How blackstrap Molasses, a humble sugar-cane byproduct, can lower insulin requirements, blunt glucose spikes, and act as a natural carb-blocker without spiking blood sugar.
The Big Idea
Not all sugars are equal. Refined white sugar is stripped of minerals and triggers inflammation. Blackstrap molasses, the darkest and final extraction of sugar-cane, keeps over 100 bioactive compounds that turn it into a metabolic ally for people with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.
Key takeaway: The dose makes the medicine or the poison. ½–1 Tbsp with lunchtime starches equals benefit. 3+ Tbsp equals you are just eating sugar.
It Reduces Insulin Demand (Even With Carbs)
European Journal of Nutrition (2019) 5 test meals: control versus increasing molasses doses with a high-carb meal.
Result:
- Blood glucose barely changed.
- Insulin dropped dose-dependently. The more molasses, the less insulin needed.
Why? Molasses rescues dysfunctional pancreatic beta cells and helps them secrete insulin again. The worse your insulin resistance, the stronger the effect.
It Slows Carb Absorption (Natural Carb-Blocker)
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Molasses inhibits intestinal glucose and fructose uptake and blocks:
- α-amylase (starch breakdown)
- α-glucosidase (sugar breakdown)
Result:
- 5–20 % lower glycemic response to starchy meals
- Some starch reaches the colon and feeds gut bacteria instead of your bloodstream
It Boosts Amylin and GIP: The “Insulin Helpers”
CyTA Journal of Food: Molasses increases amylin (slows gastric emptying) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulin release).
Practical effect: Carbs enter blood slowly for less insulin surge and lower fat storage.
Antioxidant Superpower (Highest of ANY Sweetener)
Science Direct: Blackstrap molasses ranks #1 for total antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP).
| Sweetener | Antioxidant Score |
|---|---|
| Blackstrap molasses | #1 |
| Dark molasses | #2 |
| Honey, maple, agave | Much lower |
| Refined sugar | Zero |
Antioxidant Bonus:
- Blocks Fenton reaction (major oxidative stress driver)
- Anti-mutagenic and protects DNA (Food Chemistry, 2011)
- Shields liver DNA (Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry)
Your Blackstrap Molasses Playbook for Diabetes
| Goal | Dose | Timing | Best Paired With | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insulin sensitivity + carb-blunting | ½–1 Tbsp | Lunch (largest starch meal) | Pasta, rice, sandwiches, potatoes | Dinner (delays 2nd spike while sleeping) |
| Antioxidant/longevity | 1 tsp–1 Tbsp | Anytime (empty stomach OK) | Coffee, tea, yogurt, smoothies | — |
| Weight loss support | 1 Tbsp | Lunch (with starches) | Oatmeal, sweet potato | High-sugar meals (cancels benefit) |
Pro tip: Start with ½ Tbsp because the taste is strong. Mix into coffee, yogurt, or drizzle on roasted veggies.
Which Molasses to Buy?
| Type | Potency | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Blackstrap | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Diabetes, insulin resistance, antioxidants |
| Dark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | General use |
| Light | ⭐⭐ | Baking only (low nutrients) |
Golden Barrel Unsulfured Black Strap molasses, 32 oz
Made in Lancaster county, pa by the folks at golden barrel.
Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Blackstrap Molasses, Unsulphured, 16 oz (Pack of 2)
The information below is per-pack only
Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Blackstrap Molasses, Unsulphured, 16 oz
CERTIFIED ORGANIC UNSULPHURED BLACKSTRAP MOLASSES Powder — 113g/4oz – Vegan & Gluten Free, Kosher for baking, desserts, culinary use, Made in USA
🌱 ORGANIC – 100% Organic Unsulphured Molasses dried into powder form. No artificial additives or preservatives. Molasses Powder possesses the same flavor profile as liquid molasses. It is high in minerals including Calcium, Iron, and Potassium. Molasses is a product of sugar cane refining, and has a robust flavor profile. Molasses Powder is made from organic sugar cane juice which has most of the water and sugar removed, resulting in a concentrated flavor, a little is all that is needed for flavoring foods.
🥣 EASY TO USE: Naturally low glycemic, unbleached and unrefined, with only the moisture evaporated so the vital nutritional elements of the plant - its minerals, amino acids and vitamins, are still present. A versatile sweetener and nutrient source for water kefir making, baking, cooking, preserving, and agricultural use. Ideal for water kefir fermentation as a periodic nutrient source; excellent in baking and cooking for natural sweetness; durable packaging ensures long shelf life.
🌟 VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE & KOSHER CERTIFIED (Parve)
✨ MULTIPURPOSE: Great for using in pastry and chocolate making applications and molecular gastronomy.
🇺🇸 MADE IN THE USA: Luxe Cake is proudly made in the USA with a growing selection of culinary & pastry tools!
Safety and Caveats
- Not zero-calorie: 1 Tbsp equals ~60 kcal, 14 g carbs.
- High potassium: avoid if on potassium-sparing meds or kidney failure.
- Iron-rich: great for anemia, but monitor if hemochromatosis.
- Always consult your doctor, especially if on diabetes meds (risk of hypoglycemia).
The Bottom Line
Blackstrap molasses is not a free pass to eat donuts. But ½–1 Tbsp at lunch with starches can:
- Cut insulin needs
- Blunt glucose spikes
- Feed your microbiome
- Fight oxidative stress
Nature’s carb-blocker in a jar.