Beet Molasses
Beet molasses is a thick, dark syrup obtained as a by‑product of sugar beet processing. It consists mainly of sugars, minerals and trace nutrients and is used as a feed ingredient, fermentation substrate and sweetener in food applications. The commodity is typically stored in bulk tanks or drums under ambient conditions to preserve its quality.
Prices, specifications and international trade for beet molasses under HS 170390.
Beet Molasses Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Beet molasses is quoted in USD/t at POL. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
Explore beet molasses pricesBeet Molasses Exports and Imports
Poland led reported beet molasses exports in 2025, at $55.9M.
Compare beet molasses exporting countriesBeet Molasses Specifications and Quality
Beet molasses grading factors include Moisture content, Total solids, and Invert sugar ratio.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for beet molasses considers Moisture content, Total solids, and Invert sugar ratio.
- Moisture content
Measured as percentage of total weight; influences viscosity and shelf‑life.
- Total solids
Sum of sugars and other solids expressed as % w/w; determines sweetness and handling characteristics.
- Invert sugar ratio
Proportion of glucose and fructose derived from sucrose hydrolysis; affects color and fermentability.
- Color and clarity
Visual assessment of darkness and translucency; darker molasses may indicate higher mineral content.
- Viscosity
Measured at a standard temperature (typically 20 °C) in centipoise; indicates flow properties for transport and processing.
Typical Specification Ranges
Beet molasses specifications record moisture, total solids, invert sugar. These are typical ranges, not guarantees for an individual lot.
| Moisture | 20–30 % w/w |
|---|---|
| Total solids | 70–80 % w/w |
| Invert sugar | 5.00–15 % w/w |
| Viscosity | 1,500–3,000 cP (20 °C) |
Common Defects
Recorded defects for beet molasses include Microbial contamination, Crystallization, and Foreign matter.
- Microbial contamination
Presence of bacteria, yeast or mold that can cause spoilage or off‑flavors.
- Crystallization
Formation of sugar crystals that alter flow and texture.
- Foreign matter
Inclusion of sand, debris or plant material from processing.
- Excess mineral content
High levels of salts or minerals leading to undesirable taste or reduced purity.
Certifications
Certifications documented for beet molasses include ISO 22000, HACCP, and Kosher. Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.
- ISO 22000
Food safety management system certification.
- HACCP
Hazard analysis and critical control points compliance.
- Kosher
Certification that the product meets kosher dietary laws.
- Halal
Certification that the product meets halal dietary requirements.
Beet Molasses Facts and HS Code
Beet molasses belongs to sugar and sweeteners within softs and tropicals. Its customs classification covers HS 170390.
Beet Molasses HS Code
| Product type | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Form | Concentrate |
| Position in the chain | By product |
| Category | Sugar and sweeteners — Softs and tropicals |
| HS codes | 170390 |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | POL |
Production & Handling
Beet molasses storage guidance: Store in steel tanks at 20‑30 °C, avoid temperatures above 40 °C and pH below 7 to limit self‑heating and foaming.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | Low |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Storage conditions | Store in steel tanks at 20‑30 °C, avoid temperatures above 40 °C and pH below 7 to limit self‑heating and foaming. |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical beet molasses packaging includes Bulk tanker trucks, Drums (200 L), and Intermediate bulk containers (IBC).
- Bulk tanker trucks
Stainless‑steel tanks with temperature control for large‑volume shipments.
- Drums (200 L)
Metal or food‑grade plastic drums sealed with screw caps for intermediate bulk handling.
- Intermediate bulk containers (IBC)
Reusable 1 000 L containers with palletized bases for flexible logistics.
Uses & Risks
Beet molasses is used in Animal feed, Fermentation feedstock, and Food ingredient.
End Uses
- Animal feed
Used as a high‑energy ingredient in livestock and poultry rations
- Fermentation feedstock
Provides fermentable sugars for ethanol and bio‑fuel production
- Food ingredient
Used in bakery, confectionery and beverage formulations for flavor and moisture
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Livestock feed industry, Ethanol and bio‑fuel production, Food processing sector |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Microbial contamination Food safetyMedium Beet molasses can harbor bacteria or yeast if not properly stored, leading to spoilage or health hazards. | Maintain hygienic handling, keep at low temperatures, and ensure proper sanitation of storage tanks. |
Temperature sensitivity LogisticsMedium Molasses is prone to crystallization and viscosity changes when exposed to high temperatures, affecting pumpability and transport. | Transport in temperature‑controlled containers and monitor ambient conditions during loading and unloading. |
Regulatory limits on contaminants PolicyLow Food safety regulations may impose limits on heavy metals or pesticide residues in molasses used for food applications. | Implement testing protocols and source beet from farms complying with residue standards. |
Water usage in production SustainabilityLow Sugar beet processing for molasses requires significant irrigation, impacting water resources in arid regions. | Adopt water‑efficient irrigation practices and source beet from regions with adequate water availability. |
Beet Molasses Questions
- What are the typical specifications and handling requirements for beet molasses?
- Beet molasses is a viscous by‑product of sugar beet processing, classified under HS code 170390. It is usually supplied in bulk tanks or drums, with a typical moisture content of 20‑30 % and a density of about 1.3 t/m³. The product is stored at temperatures below 20 °C to prevent fermentation and is commonly used as a sweetener in animal feed, fermentation processes, and as a source of fermentable sugars in industrial applications.