Treacle is an uncrystallized syrup made during the refining of sugar. It comes in two main varieties: golden syrup, which is a pale variety, and black treacle, which is a darker variety similar to molasses. Black treacle has a distinctively strong, slightly bitter flavor, and a richer color than golden syrup. Treacle is a by-product of the sugar refining process, and it is what remains when sugar cane juice is boiled down to produce grains of sugar.

Treacle is a common sweetener and condiment in British cuisine, found in such dishes as treacle tart and treacle sponge pudding. It is also used in some savory applications, like for curing bacon or glazing meats, much the way molasses is included in American barbecue sauces. Black treacle is widely used as a liquid sweetener, natural colorant, and flavoring for sauces, baked products, confectionery, and desserts.

Treacle and molasses are both byproducts of the sugar-refining process, but they have some differences. Treacle tends to be sweeter and thinner than molasses, which has a thicker consistency and a slightly bitter taste. Molasses is commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes, while treacle is mainly used as a sweetener. Black treacle is a mixture of refiners syrup and molasses, resulting in a flavor that is like molasses but presents a smoother, softer, and rounder taste.

In summary, treacle is a sweet syrup made during the refining of sugar, and it comes in two main varieties: golden syrup and black treacle. It is a common sweetener and condiment in British cuisine and is used in some savory applications as well. Treacle and molasses are both byproducts of the sugar-refining process, but they have some differences in taste and usage.