Molasses

Sweetener

Age Suggestion

12 months

Iron-Rich

Common Allergen

a photograph of a small glass pitcher of molasses on a white background

Warning

To be safe, avoid molasses before the first birthday due the risk of infant botulism. Molasses has been associated with infant botulism, a rare but serious condition.

When can babies have molasses?

After baby’s first birthday. Molasses can contain spores from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which can increase the risk of infant botulism, a rare but potentially fatal illness. While molasses is generally considered safe for toddlers, babies under 12 months of age are most at risk.

Molasses is a thick, dark syrup produced during the processing of produce like sugarcane, sugar beets, grapes, pomegranates, and more. It has been used for centuries as a source of tangy sweetness in cooking and baking across the Caribbean, South America, Africa, Europe, and North America. Historically, molasses played a major role in global trade and colonial economies and became a foundational ingredient in foods such as gingerbread, baked beans, traditional desserts, and more.

How do you serve molasses to babies?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience.

6 to 11 months old:

Avoid due to the risk of infant botulism.

12 months old +:

Use any type of molasses in family meals as desired, including in baked goods like cookies or breads, in barbecue sauces, and more. Just avoid serving a spoonful of molasses on its own, as its thick, sticky texture continues to pose an increased choking risk. Serve desserts and sweets containing molasses in moderation, modifying as needed for the toddler’s eating ability.

Videos

Cooper, 2.5 years old, eats a cookie that contains molasses.

Is molasses a choking hazard for babies?

Yes. Molasses is very thick and sticky, qualities that can increase the risk of choking, although molasses is typically mixed into sauces and batters, where it poses a low risk. To reduce the risk of choking, wait to offer food with molasses until after the first birthday, then prepare and serve molasses in an age-appropriate way as described in How to Serve. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within reach of baby during meals.

Learn the signs of choking and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

Is molasses a common allergen?

No. Molasses is not a common allergen. Note that molasses is typically quite high in sulfites, which may trigger symptoms that are similar to an allergic reaction in people with sulfite sensitivity, although this is rare in babies.

Is molasses safe for babies?

No. Molasses can contain spores from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which can increase the risk of infant botulism, a rare but potentially fatal illness. While molasses is generally considered safe for toddlers, babies under 12 months of age are most at risk. Baking or cooking the food does not necessarily reduce the risk of illness, since these spores are quite resistant to heat.

If baby happens to taste food with molasses, keep calm and know that it is probably fine. Symptoms can first present anywhere between 3-30 days after being exposed to botulinum spores, one of the first signs being constipation. If, at any point, baby appears weak and/or lethargic, contact your pediatric healthcare provider.

Can I give my baby blackstrap molasses?

No, not until after the first birthday. Like other types of molasses, blackstrap molasses can contain spores from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which can increase the risk of infant botulism, a rare but potentially serious illness. While molasses is generally considered safe for toddlers, babies under 12 months of age are most at risk.

Our Team

Written by

Dr. Sakina Bajowala

MD, FAAAAI

Kim Grenawitzke

OTD, OTR/L, SCFES, IBCLC, CNT

Venus Kalami

MNSP, RD, CSP

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