Whether it’s the backbone of your grandma’s secret gingerbread recipe or the key to achieving that perfect barbecue sauce, molasses adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is the best fit for your recipes? Fear not! I’ve done the legwork, taste-testing, and research to bring you the ultimate guide to the best molasses you can buy.
Types of molasses
Molasses is a byproduct of the sugar refining process and comes in various types, each with distinct characteristics and uses. Here are three common types:
Light molasses
- Color and flavor: Light brown and sweet.
- Sugar content: Highest sugar content among the types.
- Uses: Commonly used in baking, marinades, and glazes. It’s also suitable for applications where a mild molasses flavor is desired.
Dark molasses
- Color and flavor: Dark brown with a stronger, more robust flavor than light molasses.
- Sugar content: Lower than light molasses.
- Uses: Dark molasses is often used in baking, particularly in recipes like gingerbread cookies or cakes. It adds a rich, distinctive flavor to dishes and can be used in barbecue sauces and savory recipes.
Blackstrap molasses
- Color and flavor: Very dark and has a bitter, robust taste.
- Sugar content: The lowest sugar content, but high in minerals.
- Uses: Blackstrap molasses is often considered the healthiest due to its higher mineral content. It may be less commonly used in traditional baking due to its intense flavor.
How to choose the best molasses
Here’s what to look for when choosing a molasses, and how I rated the brands below:
- Unsulfured: Sulfur? No, thank you! All the top contenders on my list are unsulfured, meaning they have not been treated with sulfur dioxide (a preservative) during processing.
- Consumer feedback: Let’s be real – the best reviews come from those who’ve already taken the plunge. I’ve sifted through consumer feedback (and sprinkled in my own) to bring you insights into what makes these molasses stand out in the crowd.
- Nutrition: Molasses isn’t just about sweetness; it’s packed with nutrients too! We’ll explore which brands offer more nutrients.
- Track record: Crosby’s Fancy Molasses has been gracing kitchens since 1879, and it’s not the only one with a rich history. We’ll uncover the brands that have stood the test of time, supplying molasses that generations swear by.
- Price: I get it – budget matters. That’s why more affordable options scored extra points, and I highlighted the most budget-friendly option below.
Top 8 molasses brands
| Overall Rank | Brand (click link to buy) | Best for |
| 1 | Grandma’s Unsulphured Molasses | Overall |
| 2 | Golden Barrel Unsulfured Black Strap Molasses | Value |
| 3 | Crosby’s Fancy Molasses | Classic choice |
| 4 | Plantation Blackstrap Molasses | Blackstrap |
| 5 | Brer Rabbit Unsulphured Molasses | Light molasses with mild flavor |
| 6 | Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Blackstrap Molasses | Organic, fair trade |
| 7 | Swanson Organic Blackstrap Molasses | Organic |
| 8 | Yummmy Blackstrap Molasses | Nutrient-rich |
#1 Best Overall: Grandma’s Unsulphured Molasses
If there’s one brand that has stood the test of time and taste buds, it’s Grandma’s Unsulphured Molasses. Perfect for gingerbread and baking, this dark molasses is a staple in many households. Say goodbye to bitter aftertastes – Grandma’s knows how to deliver sweetness without compromise.
Ingredients: Molasses.
#2 Best Value: Golden Barrel Unsulfured Black Strap Molasses
Looking for value without sacrificing quality? Golden Barrel Unsulfured Black Strap Molasses is your go-to. With a perfect balance of sweetness and depth, it’s the ideal companion for your dishes. Bake, cook, and drizzle with confidence, all without breaking the bank.
Ingredients: Molasses.
#3 Crosby’s Fancy Molasses
This was always the stuff my grandma used in her baking growing up. This high-grade molasses offers a pure flavor, free from bitterness or sulfur tastes. Since 1879, Crosby has been delivering the finest molasses to the East Coast of Canada and beyond. Time-tested and family-approved, this molasses is a classic choice.
Ingredients: Molasses.
#4 Best Blackstrap Molasses: Plantation Blackstrap Molasses
For those who prefer a thicker, less sweet, and more robust flavor, Plantation Blackstrap Molasses is a fantastic option. Ideal for savory dishes like baked beans and barbecue sauces, this molasses adds a depth of flavor that takes your recipes to the next level.
Ingredients: Unsulfured Blackstrap Molasses.
#5 Best Mild Flavor: Brer Rabbit Unsulphured Molasses
If I didn’t have Grandma’s on hand, I would probably go with this one. It’s a light molasses with a mild flavor, unlike the rest. Perfect for a wide range of recipes, it’s a versatile choice for both sweet and savory dishes.
Ingredients: Molasses.
#6 Best Organic, Fair Trade: Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Blackstrap Molasses
For the health-conscious bakers, Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Blackstrap Molasses is the top choice. Unsulfured, fair trade, non-GMO, and organic – this molasses checks all the boxes. With its rich, full-bodied flavor, it’s the perfect complement to gingerbread, cookies, muffins, chili, BBQ sauce, and more.
Ingredients: Fair Trade Organic Blackstrap Molasses.
#7 Swanson Organic Blackstrap Molasses
Another contender in the organic category, Swanson Organic Blackstrap Molasses offers a nutrient-rich option with a darker color. Whether you’re focused on flavor or nutritional content, this molasses has you covered.
Ingredients: Certified organic unsulfured blackstrap molasses.
#8 Highest in Nutrients: Yummmy Blackstrap Molasses
Looking for a molasses that goes beyond just sweetness? Yummmy Blackstrap Molasses is not only high in potassium but also packs a punch of iron, vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, and manganese. Keep in mind; it’s a bit higher in calories and sugar, but for those looking to boost their nutrient intake, it’s worth the indulgence.
Ingredients: 100% Molasses Organic.
Comparing molasses brands nutrition facts
Below, I’ve pulled the nutrition info from each brands label. Remember, blackstrap molasses tends to be higher in vitamins and minerals than lighter options.
| Per 1 Tbsp (15 ml) | Calories | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Potassium (mg) | Carbs (g) | Sugar (g) | Protein (g) |
| Grandma’s | 60 | 0 | 20 | 110 | 16 | 14 | 0 |
| Golden Barrel | 60 | 0 | 30 | 466 | 14 | 11 | 1 |
| Crosby’s | 60 | 0 | 0 | 190 | 15 | 13 | 0.2 |
| Plantation | 60 | 0 | 0 | 440 | 13 | 11 | 0 |
| Brer Rabbit | 60 | 0 | 20 | 180 | 16 | 13 | 0 |
| Wholesome Sweeteners | 60 | 0 | 0 | 395 | 14 | 11 | 0 |
| Swanson | 60 | 0 | 40 | 290 | 14 | 14 | 0 |
| Yummmy | 81 | 0 | 0 | 730 | 21 | 16 | 0 |
