Which brand of molasses is gluten-free?

Over 3 million Americans have celiac disease, necessitating a strict gluten-free diet. While pure molasses, made from sugarcane, is naturally gluten-free, some manufacturers may process it on shared equipment, risking cross-contamination. It's crucial for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease to know which brand of molasses is gluten-free and trustworthy.

Quick Summary

A guide to selecting safe molasses brands for a gluten-free diet. Learn about brands like Grandma's, Brer Rabbit, Wholesome Sweeteners, and others that are confirmed gluten-free or take precautions to avoid cross-contamination. Emphasizes the importance of reading labels.

Key Points

• Naturally Gluten-Free: Pure molasses derived from sugarcane is inherently free of gluten, making the ingredient itself safe.

• Manufacturing Risks: Cross-contamination is the main risk, occurring if molasses is processed on shared equipment with gluten-containing products.

• Look for Certifications: For the highest level of assurance, choose brands with a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label, like Brer Rabbit.

• Trusted Brands: Major brands such as Grandma's and Wholesome Sweeteners explicitly state their products are gluten-free, though their facilities may not be dedicated GF.

• Read the Label: Always check the ingredients to ensure only molasses is listed, and verify any gluten-free claims directly on the product packaging.

• Avoid Specific Types: Be cautious with less common varieties like bead molasses, which may have a higher risk of cross-contamination.

Molasses and Gluten: The Purity and the Pitfalls

Molasses is a staple in many kitchens, prized for its rich, caramelized flavor in baked goods, marinades, and sauces. It is a viscous, dark syrup created as a byproduct during the refining of sugarcane or sugar beets into sugar. The process is inherently free of gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, or rye. However, for those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, the journey from field to jar is what truly matters.

Pure, single-ingredient molasses is naturally gluten-free. The risk lies in manufacturing practices, specifically the potential for cross-contamination. If a company produces gluten-containing products on the same equipment as their molasses without proper cleaning protocols, trace amounts of gluten could contaminate the final product. For this reason, checking brand certifications and label information is vital.

Trusted Gluten-Free Molasses Brands

Many popular brands have made the commitment to provide safe, gluten-free molasses. Here are some of the most reliable options available on the market:

• Grandma's® Molasses: This is one of the most widely recognized and trusted brands. Its website explicitly states that its molasses is gluten-free and kosher. As of a May 2024 statement, the company confirmed that although their facility is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, allergens are segregated and procedures are in place to ensure product integrity.
• Brer Rabbit Molasses: Owned by B&G Foods, the same company as Grandma's, Brer Rabbit offers certified gluten-free products. All of their varieties, including light, full flavor, and blackstrap, are labeled as gluten-free and are non-GMO verified.
• Wholesome Sweeteners: Their Organic Molasses is specifically labeled gluten-free, unsulfured, and organic. Wholesome Sweeteners produces a variety of sweeteners, and their product transparency is a key selling point for those with dietary restrictions.
• Crosby's Molasses: This brand, popular in Canada and beyond, prides itself on using 100% natural ingredients. The company website notes its pure molasses products are gluten-free. While not always certified, the lack of gluten sources in its facility is a strong indicator of safety.
• Golden Barrel: According to their customer service, Golden Barrel molasses is naturally gluten-free. The company has allergen segregation procedures in place, though it is not certified gluten-free. As with any product processed in a shared facility, reading the most current label is recommended.

The Importance of 'Unsulfured'

Historically, molasses was often treated with sulfur dioxide to preserve it and to clarify the liquid from immature sugarcane. The vast majority of molasses brands sold today are unsulfured, a process that relies on sun-ripened sugarcane and doesn't require the chemical preservative. Unsulfured molasses generally has a cleaner, less harsh flavor, and is also considered a safer bet for those with sulfite sensitivities.

