7 Best Pomegranate Molasses Replacements

Pomegranate molasses, also known as pomegranate concentration or pomegranate syrup, is a popular ingredient in Lebanese and Iranian cuisine. It’s a reasonably thick, honey-like syrup made by boiling the bitter pomegranates’ juice.

This wonderful syrup is crisp and beautiful, with around 35% sugar. Yet, since molasses is so specific to Middle Eastern cuisine, it is not widely available in other regions of the globe. Yes. But it doesn’t mean your Turkish-inspired supper is ruined; you can easily replace other pomegranate molasses.

There are several sweet and sour flavorings that may easily substitute pomegranate molasses without sacrificing taste!

When pomegranate molasses is unavailable, you may use fresh pomegranate seeds, balsamic vinegar, cranberry juice, grenadine, tamarind paste with honey, raspberry jam, lemon, and honey.

Let us go through them quickly so you can see how they might be used in lieu of pomegranate molasses in your recipes!

Pomegranate Molasses Substitutes

1. Fresh Pomegranate Seeds

Pomegranate molasses may be substituted with grains obtained from pomegranates.

You must cut the pomegranate in half and remove the seeds, which should be petite and scarlet. You may use them to make salads, desserts, or any other dish you like.

They have the same stale flavor as molasses, therefore these fresh seeds will be perfect alternatives.

If your salad recipe asks for pomegranate molasses, sprinkle the seeds on top as an alternative; it will leave your tongue with an even nicer, fresher flavor.

But, keep in mind that your food will not have the same taste or composition. Let me clarify.

One obvious contrast between pomegranate molasses and the actual seeds is that the latter is fluid.

This option is not ideal if you want to use the seasoning in a soup or a marinade. Nonetheless, if you need it for a salad, it will work well.

While replacing, keep the ratios in mind. 1 tablespoon of pomegranate molasses is equivalent to about 6-7 pomegranate seeds.

But, keep in mind that pomegranate molasses is more acidic than regular seeds. Hence, if you’re going to use this alternative, I recommend adding a dash of vinegar to flavor the meal.

2. Balsamic vinegar

Delicious, sticky, and sour! There isn’t a better substitute for pomegranate molasses than balsamic vinegar.

This dark brown vinegar is made from unfermented grape juice. It’s bursting with complex, vivid tastes that are perfect for green summer salads.

Not only that, but it also lowers cholesterol, aids in weight reduction, and improves your appearance.

As a result, if you want a healthier alternative to pomegranate molasses, balsamic vinegar is your best pick. Since it has the same sweet and sour ratio, replacing it will be simple.

1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses is equivalent to 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar.

Keep in mind that some types of balsamic vinegar might be significantly thinner than molasses. As a result, adding this alternative to your food will change the composition.

3. Cranberry juice

Cranberries are towards the top of the list of fruits that are almost similar to pomegranate.

These crimson berries have the same bittersweet statement as pomegranates, although the zest is a little weaker. This is precisely why they make an ideal alternative.

Nevertheless, since pomegranate molasses has a thicker texture, you’ll have to perform some kitchen magic to get the juice right.

One nice option is to add 1-3 teaspoons of sugar to the juice and cook it until the amount lowers and it thickens.

Regulate the amount of sugar depending on whether you wish the sauce to be sweet or sour. When you’ve made your cranberry sauce, you’re ready to make the swap.

1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses is equivalent to 1 tablespoon cranberry juice.

4. Grenadine

Grenadine is a pomegranate derivative that may be used in place of pomegranate molasses. This flavorful syrup is made by combining pomegranate juice, sugar, and lemon.

The resulting cocktail provides the ideal combination of sweet and sour in one, and is quite similar to pomegranate molasses. Grenadine is the ultimate secret ingredient in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

If you’re making a lovely summer cocktail that calls for pomegranate molasses, substituting grenadine is a great option.

But keep in mind that the syrup is considerably sweeter than the pomegranate relish, especially if it’s store-bought.

A tablespoon of pomegranate molasses is equivalent to one tablespoon of grenadine. You could use the whole tablespoon of grenadine, but only if you don’t add any additional sweets to the cuisine.

5. Lemon and Honey

If the composition of your meal is important to you, then a lemon-honey mixture is a good substitute for pomegranate molasses.

Lemon juice adds an exceptional level of acidity to any meal, hot or cold. When you combine it with honey, you get a gritty, slimy syrup with that statement of sweetness you’re looking for.

If you don’t have honey, you may substitute any other liquid sweetener for the honey. Since maple syrup is somewhat more liquid, it is the most popular option. As a result, it will change the composition of your food.

Agave nectar or even regular molasses would be a much better density choice.

Remember the quantities while replenishing.

1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses equals 1 tablespoon lemon-honey mixture.

Yet, this substitute lacks the delightful fruity taste that molasses is renowned for. As a result, feel free to adjust the proportions or add a splash of any sort of fruit syrup to promote your meal.

6. Raspberry Jam

Raspberry jam may seem to be a significant enhancement to a tasty meal.

However, it gives the same delicious sweetness as pomegranate molasses. While it is a bit smoother and runnier than molasses, it may be easily solidified by boiling it.

Just boil it for around 30 minutes on the stove to reduce the volume. This will coagulate it automatically.

To add some acidity, squeeze in a tablespoon or two of lemon juice, or even more depending on your taste.

1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses is equivalent to 1 tablespoon raspberry jam-lemon combination.

Use this option with your marinade or sprinkle it over salads.

7. Tamarind Paste with Honey

Tamarind paste with honey is an excellent fruity substitute for pomegranate molasses.

The tamarind fruit, which is indigenous to Thailand, is used to make this thick, clammy paste.

It has a strong acidic edge that would complement any meaty essence meal. Thus, if you want to add some sweetness to it, you may use whatever sort of sweetener you have on hand.

Honey is your best bet since it has both the sweetness and the composition to turn the combination into a viable choice.

If you run out of honey, mix 1 tablespoon of agave with 1 tablespoon of tamarind and you’ll be fine. You will then be able to use the mixture instead of pomegranate molasses.

1 tablespoon of pomegranate molasses = 1 tablespoon of honey-sweetened tamarind paste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pomegranate molasses used for?

It might be used to top meatloaf or meatballs. Pomegranate molasses may also be sprinkled over warm rice pudding, porridge, or ice cream. It’s also delicious sprinkled over angel food cake and topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

What does pomegranate molasses taste like?

It has a pronounced sweet-and-sour flavor that is often likened to balsamic vinegar.

What is the difference between molasses and pomegranate molasses?

Pomegranate molasses is the fluid obtained by simmering pomegranates to a highly bulky thickness, while pomegranate molasses is obtained from pomegranates.

How long does pomegranate molasses last after being opened?

Pomegranate molasses is practically indestructible once opened.

Is pomegranate paste the same as pomegranate molasses?

It is, indeed. Pomegranate molasses may also be referred to as pomegranate syrup or pomegranate paste. They are just various ways of addressing it.

Can molasses make me sick?

Not at all! It is unlikely that rotten molasses can make you sick, but to be cautious, throw it away if you have any doubts about its freshness.

Conclusion

Pomegranate syrup is quite rare in the United States, as you are surely aware. Yet there is always a way out of seemingly difficult circumstances.

The alternatives to pomegranate syrup listed above may easily be utilized in lieu of the syrup without any bother, onerous concerns, or anything of the type.

We hope you found this post about pomegranate molasses replacements useful.