Treacle vs Molasses: 7 Differences You Need to Know Now

Treacle and molasses are commonly used for adding a sweeter flavor profile to various recipes.

Both of them come from processing the same plant (sugar cane).

This might explain the presence of some similarities in appearance and taste.

Treacle and Molasses are frequently interchanged.

If you share the same confusion, you are in the right place.

We will help you understand everything about the Treacle and molasses in this comparison.

This blog sheds light on the main characteristics and significant differences between them, so you can easily choose either.

What is Treacle?

Treacle, or black Treacle, is a by-product of sugarcane.

It is famous for its thick texture and dark brown color.

Despite coming from processed sugarcane, this thick syrup is not crystallized.

Making a treacle is a direct result of filtering and processing molasses.

So molasses comes first after refining sugar cane, and the Treacle is extracted from molasses.

Black Treacle is not the only refined syrup that comes from molasses.

Golden syrup is another by-product that results from the same process.

However, the golden syrup is more like jarred honey in terms of color and flavor.

The black Treacle, however, resembles molasses in color and thickness.

Black Treacle has a very slight bitterness and some dark shade.

However, it is used in baking to increase the sweetness and thickness of the desired pastries.

Additionally, it works as a natural coloring agent, especially for tarts, puddings, cookies, and cakes.

What is Molasses?

Molasses is another product that results from processing sugar cane.

Refining sugarcane means extracting its juice and boiling it till sugar molecules form crystals.

This process leads to sugar crystals and a liquid called sugar syrup.

The latter is then boiled to create molasses and Treacle, just like molasses, which is also an uncrystallized product of sugarcane.

The refiner’s syrup is boiled in three stages.

Each stage results in a different kind of molasses.

Each boiling stage aims at evaporating sugar residues and creating a darker and thicker liquid.

Typically, the third stage produces the thickest and darkest molasses.

Also, the sweetness of all three varieties is different.

The first-stage molasses is the sweetest, while the third-stage molasses is somewhat bitter.

Third-stage molasses is commonly known as blackstrap molasses.

It is the most common commercial variety available on the market.

But in general, molasses can be used to make different desserts or BBQ sauces.

However, blackstrap molasses is more commonly used to add a touch of bitterness to the recipe.

In addition to its rich texture and dark color, molasses is considered nutritious.

Molasses is a good source of iron.

It is often recommended to help iron deficiency patients.

Furthermore, it is rich in potassium and calcium.

Using blackstrap molasses in sweet recipes has yet to be very common.

On the contrary, it works well in savory dishes.

You can integrate it into making marinades to glaze roasted dishes.

What are the Differences between Treacle and Molasses?

At first glance, it is difficult to tell Treacle and Molasses apart.

Without proper labeling, you can be lost.

Their similar colors, textures, and even flavors make them difficult to distinguish.

However, getting more familiar with these by-products reveals noticeable differences.

1. Taste

As two by-products of sugarcane, Treacle and molasses have a sweet flavor profile.

However, blackstrap molasses shows decreased sweetness and a bitterer flavor.

So, they could only be used interchangeably if the recipe calls for a desirable bitterness.

2. Color

While Treacle and molasses show a dark color, they are not the same shade.

Blackstrap molasses has a darker and deeper color.

When you pour molasses onto a plate, you will easily notice its red-amber color.

This dark red tone won’t be that obvious when the liquid sits in a jar but pouring it allows you to see this undertone.

The black Treacle is also dark but more on the brown side.

3. Texture

Another notable difference between blackstrap molasses and black Treacle is their consistency.

Molasses is way thicker than Treacle.

This is due to the differences in their making.

Blackstrap molasses is boiled three times until it gains its texture.

Furthermore, it is simmered, allowing it to thicken.

Treacle is boiled as well, but its boiling process is short and fast.

4. Preparation

Treacle and Molasses both come from refined sugarcane.

After extracting the sugar crystals, the remaining sugar refiner liquid is processed to provide Treacle and molasses.

A lighter molasses is formed after boiling the original liquid.

Then, it is purified and filtered to be mixed with portions of the original refiner liquid.

This results in the formation of a treacle.

In other words, lighter molasses comes first.

Then it is processed to produce a treacle.

However, making blackstrap molasses takes much longer than making a treacle.

5. Uses

Because both are widely available on the market, it is best not to substitute one.

Due to the flavor and texture differences, they have different uses.

For instance, black Treacle works best in sweet recipes, whereas molasses works best in savory ones.

Treacle can add more sweetness to a cake or chocolate pudding.

On the other hand, Molasses is an excellent addition to a BBQ sauce or meat glaze.

Blackstrap molasses’ bitter and smoky flavor makes it highly qualified for this role.

6. Varieties

Generally, Treacle and molasses have different varieties.

This depends on the stage of production. Generally, Treacle has two varieties, whereas molasses has three.

Treacle varieties are called black and golden Treacle.

Molasses types are known as light, dark, and blackstrap molasses.

7. Nutritional value

Molasses and Treacle are not like refined sugar.

The latter has no nutritional value.

On the other hand, Molasses and Treacle provide some nutrients.

However, molasses is healthier because it contains less sugar than Treacle.

This way, it would be a safer replacement for refined sugar.

However, this does not mean excessively consuming molasses.

Still, this thick natural sweetener has some sugar.

Both can provide you with calories, iron, calcium, and potassium.

Treacle vs Molasses: are they the same?

Treacle and Molasses are different types of sugarcane by-products.

Their similar dark shades, consistency, and purposes need to be clarified.

However, if you understand how each is made, you will notice the differences. 

Aside from appearances, the British often call molasses Treacle.

This can be one of the reasons for this common confusion.

But appearances are a bit tricky to tell apart.

If you take a closer look at each of them, you will find a huge difference in consistency.

Molasses is a lot thicker than Treacle.

Also, Treacle has a different color, as it is typically dark brown.

Molasses has a dark red color that is more noticeable when you pour it.

Both can add a natural dark color to the dishes to which they are added.

Treacle, on the other hand, is preferred for use in desserts.

Molasses can be used to add a bittersweet flavor to certain desserts.

However, it is more commonly used for roasted or grilled meat glazing.

Lastly, molasses is considered a healthier alternative to refined sugar.

Blackstrap molasses has the least sugar content.

This is why it can be more beneficial than Treacle.