Sugarcane Molasses (Kakvi)

About

What it is and where it shows up.

Kakvi is the Gujarati/Marathi regional name for sugarcane molasses, the thick dark-brown viscous syrup that remains after sucrose crystals are extracted from sugarcane juice during sugar refining. It is used as a traditional sweetener, cooking ingredient, and nutritional supplement in India, valued for its mineral content including iron, calcium, and potassium.

Safety summary

The regulatory and scientific consensus.

Kakvi (sugarcane molasses) is generally safe for the general adult population when consumed in typical dietary amounts as a traditional food ingredient; no ADI has been formally established by EFSA, FDA, or FSSAI for molasses as a food additive since it is a whole food/ingredient rather than an isolated additive. It is high in sugar (predominantly sucrose, glucose, and fructose) and calories, making excessive consumption a concern for individuals managing blood sugar or weight. No IARC carcinogenicity classification applies; no significant toxicological hazard has been identified at normal intake levels.

Regulatory landscape

What food-safety regulators have decided.

Jurisdiction	Status	Note
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union)	Approved	Sugarcane molasses is recognized as a traditional food ingredient in the EU and is not regulated as a food additive requiring an E-number. It is not subject to the novel food regulation (EU 2015/2283) as it has an established history of consumption.source
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India)	Approved	Sugarcane molasses and its derivatives (including kakvi) are recognized traditional food ingredients under FSSAI regulations. No specific maximum daily intake is prescribed for molasses as a whole food ingredient; it falls under general food standards rather than the food additives schedule.source
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States)	Approved	Cane molasses is affirmed as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) under 21 CFR 184.1865 for direct addition to food. No ADI established.source

Who should approach with care

Whose guidance would steer them away.

Diabetes — Kakvi is high in free sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose) which can significantly raise blood glucose; people with diabetes should limit intake and monitor glycemic response in line with WHO guidance on free sugars.

Infants — Molasses and concentrated sugar syrups are not appropriate for infants under 12 months due to high sugar content, risk of dental caries, and potential traces of contaminants; FSSAI and general pediatric guidance recommend no added sugars for this age group.

Ibs — Molasses contains fructose and fermentable carbohydrates that may trigger IBS symptoms in sensitive individuals; moderation is advised.

Hypertension — High sugar intake from sources such as kakvi/molasses may contribute to metabolic risk factors associated with hypertension; general dietary guidance recommends limiting free sugar consumption.

Kidney Disease — Kakvi is relatively rich in potassium and minerals; individuals with kidney disease on potassium-restricted diets should consult their doctor before regular consumption.

Research citations

The sources behind this verdict.

1FDA. Code of Federal Regulations – Cane Molasses (21 CFR 184.1865). accessdata.fda.gov
2FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations – Compendium 2022, 2022. fssai.gov.in
3PubMed. A Review Regarding the Use of Molasses in Animal Nutrition, 2021. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4PubMed. Sugarcane Molasses - A Potential Dietary Supplement in the Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia, 2017. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5WHO. Sugars intake for adults and children – WHO Guideline, 2015. who.int

Independently researched5 citations