The Best Easy Pomegranate Molasses Substitutes

Discover the best easy pomegranate molasses substitutes I've tried with 2 recipes plus a handy list of 10+ top favorites and ideas for finding the perfect substitute for recipes that use this classic ingredient.

If you're a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, then you've come across pomegranate molasses in recipes. This thick, tangy, and slightly sweet syrup is a staple in many dishes, from salad dressings, like oil-free pomegranate vinaigrette, to marinades and our favorite fesenjan lentil and walnut stew.

It stars in some of my favorite recipes like oil-free Fattoush salad, lentil and veggie pomegranate salad, and is amazing with air fryer Brussels sprouts!

In its purest form, the kind I buy, pom molasses is pure pomegranate juice that is reduced into a thick concentrate. 

But what do you do if you can't find pomegranate molasses at your local grocery store? Don't worry! I've got several of the best pomegranate molasses substitutes you can use to achieve a similar flavor profile.

⭐ Top 3 Pomegranate Molasses Substitutes

These are my top three substitutes that work for mixed salad dressings, stews, and flavoring dishes with cooked lentils and other pulses. 

Tamarind Paste

Tamarind concentrate or tamarind paste is made from the fruit pulp of the tamarind tree. It has a sharp sour taste and tangy flavor that is similar to pomegranate molasses.

Sweetened tamarind paste is my favorite substitute and is delicious in recipes like easy tamarind sauce lentils.

Tamarind paste substitute: 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses + ½ teaspoon maple syrup (or another liquid sweetener). 

Pro Tips

• Dilute it with some water and add a bit of sweetness, if desired, to balance the tart taste.
• Use it in the same way you would use pomegranate molasses.
• Check out our tamarind lentils or Thai Brussels sprouts with noodles for more ideas.

Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is a dark, sweet, and tangy vinegar that can substitute for pomegranate molasses. It's a great substitute when mixed with a little pomegranate juice. 

Balsamic vinegar substitute: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar + 1 tablespoon pomegranate juice

Pro Tips

• In a pinch, substitute cranberry juice for pomegranate juice.
• Regular balsamic vinegar is thin. Use balsamic reduction if possible. 
• To use it, dilute it with water and sugar to achieve the desired sweetness. For thicker balsamic, try a balsamic reduction. It's easy and tasty!

Homemade Pomegranate Molasses or Syrup

This option is third on my list because it requires more time than the first two. If you aren't in a hurry, reducing pomegranate juice is the way to go. 

How to make pomegranate syrup. Add at least a cup of pomegranate juice plus a teaspoon of sweetener to a saucepan. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes until it is reduced by half or more and thickens into a syrup. 

Pro Tip

This homemade version may have a different flavor than store-bought pomegranate molasses. Still, it's a great option if you need help finding it or prefer to make your own.

📋 4 Common Substitutes

Cranberry Juice Concentrate: Cranberry juice concentrate is a thick, tangy syrup from concentrated cranberry juice. It has a similar tartness and sweetness to pomegranate molasses and can be used similarly.

Raspberry Jam: Raspberry jam is a sweet, slightly tart jam that can serve as a good substitute for pomegranate molasses. Mix it with water and lemon juice to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Grenadine Syrup: Grenadine syrup is a sweet syrup made from pomegranate juice and sugar. It has a similar flavor to pomegranate molasses but is much sweeter. Reduce the sugar in your recipe if you're using grenadine syrup as a substitute. You can also cut it with tamarind or lemon juice.

Cassis Syrup: A thick syrup made from currants, cassis syrup is an excellent substitute. It has a distinct berry aroma and flavor.

⏲️ Pantry Substitutes in a Pinch

Mix and match the following substitutes to add shape and sweet notes. 

Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar has a tart flavor similar to pomegranate molasses. Mix it as a substitute with a bit of sugar or maple syrup to balance the flavor. Use it in the same way you would use pomegranate molasses.

​Lemon Juice or Lime Juice and Maple Syrup: If you don't have any of the above substitutes, mixing lemon juice or lime juice and maple syrup can still achieve a similar flavor profile. Start with a small amount of each and adjust to taste. The lemon juice provides tartness, while the honey adds sweetness.

Date Syrup: Date syrup or date paste is a sweet syrup with a thick texture made from dates that can be used as a substitute for pomegranate molasses. It has a similar consistency but a slightly different flavor profile and a sweet taste. Use it in the same way you would use pomegranate molasses. Try my simple date syrup (date paste) recipe and make your own.

White Balsamic Condiment. Also known as white balsamic vinegar, it is slightly sweet and thicker than regular balsamic. Cut it with a little lime juice or lemon juice. 

🥣 What to Know About Ingredient Substitutions

Ultimately the best substitutes for any ingredients are the best option for you, the home cook. It's also important to note that suitable alternatives always depend on how you'll use them.

No matter which substitutes you choose, remember that the flavor won't be the same as the unique taste of pomegranate molasses. But with some experimentation, you can still create delicious Middle Eastern dishes that are sure to please.

And don't forget, a smattering of fresh pomegranate seeds always lends a crunchy texture and a little magic of the sweet flavor of pomegranate molasses. Happy cooking!

💭 Frequently Asked Questions