Blackstrap molasses has a rich flavour that’s often described as slightly bitter and sweet. Although they’re made from the same basic ingredient, blackstrap molasses and refined sugar couldn’t be more different nutritionally speaking. Blackstrap molasses is rich in vitamins and minerals, with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, vitamin b6, calcium and magnesium found inside, while refined sugar has little to no nutritional value.

For this reason blackstrap molasses is praised as a superfood with a slew of health benefits attached.

Health benefits

Rich in essential minerals

Minerals play many important roles in the body, working with everything from our bones to our mind to help us stay healthy. The list of essential minerals in blackstrap molasses is long so it’s an incredibly beneficial natural ingredient we can easily incorporate to help our bodies function at their optimum. Blackstrap molasses contains lots of essential minerals, including: manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron, selenium, copper, calcium, phosphorus and sodium.

Boost of iron

Blackstrap molasses contains high levels of iron with just one tablespoon providing you with approximately 20 per cent of the recommended daily intake. This makes it an excellent choice for people with anaemia, pregnant women, menstruating women, or anyone looking to boost their iron intake without turning to red meat. Women require more iron than men, particularly during menstruation and pregnancy.

May help combat stress and anxiety

Magnesium, calcium, iron, and B vitamins are among the most beneficial vitamins and minerals when it comes to combatting stress and anxiety. Blackstrap molasses contains all of these and more making it a worthy addition to your diet if busting stress is at the top of your wish-list. Low iron levels can play havoc with your mood and energy levels, magnesium plays an important role in the nervous system so low levels of this vital mineral may contribute to anxiety, and vitamin b6, which is found in blackstrap molasses, helps raise serotonin levels to boost your mood.

Skin health

Lactic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products, particularly for acne treatment, and blackstrap molasses contains lactic acid in spades. This natural ingredient may be able to help keep skin healthy, treat acne prone skin, and help the body heal minor cuts or wounds when ingested.

Bone health

Calcium is essential for bone health, contributing to their strength and density. Blackstrap molasses is an excellent source of this essential mineral with around 20 percent of the recommended daily intake of calcium in just 100g.

May help muscle recovery & heart health

Lots of athletes reach for a banana post-workout, seeking out the potassium inside to help aid muscle recovery, but blackstrap molasses is also a fantastic potassium-rich option. Potassium is also essential for a healthy cardiovascular system, helping to reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol.

How to use blackstrap molasses

Blackstrap molasses can be used as a natural sweetener in almost anything and comes with the added benefit of a boost of nutrients.

Add it to baked goods like cakes, cookies, and puddings; drizzle it over yogurt, porridge, pancakes and waffles; add to homemade sauces, chutneys and marinades; use as a sweetener in smoothies, tea, coffee and hot chocolate for a caramel-like flavour.

Blackstrap molasses can even be used in gardening, touted as an excellent fertiliser thanks to its nutrient-rich content. It’s also often used in compost as an activator.

What to look for when you buy blackstrap molasses

Which blackstrap molasses is best depends on what you’re looking for. Like most foods, organic blackstrap molasses ensures quality and no unnecessary additives. Unsulphured blackstrap molasses is also a good choice since it’s made from sugar cane that has had a chance to mature. Typically, this is the most common variety available at health food stores.

As for where to buy blackstrap molasses, we offer an easy and convenient way to have it delivered straight to your door.