12 Best Pomegranate Molasses Substitutes

Pomegranate Molasses is a thick, sweet and tangy syrup that's made from pomegranate juice. It's often hard to find in most grocery stores, and having a substitute on hand to quickly whip up a recipe is necessary!

Here is my list for what I use as a pomegranate molasses substitute. Some of my favorites to use are balsamic glaze or cranberry juice, for a sweet and tangy replacement!

Let's be real, there are moments when we simply run out of pomegranate molasses at the most inconvenient times, and stocking up in bulk isn't always doable.

So, I've put together my list of the closest alternatives that work great in a wide variety of recipes.

I love using sweet and tangy sauces to give my dishes that much needed boost. Like in the sumac dressing I use in my favorite strawberry and feta salad, or this red pepper walnut dip. When, I need an alternative on hand right away I end up choosing one of the options I have listed below.

BEST POMEGRANATE MOLASSES SUBSTITUTE

1. Balsamic Glaze

Balsamic glaze is a more common and popular shelf-stable ingredient. It has a tangy and slightly sweet taste that can work as a substitute in some recipes. Adjust the quantity according to your taste.

2. Pomegranate Juice Reduction

If you can't buy pomegranate molasses, then the next best thing is to make pomegranate juice reduction at home! There a few good recipes for homemade pomegranate molasses reduction so you can make it yourself if you have the time!

To make it, simmer pomegranate juice over low heat until it reduces and thickens into a syrup-like consistency. 

3. Red Wine Reduction

If you're looking for a non-fruity alternative, you can try reducing red wine to create a syrupy consistency, or look for one in stores, like this merlot wine sauce! While it won't have the same pomegranate flavor, it can add depth and complexity to your dishes.

4. Carob Syrup

Carob is a Mediterranean superfood! It has a rich, chocolaty flavor and a smooth, silky texture. Carob syrup is naturally sweet and packed with antioxidants. It's used to sweeten drinks, salad dressings and desserts. It makes a great pomegranate molasses substitute in recipes are missing a sweet and thick ingredient.

5. Tamarind Paste

Tamarind paste can be used as a substitute, especially in savory recipes. It has a tangy and slightly sweet taste that can mimic the flavor of pomegranate molasses. It's popular in Indian-cuisine.

6. Grenadine Syrup

Grenadine syrup is made from pomegranate juice, sugar, and sometimes lemon juice or orange flower water. It can be a good substitute for pomegranate molasses. However, keep in mind that grenadine syrup is typically sweeter than pomegranate molasses, so you may need to adjust the sweetness in your recipe.

7. Raspberry Jam

Raspberries offer a similar sweet and tangy flavor to pomegranates. They can make a great option when you're in a pinch to easily be able to grab a jar of store-bought jam or make it yourself at home.

8. Plum Sauce

Plum sauce is another good alternative! It's a thick, sweet and tangy condiment made from plums, vinegar, sugar, and various spices, commonly used in Asian cuisine as a dipping sauce or glaze for meats.

9. Cranberry Syrup

Cranberry syrup is a sweet and tart liquid made from cranberries and sugar, often used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, desserts, or as a flavoring in cocktails and beverages.

10. Maple Syrup & Lemon Juice

Since we're replicating the sweet and tangy flavor of pomegranate molasses, then adding a touch of lemon juice to maple syrup or honey could achieve just what you're looking for in certain recipes! I like using this for rice pilaf, or salad dressing.

11. Date Syrup

Date syrup is a rich, sweet syrup made from dates. It's dark color and it's thick consistency makes it a good alternative for certain recipes.

12. Cassis Syrup

Cassis syrup is a sweet and rich syrup made from blackcurrants. It provides a similar flavor profile as pomegranate molasses, but without it being as tangy. It's often used in cocktails, mixed drinks, or as a topping for desserts, similar to carob syrup!

Conclusion

There are a few great alternatives for pomegranate molasses that replace it's flavor or texture in various recipes, like the dressing for this strawberry feta spinach salad. Whether you choose to make it yourself, or grab one of the other options, like carob syrup (yum!), red wine sauce, or balsamic glaze, remember that these substitutes may not provide an exact flavor match. So, it's a good idea to adjust the quantities and taste as you go to achieve the desired result.

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