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Ask Erika: Ease Your Kid into Loving Blackstrap Molasses

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Dear Erika,

My pediatrician told me I should add blackstrap molasses to my children’s diet. I’ve tasted it and it’s really bitter. Do you have any suggestions on how to introduce it?
–Cindy, Las Vegas, NV

Dear Cindy,

I had the same reaction! But the benefits of blackstrap molasses are so amazing, it’s worth
finding ways to incorporate this iron-rich superfood into your vegan child’s diet.  Have you ever
heard of the old phrase that a frog dropped in boiling water will jump out, but a frog in water
brought to a boil won’t? The same theory applies in the nice, cruelty-free, vegan world. If you
pour a bunch of molasses on toast, your child will probably spit it out. But, if you introduce it
slowly and possibly even disguised, you will have a blackstrap loving kid in no time! And yes, I’m
speaking from experience. Seriously. Don’t schmear a bunch on toast for the first time!

With that being said, the quickest way is to cater to the sweet tooth. There are many recipes out there for molasses cookies—just substitute ½ of the regular molasses for blackstrap. And with each batch, increase the blackstrap substitute.

Another suggestion is to add it to oatmeal. When I make a fresh pot of oatmeal, I stir in just a small teaspoon to five cups oatmeal as it’s finished cooking. Next time, I add two teaspoons. Would you believe that after about six months of eating oatmeal once a week, we are up to 1/4 cup of blackstrap for five cups oatmeal? The moral of the story: slow and steady turtle wins the race with superfood blackstrap molasses. Good luck!

Thanks!

Erika

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Disclaimer: Erika Krebs is not a nutritionist, registered dietitian, nor medical doctor. The information on GenerationVeggie.org is based on each columnist’s own training, research through reading and talking with other like-minded individuals, and personal experiences eating plant-based, vegan, and raw foods. The material appearing on GenerationVeggie.org is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any or all changes to your diet and lifestyle should always first be discussed with your professional healthcare providers. GenerationVeggie.org assumes no responsibility or liability for any consequences resulting directly or indirectly from any action or inaction you take based on the information found on or material linked to on this website.

Posted in Advice Columns, Ask Erika

Erika is a best-selling cookbook author, food writer, lifestyle columnist, and a mom of three. She is the author of “Fresh Start: Farm to Table Plant Based Baby Recipes.” Erika is working on a new cookbook that focuses on fun, healthy, plant-based, toddler meals. Find out more about her work at FreshStartCookbook.com. Send Erika your questions at askerika@generationveggie.org.