Looking to buy molasses, but have no idea where to look for it in a grocery store? Worry not, I have got you covered.
Read on as I explain where you can find this viscous ingredient that’s a mainstay in numerous baking recipes. Not only that, but I will also discuss popular grocery stores that you can visit in person or online to buy molasses and what to use instead of molasses when you can’t find any.
What Aisles To Look For Molasses in Grocery Stores?
Depending on how your local grocery store is stocked, there are a few aisles where you can find molasses.
Usually, you can find molasses in the baking aisle. It is placed next to corn syrup and sugar. Apart from that, you can also look in the cereal aisle, where you may locate it next to maple syrup.
If you can’t find it in either of these aisles (you probably will), the next best place to look for is in the spice aisle, where you may find boxed puddings, or in the natural foods aisle – if your local supermarket has one.
Can’t Find Molasses at Your Local Grocery Store? Try These Places Instead
If you looked around your local supermarket for molasses with no luck, then go through my list of popular supermarket chains that carry it. If making a trip to these places is not convenient, I have included many places in this list where you can simply place an online order for molasses.
Walmart, Kroger, and Safeway are just a few of the many popular supermarket chains that offer online delivery services.
Walmart
You can locate it at any Walmart. Head for the baking aisle, where you can find numerous molasses brands to choose from. Molasses come in several varieties like light molasses, fancy molasses, blackstrap molasses, cooking molasses, and unsulphured molasses. At Walmart, you can find all these types and choose the one most suitable for your needs.
If your local Walmart is out of stock, you can place an online order by clicking on the baking ingredients tab.
Amazon
An excellent option to buy all varieties of molasses within the comfort of your home is Amazon. With just one click you can order this product to be delivered to your doorstep.
Another benefit of using Amazon is that if you are looking to buy molasses in bulk quantities, you can easily do it from here.
Kroger
When looking to buy molasses, Kroger is yet another option to explore. You can usually locate molasses in the baking aisle at your local Kroger. Search next to the corn syrup. Otherwise, reach for the cereal aisle where you may find it beside maple syrup – however, it may just be the light kind.
If you do not have Kroger nearby you can order it online from the store’s website by going to the baking and cooking tab.
Whole Foods
You can also buy molasses from Whole Foods, both in-store and online. On their website, Whole Foods offers famous brands like Plantation Blackstrap Molasses. Look in the baking aisle or the cereal aisle.
Safeway
Safeway regularly sticks molasses. So, if you have one in your vicinity, you should head there to buy yourself the brand or type of your choice, whether it is light molasses or blackstrap molasses. You will most likely find it in the baking aisle.
It also gives you the option of ordering molasses online from their website. Click on the baking ingredients tab and you will find different molasses brands along with syrups used in baking – like corn syrup and golden syrup.
Types of Molasses
Molasses is a thick, dark syrup obtained during the sugar refining process, and it’s derived mainly from sugar cane or sugar beets. It’s a popular sweetener used in various recipes, and it comes in different types depending on its stage of extraction or production. In this section, let’s explore the three main types of molasses: Blackstrap, Light, and Dark.
Blackstrap Molasses
Blackstrap molasses is the darkest and thickest type of molasses, and it’s made from the third and final boiling of the sugar syrup. At this point in the process, most of the sugar has been removed, leaving a concentrated mixture rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium. This makes blackstrap molasses popular among health-conscious individuals and is often used as a dietary supplement. However, due to its strong, bitter flavor, you might prefer to use it sparingly in recipes.
Light Molasses
Light molasses, also known as mild or Barbados molasses, is the result of the first boiling of sugar syrup. It has a light, amber color and a delicate, sweet taste, making it the perfect addition to a variety of dishes, especially baked goods. When you’re baking cookies, cakes, or bread, light molasses is an excellent choice as a sweetener. It imparts a mild flavor and adds a lovely golden hue to your creations.
Dark Molasses
Dark molasses, sometimes called robust or full-flavored molasses, is obtained after the second boiling of sugar syrup. It has a thicker consistency and a darker color than light molasses, and it’s richer in flavor. The taste of dark molasses is a bit stronger and more intense compared to light molasses, but it’s not as bitter as blackstrap molasses. This makes dark molasses a versatile sweetener for various recipes, including desserts, barbecue sauces, and savory dishes.
Remember, it’s essential to choose the appropriate type of molasses for your recipe to ensure you achieve the desired taste and texture in your final product.
Popular Molasses Brands
When you’re shopping for molasses at the grocery store, you might come across various brands offering different types and flavors. Here are some popular molasses brands you can find in the baking aisle of most grocery stores:
Plantation – Plantation offers high-quality molasses products that are perfect for your baking needs. This brand is known for its rich flavor and smooth consistency. Products like Plantation Blackstrap Molasses are a popular choice for many bakers.
