in molasses, limited by high osmolarity.
• SFA — Saturated fatty acids: limit excess; high intake may raise LDL—present only in trace amounts here.
• MUFA — Monounsaturated fatty acids (e.g., oleic): generally favorable/neutral—trace here.
• PUFA — Polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6/n-3): beneficial when balanced—trace here.
• HFI — Hereditary fructose intolerance: aldolase B deficiency; fructose must be avoided.
• SO₂/sulfites — Preservatives/antioxidants: declare if ≥ 10 mg/kg.
• ICUMSA — Standardized color index for sugar products.
• GMP/HACCP — Good Manufacturing Practice / Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points: hygiene and preventive-safety frameworks with defined CCP.
• BOD/COD — Biochemical/Chemical Oxygen Demand: indicators of wastewater impact.
• FIFO — First in, first out: stock rotation policy 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.