What's the difference between light, dark, and blackstrap molasses?
There are three types of molasses that you'll typically find on grocery store shelves. Light and dark are often used interchangeably by home cooks, and each is a bit different in its own right. The main difference between light and dark is how much sugar has been removed from them. Blackstrap molasses is also made from sugar cane, but it undergoes a few extra steps in processing. It has been stripped of most of its natural sugars and some vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This leaves only small amounts of vitamins B6 and B12 and potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium, and manganese. You can also find trace amounts of zinc, and all varieties can be found at health food stores. Baking is fun when you know all there is about substitutes for molasses, and you're not left in the dark!