Sugarcane Molasses

Sugarcane molasses is a thick, dark syrup produced during the refining of sugarcane into sugar. It is a byproduct of the sugar-making process, with different types of molasses (e.g., light, dark, blackstrap) resulting from different stages of boiling and sugar extraction.

Molasses is primarily used as a sweetener and coloring agent in foods. Its rich, slightly bitter flavor adds depth to baked goods like cookies, cakes, and gingerbread, and it's also found in cereals, snack bars, and some savory sauces.

Molasses is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. It contains some minerals like iron and calcium, but typically in amounts too small to significantly contribute to daily nutrient intake. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated molasses, and it is not associated with major health controversies at typical consumption levels.