Recently, the Central government has decided to allow export of 1.5 million tonnes (MT) of sugar for the 2025-26 and also remove 50 per cent export duty on molasses.

About Molasses

Molassesis a thick, dark, and viscous syrup that is a byproduct of refining sugarcane or sugar beet juice into table sugar. It is primarily used as a sweetener and flavoring agent in food, as an ingredient in animal feed, and for various industrial applications. 

Production

Molasses production begins with crushing the sugarcane or sugar beet to extract the juice, which is then clarified and boiled to concentrate it and promote sugar crystallization. The sugar crystals are separated from the remaining liquid by a centrifuge. This boiling and separation process is typically repeated two or three times, with each cycle producing a different type of molasses. 

Types of Molasses

The primary types of molasses are:

• Light Molasses: This is the result of the first boiling. It is the lightest in color, the sweetest, and the mildest in flavor, and is the most common type used in baking.
• Dark Molasses: Produced after the second boiling, it is darker, thicker, and less sweet than light molasses, with a more pronounced, robust flavor.
• Blackstrap Molasses: This is the product of the third and final boiling. It is the thickest and darkest, with the least sugar content and a strong, bitter flavor. It is often used for its purported health benefits or in savory dishes and animal feed.
• Sulphured vs. Unsulphured: In the past, sulfur dioxide was added as a preservative, which could leave a chemical flavor. Most commercial molasses today is unsulphured, which has a cleaner, sweeter taste. 

 Uses
Molasses is a versatile product with a wide range of uses:

• Culinary: It is a key ingredient in brown sugar, gingerbread, baked beans, barbecue sauces, and some stouts and porters. It is also used in marinades, glazes, and some traditional desserts.
• Industrial: It is the primary ingredient for distilling rum and producing ethanol.
• Agricultural: It is a major component in animal feed to add energy and minerals, and a soil amendment to promote healthy microbial activity in the soil. 

Nutritional Information (per 100g)

Unlike refined sugar, molasses contains significant amounts of vitamins and minerals. Blackstrap molasses, in particular, is considered the most nutrient-dense. 
 

Nutrient	Amount
Energy	290 kcal
Carbohydrates	74.7 g
Sugars	74.7 g
Iron	4.72 mg (26% DV)
Calcium	205 mg (16% DV)
Magnesium	242 mg (58% DV)
Potassium	1464 mg (49% DV)
Vitamin B6	0.67 mg (39% DV)

DV = Daily Value 

Health Benefits and Risks

Molasses is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from oxidative damage. Its high iron content may help prevent anemia, and its calcium and magnesium content can support bone health. 
A potential risk associated with molasses is its very high level of acrylamide, a chemical that may be carcinogenic at high doses. However, studies on whether dietary acrylamide increases cancer risk in humans have had mixed results, and health authorities currently recommend limiting consumption of high-acrylamide foods rather than avoiding them entirely. Individuals with diabetes should use caution due to the sugar content. 

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