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The food industry has seen a surge in veganism over the past several years. As people become more conscientious of the food they eat, they are looking for plant-based alternatives for everything from meats, to dairy products, and even white sugar. On the hunt for sweeteners people often turn to blackstrap molasses. But is molasses vegan? The short answer is yes, but there are some conditions to explore.
A vegan diet excludes all animal products, including meat, eggs, dairy, and honey. Many vegans also avoid using animal-based products like leather, wool, and silk. In theory this means sugar should be vegan right? Surprisingly enough, the U.S. sugar industry (and most of North America) uses an animal product in the sugar-making process.
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The white color of regular sugar is due to the presence of a natural whitener called bone char. Bone char is made from the bones of cows that have been burned in a kiln. The process creates a carbon filter that removes the color from sugar. The certified u.s. department of agriculture has approved of the use of bone char, so it is considered safe for human consumption.
Sugar products like cane sugar, sugarcane juice, and brown sugar are refined using the bones of cattle. However, raw sugar and organic sugar is vegan as filtration is skipped in manufacturing to make it “raw”, so no bone char is involved in the process. This is usually listed as natural carbon in the ingredients.
Organic molasses is vegan and typically does not use any animal products since there isn’t a refining process. While there are different types of molasses, regular molasses comes from the refining of sugarcane or sugar beets. The beet sugar juice is boiled down to a thick syrup and then crystallized. This leaves behind a black, syrupy liquid which is later refined into molasses. Blackstrap molasses is a byproduct of sugar production. Unsulfured molasses is made from sun-dried sugarcane and is also vegan.
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Sulfured molasses is made from sugarcane that has been treated with sulfur dioxide. This is a food additive that helps to preserve molasses and prevent it from going bad. Unfortunately, sulfur dioxide can also be used to mask the taste and smell of inferior ingredients. Some people have an allergy to sulfur dioxide, so sulfured molasses is not an option for them. If you are looking for a vegan-friendly molasses, it is best to stick with unsulfured or organic brands. Light molasses however is not vegan as it is made from refined sugarcane syrup that has been boiled three times.
Molasses has a unique flavor that can be used in baking, marinades, and sauces. It is also a good source of iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Blackstrap molasses is the most nutrient-dense variety and has a higher content of vitamins and minerals than other types of molasses. It also has a slightly bitter taste which some people may not enjoy. However, the health benefits make it worth considering as an addition to your diet.
So is molasses vegan? The answer is yes, but be sure to check the ingredients to make sure you are getting an unsulfured or organic variety. Molasses has a unique flavor and is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Blackstrap molasses is the most nutrient-dense variety and has a higher content of vitamins and minerals than other types of molasses. It also has a slightly bitter taste which some people may not enjoy. However, the health benefits make it worth considering as an addition to your diet.
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Health Benefits of Molasses
Nutrient dense
The nutritional value of this dark syrup is pretty impressive. Molasses is a good source of potassium, magnesium, and zinc. It also contains a decent amount of vitamin B6 and selenium. But the real standout is its high content of iron. In fact, blackstrap molasses has the highest concentration of any food source.
Prevents Anemia
This is important because iron is essential for energy production and a healthy immune system. It is also a key component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen throughout the body. Anemia is a common condition that can result from iron deficiency. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Adding molasses to your diet can help prevent anemia and ensure you are getting enough of this important mineral.
Treats Constipation
Molasses is a natural laxative and can help to relieve constipation. It contains a high level of fiber which helps to stimulate the intestines and encourage regular bowel movements.
Boosts Immunity
The vitamin B6 in molasses plays an important role in the immune system. It helps to maintain healthy cells and fight off infection. Magnesium is another mineral that supports immune function. And zinc is essential for healthy skin and a strong defense against infection. So, adding molasses to your diet can help boost your immunity and keep you healthy.
Improves Bone Health
Dark molasses holds enough calcium to support the development of healthy bones. Magnesium is also beneficial for bone health as it helps to increase absorption of calcium. And potassium aids in maintaining bone density. So, including molasses in your diet can help keep your bones strong and healthy.
Improves Hair and Skin
The high content of vitamins and minerals in blackstrap molasses makes it a great choice for improving hair and skin health. Vitamins B6, C, and E are all essential for healthy skin. And zinc is necessary for maintaining collagen levels, which keeps skin looking young and elastic. Molasses also contains copper, a mineral that is beneficial for hair health. So, adding blackstrap molasses to your diet can help improve the appearance of your skin and hair.
Blood Sugar Stabilizer
Molasses is a slow-releasing carbohydrate which can help to stabilize blood sugar levels. This is beneficial for people who have diabetes or are predisposed to developing it. Molasses also contains fiber, which helps to control blood sugar by slowing the absorption of glucose.
Increases Energy
The iron in molasses is essential for energy production. And the high level of magnesium helps to convert food into energy. In original molasses the glucose is bonded to fructose, which the body can easily convert into energy. This makes molasses a good source of natural energy for athletes and active people. So, adding molasses to your diet can give you a boost of energy and help you feel more energetic throughout the day.
So, is molasses vegan? The answer is yes. But it must be organic and made from unrefined sugar cane. Be sure to check the label before purchasing. Molasses is a thick, dark syrup that is made from sugar cane. It has a strong, distinct flavor and a slightly bitter taste. Some people may not enjoy the bold flavor of molasses, but the health benefits make it worth considering as an addition to your diet. Molasses is a good source of potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. It also contains a high amount of fiber which can help relieve constipation. And its nutrient-dense content makes it a great choice for boosting immunity and maintaining healthy bones and skin.
Vegan Natural Sweeteners
If you are looking for a vegan-friendly sweetener, molasses is a good option. The good news in that there are also other types of vegan sugar crystals you can use. Sugar that comes from plant sources like sugar beets is considered vegan; the process does not involve bone char. You can also opt for:
- Maple syrup
- Date syrup
- Coconut syrup
- Brown rice syrup
- Agave nectar
- Corn Syrup
Syrups like these can be used in place of honey in recipes. They are all lower on the glycemic index than sugar and won’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels. So, the next time you are looking for a sweetener, consider one of these vegan-friendly options.