It’s National Molasses Bar Day! Molasses is a thick, sticky syrup made from sugarcane. The word molasses comes from the Portuguese word “melaco,” which evolved from the Latin “mel,” meaning “honey.”

The quality of molasses depends on the maturity of the sugarcane, the amount of sugar extracted, and the method of extraction. In the Middle East, molasses is also produced from carob, grapes, dates, pomegranates, and mulberries.

Since the 1500s, people have used molasses to sweeten their food. Its distinctive taste is still called for in many recipes including gingerbread, sauces, cookies, toffee, baked beans, fruitcake, and molasses bars.

Grab a spicy and sweet molasses bar to celebrate National Molasses Bar Day!