Comparison of Popular Molasses Brands

Feature	Grandma's®	Brer Rabbit	Wholesome Sweeteners	Crosby's	Golden Barrel
Gluten-Free Status	Explicitly Labeled	Certified Gluten-Free	Labeled Gluten-Free	Labeled Gluten-Free	Labeled as Naturally GF
Certification	No (Facility is not dedicated GF)	Yes (Certified)	Yes (Certified Organic)	No (Facility is not dedicated GF)	No (Facility is not dedicated GF)
Unsulfured	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Grades Available	Original, Robust	Mild, Full Flavor, Blackstrap	Blackstrap (organic)	Fancy, Cooking, Blackstrap	Supreme Baking, Blackstrap
GMO Status	Non-GMO Project Verified	Non-GMO Project Verified	Non-GMO Project Verified	Non-GMO Certified	Not Explicitly Mentioned
Product Transparency	High (website details)	High (website details)	High (certification details)	Good (website details)	Moderate (contact customer service for detail)

The Cross-Contamination Conundrum

For those with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can be harmful. Here's what to look for on a product label beyond a simple "gluten-free" claim:

• Certified Gluten-Free: This is the highest standard of safety. Third-party organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) test products and audit facilities to ensure gluten levels are below a specific threshold, typically 10 ppm or less. Brer Rabbit, for instance, holds this certification.
• Statements about Shared Facilities: Some brands, like Grandma's, are transparent about manufacturing in shared facilities but detail their protocols for preventing cross-contamination. This can provide assurance, but certified products offer a higher degree of certainty.
• Reading the Ingredients List: Always check the ingredients list. Pure molasses should only have one ingredient: molasses. Be wary of any additives or thickeners, particularly in specialty molasses products like pomegranate or bead molasses, which may be processed differently and could pose a risk.

Specialty and Regional Molasses Types

Beyond traditional sugarcane molasses, there are other varieties to be mindful of:

• Sorghum Molasses: Made from sorghum cane, this is naturally gluten-free as sorghum is a gluten-free grain. Sorghum molasses offers a distinct, slightly tangier flavor.
• Pomegranate Molasses: This is not true molasses but a syrup made from reduced pomegranate juice. It is important to check the ingredients for any added thickeners or flavorings that could contain gluten.
• Bead Molasses: Found in some Asian cuisine, bead molasses should be avoided if you have gluten sensitivities. At least one brand has confirmed its bead molasses is processed on the same line as gluten-containing products.

Conclusion

For those seeking a gluten-free molasses, most pure, unsulfured molasses derived from sugarcane is naturally safe. However, cross-contamination is a real concern for individuals with celiac disease. To ensure safety, opt for brands with clear 'Certified Gluten-Free' labeling, such as Brer Rabbit. Reputable brands like Grandma's, Wholesome Sweeteners, and Crosby's also explicitly state their products are gluten-free, providing peace of mind. By consistently checking labels and understanding manufacturing practices, you can enjoy the rich flavor of molasses without worry.

Your Gluten-Free Molasses Checklist

To make a confident choice at the grocery store, follow these steps:

1. Check the label for the 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo first. This is the gold standard for safety.
2. Look for brands that explicitly state their product is gluten-free, such as Grandma's or Wholesome Sweeteners.
3. Ensure the ingredients list contains only 'molasses.' Avoid products with additives or thickeners unless they are certified.
4. Confirm the product is 'unsulfured,' which indicates a purer process.
5. Be aware of specialty molasses types, like bead molasses, which may pose a higher risk of contamination.

For comprehensive information on label reading, resources like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization provide valuable guidance. You can explore further at gfco.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all molasses naturally gluten-free?

Yes, pure molasses derived from sugarcane is naturally gluten-free. The potential for gluten contamination arises during manufacturing if it's processed on equipment shared with gluten-containing products.

Which specific brands of molasses are certified gluten-free?

Brer Rabbit Molasses is certified gluten-free, providing the highest level of assurance against cross-contamination.

Is Grandma's Molasses gluten-free?

Yes, Grandma's Molasses is explicitly labeled as gluten-free on its packaging and website. They have internal procedures to prevent cross-contamination, though they are not in a dedicated gluten-free facility.

Why is 'certified gluten-free' better than 'gluten-free' for celiac sufferers?

A 'certified gluten-free' label indicates that a product has been tested and audited by a third-party organization, such as the GFCO, ensuring it meets strict standards for gluten content, typically less than 10 ppm.

Should I be concerned about cross-contamination with molasses?

Yes, if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance, cross-contamination is a concern. To mitigate this risk, choose brands that are certified gluten-free or those with strong transparency regarding their manufacturing processes.

What is the difference between sulfured and unsulfured molasses?

Sulfured molasses is treated with sulfur dioxide as a preservative, while unsulfured is made from sun-ripened sugarcane without this chemical. Most modern molasses is unsulfured.

Is blackstrap molasses gluten-free?

Yes, blackstrap molasses is naturally gluten-free. However, like any molasses, you should check the label to ensure it's not processed in a shared facility that could cause cross-contamination.