Ingredient substitute
What can you use instead of grape molasses (pekmez)?
Date syrup, Honey and Molasses (light) + a little lemon are the easiest swaps. Below: 4 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.
The quick answer
Date syrup. Use the same amount. Closest in color and fruity sweetness.
Adjust: Direct swap.
-
Date syrup
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Closest in color and fruity sweetness.
- Flavor
- Rich, caramel-fruity.
- Texture
- Thick syrup.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Direct swap.
- Best for
- Simit dip, Tahini pekmez, Baking
vegan
-
Honey
Drop-in swapUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Floral sweetness; thinner than pekmez.
- Flavor
- Floral.
- Texture
- Syrupy.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Not vegan.
- Best for
- Tahini spread, Breakfast
-
Molasses (light) + a little lemon
Small adjustmentUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Stronger and more bitter.
- Flavor
- Dark, slightly bitter.
- Texture
- Thick.
- Moisture
- Same.
- Adjust
- Cut with a splash of water or lemon.
- Best for
- Simit, Marinades
vegan
-
Maple syrup
Small adjustmentUse the same amount (ratio 1:1)
Thinner and less fruity.
- Flavor
- Woody sweet.
- Texture
- Thinner.
- Moisture
- Slightly more.
- Adjust
- Reduce a spoonful in a pan to thicken.
- Best for
- Tahini spread, Breakfast
vegan
Common questions
What is the best substitute for grape molasses (pekmez)?
Date syrup is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Closest in color and fruity sweetness.
What is a vegan substitute for grape molasses (pekmez)?
Good vegan options are Date syrup, Molasses (light) + a little lemon and Maple syrup.
How much should I use instead of grape molasses (pekmez)?
It depends on the swap. Date syrup: Use the same amount. Honey: Use the same amount. Molasses (light) + a little lemon: Use the same amount.
Recipes that use grape molasses (pekmez)
More swaps
Scale it to your recipe
Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.