Running low on molasses? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.

About molasses
Molasses is a thick, dark syrup that is a by-product of refining sugar cane or sugar beets into table sugar. It has a robust, bittersweet flavour with notes of caramel, liquorice, and a slight mineral edge. In baking, it adds moisture, deep colour, and a distinctive richness to products like gingerbread, barbecue sauces, and dark breads.
Best substitute
Dark treacle is the closest British and Australian equivalent to molasses, sharing the same bittersweet, robust flavour and thick consistency. It can be swapped in a 1:1 ratio with virtually no adjustment needed.
Alternative
Dark brown sugar contains a higher proportion of molasses than light brown sugar, giving it a comparable depth of flavour. Dissolve it in a small amount of warm water to approximate the liquid consistency of molasses.
Alternative
Golden syrup provides a similar thick, sticky consistency but has a lighter, buttery-caramel flavour and lacks the bitterness of molasses. It works well where texture is more important than a strong, dark flavour.
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | treacle (dark treacle) |
| Canada | molasses |
| New Zealand | treacle |
| United Kingdom | black treacle |
| United States | molasses |
Alternative
Honey replicates the liquid sweetness and moisture-retaining properties of molasses but has a floral flavour profile rather than a bitter, smoky one. Use a darker honey variety such as buckwheat honey for the closest flavour match.
Alternative
Pure maple syrup offers a comparable liquid consistency and a deep, complex sweetness, though its flavour is distinctly different — woodsy and sweet rather than bitter. Grade B or dark amber maple syrup comes closest in intensity.