And how do you save moldy syrup?
By Maxine Builder and Maxine Builder Updated February 13, 2018
Syrup
Credit: Photo by Sara Lynn Paige via Getty Images
A bottle of maple syrup can be expensive—especially if you're buying that Grade A, totally pure stuff—so there's no shame in wanting to know how long syrup lasts. After all, you want to be able to use that maple syrup for as long as possible. So does syrup ever go bad? The short answer is technically no, syrup does not expire and you can keep an unopened container of the stuff on your shelf indefinitely. That's due to the high sugar content of pure maple syrup, according to the experts at Ben's Sugar Shack, which produces syrup in New Hampshire. This is actually the same reason why honey never expires; bacteria have a hard time growing in these high-sugar, low-moisture environments.
But one difference between honey and syrup is that syrup can get moldy after the container's been opened, exposing the syrup to air. The good news is that this mold isn't like the mold that ruins fruit; it's a totally different type of fungus that doesn't affect the syrup. In other words, moldy syrup is still safe to eat—but you have to remove the mold first.
The easiest way to remove mold from maple syrup, according to the folks at Epler's Maple Syrup, which makes maple syrup in Pennsylvania, is to skim off the layer of mold on top. Then heat up the remaining syrup to its boiling point to kill the offending spores. Let that cool a bit, skim off any mold that may still be lingering, and reheat it again. Then it's ready to go.
Things are a little bit different if you're buying pancake syrup, not pure maple syrup. Pancake syrup is often a type of corn syrup that's been flavored. Much like maple syrup, pancake syrup doesn't spoil. It's safe to eat for "an indefinite period of time regardless of whether it has been opened," according to Karo, which manufactures both a pancake syrup and several types of corn syrup. You don't have to store pancake syrup in the fridge, though. Room temperature is just fine, but if you're buying the stuff that comes from a tree, be sure to keep it in the fridge to avoid any moldy situations.
By Maxine Builder and Maxine Builder
FAQs
Maple syrup is resistant to spoiling because of the high sugar content. It will last indefinitely if stored properly. Problems can occur though. You may see a build-up of crystals on the bottom of the bottle, or you may find a layer of mold on the top.
How do you know when syrup goes bad? ›
The best way to check on your maple syrup is to smell it or take a small taste. If it smells good and tastes good, it is good! If there is mold on the surface or in the container, you can scrape it off or strain the syrup through a cheese cloth to remove all of the mold pieces.
Can you eat 10 year old maple syrup? ›
StillTasty.com indicates that 100 percent pure maple syrup should keep for a year unopened in the pantry, a year opened in the refrigerator, and indefinitely in the freezer.
Is 2 year old syrup still good? ›
Maple Syrup unopened will keep for a long time. Glass keeps the best; we have a bottle over 50 years old on our shelf that is still good. Plastic we normally recommend not keeping for more than 18 months to 2 years and tin should be stored no longer than 6 months.
Can I eat expired syrup? ›
Technically, no. However, all maple syrup has a shelf life of sorts. It can become moldy once opened due to airborne mold spores. Moldy syrup is not safe for consumption or very appealing.
Can Aunt Jemima syrup go bad? ›
The short answer is technically no, syrup does not expire and you can keep an unopened container of the stuff on your shelf indefinitely. That's due to the high sugar content of pure maple syrup, according to the experts at Ben's Sugar Shack, which produces syrup in New Hampshire.
What does spoiled syrup taste like? ›
If it smells strange, it's most likely gone bad. An off flavor in maple syrup can come in many forms, too. Folks have described a cardboard flavor, a Tootsie Roll flavor, a sour flavor, or even a salty flavor. Again, if it tastes like anything besides delicious maple syrup, it's probably not fresh anymore.
Does Mrs. Butterworth syrup go bad? ›
The short answer is technically no, syrup does not expire.
What is the cloudy stuff floating in maple syrup? ›
This is the result of sugar sand (also called niter) and every sugarmaker has dealt with it in their syrup-making career. While it's not very appetizing and can sometimes affect taste, sugar sand is not a sign of spoilage or bad syrup.
Does syrup go bad if not refrigerated? ›
When unopened, you can store hot-packed pure maple syrup for at least a year (or more) in the pantry at room temperature. Once opened, does maple syrup need to be refrigerated if it's the pure variety? Yes, because it's a natural product with no preservatives and can spoil or grow mold.
Karo syrup is safe to eat for an indefinite period of time whether it has been opened or not opened. However, for best results we recommend using before the "Best by" date stamped on the container. Bottles may be refrigerated after opening, however, the syrup will be thicker and slower to pour.
Does liquid syrup go bad? ›
Store your syrup products in a dry clean location at normal room temperature, that is between 18-27⁰C. If stored correctly (as above), the shelf life after opening and with the cap on will be 3-6 months. The shelf life when using a pump or pour spout will be slightly shorter at 1-2 months.
What happens if you have out of date syrup? ›
The expiration date written on the date syrup is the “best by” date of using it. But, it doesn't mean that the product will go rancid after that time. Usually, it is common to still being safe to consume this product after its expiration date.
How to tell if syrup has gone bad? ›
First examine your maple syrup for signs of mold. Another sign that the maple syrup has gone bad is it might not smell right. If the maple syrup has any kind of sour odor, or smells like fermentation then discard it. Maple syrup should smell sweet, like caramel.
What does syrup look like when it goes bad? ›
Maple syrup is resistant to spoiling because of the high sugar content. It will last indefinitely if stored properly. Problems can occur though. You may see a build-up of crystals on the bottom of the bottle, or you may find a layer of mold on the top.
Can mold grow in maple syrup? ›
Maple syrup is particularly susceptible to types of moulds that can grow in high-sugar environments. Mould prevention in maple syrup is an ongoing challenge for maple syrup producers because the presence of mould in maple syrup can severely impact the perceived quality of that syrup.
How long can a syrup be used after opening? ›
Typically, drugs in solution, such as drops or syrups, have relatively short expiry dates after opening, ranging from 2 weeks to 2 months, and must be stored in a refrigerator [20] . ...
How to tell if simple syrup is bad? ›
Does Simple Syrup Go Bad? The short answer is yes. You'll know it has gone bad once it is no longer clear and starts to look cloudy in appearance. When this happens, it has started to grow mold and should be thrown out.
Does syrup go bad if not refrigerated after opening? ›
When unopened, you can store hot-packed pure maple syrup for at least a year (or more) in the pantry at room temperature. Once opened, does maple syrup need to be refrigerated if it's the pure variety? Yes, because it's a natural product with no preservatives and can spoil or grow mold.
