Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of pomegranate molasses?

Balsamic glaze, Lemon juice + honey or brown sugar and Tamarind paste + sugar 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

Balsamic glaze. Use the same amount. Sweeter and winier; thick like real molasses.

Adjust: Cut with a splash of lemon juice for more tartness.

Balsamic glaze
Small adjustment

Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

Sweeter and winier; thick like real molasses.

Flavor
Winey-sweet.

Texture
Syrupy.

Moisture
Same.

Adjust
Cut with a splash of lemon juice for more tartness.

Best for
Dressings, Glazes, Meat marinades

vegan
Lemon juice + honey or brown sugar
Small adjustment

Ratio 1 tbsp lemon + 1 tsp honey : 1 tbsp (ratio 1 tbsp lemon + 1 tsp honey : 1 tbsp)

Re-creates the sweet-sour balance but lacks the fruit depth.

Flavor
Sour-sweet.

Texture
Thinner.

Moisture
Higher.

Adjust
Reduce 3 minutes over low heat for a syrupy body.

Best for
Kısır, Gavurdağı salad, Dressings, Marinades
Tamarind paste + sugar
Changes flavor or texture

Ratio 1 tbsp tamarind + 1 tsp sugar : 1 tbsp (ratio 1 tbsp tamarind + 1 tsp sugar : 1 tbsp)

Tart and fruity, but earthier.

Flavor
Tart-sweet, brown.

Texture
Sticky.

Moisture
Same.

Adjust
Thin with a little water.

Best for
Stews, Meat glazes

vegan
Reduced cranberry or pomegranate juice
Technique swap

Ratio 4 tbsp juice reduced to 1 tbsp (ratio 4 tbsp juice reduced to 1 tbsp)

Simmer unsweetened juice until syrupy; the real recipe is just this.

Flavor
Tart, fruity.

Texture
Syrupy.

Moisture
Same.

Adjust
Add a squeeze of lemon at the end.

Best for
Any recipe calling for pomegranate molasses

vegan

Common questions

What is the best substitute for pomegranate molasses?

Balsamic glaze is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Sweeter and winier; thick like real molasses.

What is a vegan substitute for pomegranate molasses?

Good vegan options are Balsamic glaze, Tamarind paste + sugar and Reduced cranberry or pomegranate juice.

How much should I use instead of pomegranate molasses?

It depends on the swap. Balsamic glaze: Use the same amount. Lemon juice + honey or brown sugar: Ratio 1 tbsp lemon + 1 tsp honey : 1 tbsp. Tamarind paste + sugar: Ratio 1 tbsp tamarind + 1 tsp sugar : 1 tbsp.