Grandma’s – Grandma’s is another brand that offers a wide range of molasses products. With a tradition of producing high-quality, flavorful molasses, Grandma’s is a favorite among those who love to bake. From their Original Molasses to their robust Unsulphured Molasses, this brand has something for everyone.
Brer Rabbit – Known for its distinctive rabbit logo, Brer Rabbit has been a reliable molasses producer for many years. Offering both mild and full-flavored molasses, Brer Rabbit provides versatile options for your baking needs.
Golden Barrel – For those who prefer organic products, Golden Barrel offers Organic Blackstrap Molasses that is made from 100% organic sugar cane. This brand also features a variety of molasses types, such as Supreme Baking Molasses and Light Corn Syrup.
Cortas – If you’re looking for something a bit different, Cortas Pomegranate Molasses is a unique product that delivers a sweet and tangy flavor. Ideal for Middle Eastern recipes, this molasses can also be a versatile ingredient in many dishes.
Viva Doria – Viva Doria specializes in pure and natural food products. Their Unsulphured Organic Blackstrap Molasses is made from organic sugar cane and offers a full-bodied flavor with excellent nutritional benefits.
Sultan – Another great option is Sultan Molasses, which features a smooth texture and rich flavor that is perfect for various recipes, from cookies to sauces.
Swanson – Swanson has a vast range of health products, including their Organic Unsulphured Blackstrap Molasses. Made from non-GMO ingredients, this molasses is perfect for health-conscious bakers.
Sadaf – Sadaf offers quality molasses products with a rich taste, like their Date Molasses, which is perfect for those looking for a nutritious alternative to traditional molasses.
Signature Select – Available at certain supermarkets, Signature Select offers a range of affordable molasses products that are suitable for your baking needs.
Caribbean Suns – For a tropical touch, Caribbean Suns Molasses brings a taste of the islands to your baking. Made from pure Caribbean sugar cane, this molasses offers a unique flavor profile.
Wholesome Sweeteners – Wholesome Sweeteners provides an array of organic and fair-trade molasses products, such as their Organic Molasses and Organic Blackstrap Molasses.
As you shop for molasses, remember to consider the specific type and flavor profile you need for your recipes. Don’t hesitate to try different brands to find your preferred molasses product.
5 Best Molasses Substitutes
I have discussed numerous places where you are sure to find molasses. However, if, for whatever reason, you cannot get your hands on the thick, dark goodness of molasses, here are five ingredients you can use instead.
1. Brown Sugar
Since brown sugar is made by mixing molasses with granulated sugar, it is no wonder it works well as a replacement. The general rule is to use 3/4 cup of firmly packed brown sugar for every cup of molasses in a recipe. For a stronger flavor, use dark brown sugar.
2. Dark Corn Syrup
Dark corn syrup is another suitable replacement for molasses, it is made by mixing a specific molasses type and regular corn syrup. It gives the recipe the rich color and sweetness you would get from normal molasses. You can replace it with the same amount of molasses used in any recipe. You can find dark corn syrup in the baking aisle.
3. Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is not as thick as molasses, but you can get the texture and sweetness you would from regular molasses. Keep in mind that maple syrup will not provide the signature molasses flavor, especially if the recipe calls for blackstrap molasses.
4. Honey
Despite not having the caramel flavor molasses does, honey is an excellent replacement when used part-for-part.
5. Granulated Sugar Mixed with Water
When all else fails, mix in 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water to replace one cup of molasses in any recipe. Consider this idea with the understanding that you’ll have to amp up the flavor quotient in the recipe using different spices.
How to Use Molasses
When sugar cane is refined to form sugar, molasses is formed as a by-product. Despite being a by-product in the making of sugar, in the grocery store, you’ll often find that molasses is placed right next to it – mainly due to how versatile it is when used correctly.
In Marinades
You can use it to marinade grilled meats. Its thick consistency and sweetness impart excellent flavor. You can use it in homemade barbecue sauce.
To Make Brown Sugar
You can make brown sugar by mixing molasses with granulated sugar. It is what gives fine commercial brown sugar its color and moist texture.
To Make Gingerbread Cookies
If you want darker gingerbread cookies, with a stronger flavor use bitter blackstrap molasses instead of light molasses. If you cannot find blackstrap molasses in the store, you can find various brands online.
As a Maple Syrup Replacement
Run out of maple syrup? You can use light molasses to enjoy pancakes that taste just as delicious.
Conclusion
With its distinct flavor, molasses is an essential part of many baking recipes, be it sweet or savory. I hope you found this article informative and learned how to find molasses in a grocery store. Make sure to buy the type of molasses that the recipe calls for, and if you cannot find it at all, use the substitutes mentioned above.