Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Molasses in Spanish
Melaza · noun · meh-LAH-sah
The Spanish word for molasses is 'melaza,' a feminine noun referring to the thick, dark syrup produced during sugar refining. In Caribbean countries and parts of Central America, it is also called 'miel de caña' (cane honey). Melaza is a staple ingredient in many traditional desserts and beverages across Latin America.
Melaza is pronounced meh-LAH-sah. The stress falls on the second syllable 'la.' All three syllables are clearly enunciated.
La melaza se usa para endulzar galletas y pasteles.
Molasses is used to sweeten cookies and cakes.
Molasses in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for molasses, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| melaza | molasses | meh-LAH-sah | Default, widely understood |
| miel de caña | molasses | common in Caribbean and Central America | |
| melado | molasses | Cuba, Puerto Rico |
How Native Speakers Use Melaza
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Baking ingredient
Esta receta lleva dos cucharadas de melaza.
This recipe calls for two tablespoons of molasses.
Following a baking recipe.
Regional name
En Cuba se le dice miel de caña a la melaza.
In Cuba, molasses is called miel de caña.
Explaining the regional terminology.
Sugar production
La melaza es un subproducto de la refinación del azúcar.
Molasses is a byproduct of sugar refining.
Describing the industrial process behind molasses.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Melaza
Using a false cognate
Incorrect: Compré un frasco de molases en la tienda.
Correct: Compré un frasco de melaza en la tienda.
There is no Spanish word 'molases' — the correct term is 'melaza,' which comes from the Latin word for honey.
Wrong gender
Incorrect: El melaza es muy espeso.
Correct: La melaza es muy espesa.
Melaza is a feminine noun, so both the article and any adjectives must agree: 'la melaza espesa.'
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See Melaza used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Molasses in Spanish
- Is miel de caña the same as molasses?
- Miel de caña and melaza refer to closely related products — both are dark syrups derived from sugarcane, though 'miel de caña' can sometimes denote a slightly less processed version in certain regions.
- What is melaza used for in Latin American cooking?
- Melaza appears in traditional desserts, rum production, marinades for grilled meats, and sweetened beverages, making it a versatile ingredient in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.
- Where does the word melaza come from?
- Melaza derives from the Latin 'mellaceus' (honey-like), reflecting the syrup's thick, sweet consistency that resembles honey.