Does Sugar Go Bad After Expiration?
Question: Does sugar go bad after expiration? Read on to find out.
You come across an old pack of sugar that has been in storage in the cupboard for a very long time and you’re not sure whether or not it can still be used. You, therefore, ask yourself, “does sugar go bad?” Although white sugar is known to stay for prolonged periods, it’s good to double-check and confirm if it’s still in good condition for use. If this is the case, this article is meant for you.
Does Sugar Go Bad?
The answer to the question “does sugar go bad?” is that sugar doesn’t really go bad and will last for decades without difficulty, all you need to do is to store it properly. For more information about the shelf life, storage and whether or not sugar goes bad, continue reading.
How Sugar Is Stored
Granulated sugar has to be kept using the same method that powdered sugar, xylitol (sugar supplement) and brown sugar are stored. Meaning that the storage area should be cool, dry and away from all heat sources.
An already opened pack of sugar has to be stored away from water and moisture. Since sugar isn’t packed in bags that can protect it from moisture and water, you’ll need to take care of the situation on your own.
After opening a bag of sugar, the best and recommended method of storage is by putting it in an airtight container before keeping it in the pantry or kitchen cabinet.
You can choose to continue keeping your white sugar in the original bag. Just ensure that moisture, water and all sorts of strong odors cannot get into it.
How Long Can White Sugar Last?
White sugar similar to honey can pretty much last indefinitely. However, the package may (and in most cases does) come with a best-by date, but it doesn’t mean that the sugar will go bad by then unless bugs or moisture get in it.
Meaning that the bag of white sugar that has been in storage in a cabinet for a very long time is probably still safe for use.
| Pantry | |
| Sugar (unopened or opened) | Stays fine indefinitely |
How To Tell If Sugar Is Bad
Let’s discuss the best time white sugar needs to be thrown out. First and foremost, white sugar easily attracts different kinds of bugs and insects. As a result, if there are any insects in your white sugar (whether alive or dead), you’ll have to throw it out.
The second circumstance is when you find mold or other kinds of organic growth in the sugar. Mold growing on the sugar is a clear indication that moisture or water entered the package and you need to get rid of it.
Finally, let’s discuss about the smell. If you notice any different or off smell in the sugar, it normally comes from the other foods kept around it. if this happens to your white sugar, just throw the sugar out for quality purposes.
The sugar will probably be okay, but if it doesn’t smell okay, the bad smell can be transferred to whatever you’re going to use it in. Most of the time, the sugar becomes useless.
Does White Sugar Expire?
As mentioned above, sugar can’t really go bad. Here is a much simplified and brief explanation as to why it doesn’t do bad.
White sugar being a hygroscopic substance means that it can easily come into contact with water molecules. Therefore, if any bacteria enter the sugar, the water found in it will be transferred to the sugar through a process known as osmosis.
Osmosis generally transfers water from a higher concentration region to a low concentration region. And there being no water present in white sugar, most of the water present in bacteria will be transferred to the sugar, causing the bacteria to die due to dehydration.
In short, bacteria will not be able to live and multiply in sugar.
What Makes Sugar Smell Bad?
Sugar itself shouldn’t have a strong odor. A faint, sweet smell is normal. However, if your sugar has an unpleasant odor, there are a few possibilities:
- Contamination: Sugar can absorb odors from other foods stored nearby. If your sugar smells off-putting, check for strong-smelling items around it.
- Improper storage: Sugar exposed to moisture can develop a yeasty or sour smell due to mold growth.
- Spoiled source: In rare cases, the source of the sugar (like beets or sugarcane) might have been moldy, leading to a faint odor even in the refined product.
If your sugar smells bad, it’s best to discard it, especially if there are signs of mold.
What Happens if You Eat Expired Sugar?
Sugar, unlike most foods, doesn’t truly expire in the sense of becoming unsafe to eat. Due to its high sugar content, bacteria and mold have difficulty growing on it. However, expired sugar may have some drawbacks:
- Quality. Expired sugar, particularly brown sugar, may lose some moisture and become hard or clumpy. This can affect texture and sweetness in baking.
- Flavor. Over time, sugar can lose some of its subtle sweetness.
Does Sugar Go Bad if Opened?
Opened sugar is more susceptible to moisture absorption and odor contamination compared to unopened sugar. However, it won’t necessarily go bad. Proper storage in an airtight container in a cool, dry place will significantly extend its shelf life.
Does Sugar Go Bad if Unopened?
Unopened sugar has a very long shelf life, practically lasting indefinitely. The sealed packaging protects it from moisture and contamination. However, even unopened sugar can eventually clump or lose some quality over a very long period.
Does Sugar Go Bad if It Gets Wet?
Sugar readily absorbs moisture. When wet, it can clump together, become hard, and create a favorable environment for mold growth. If your sugar gets wet, try to remove as much moisture as possible by spreading it on a baking sheet and letting it air dry for a few hours. If there are signs of mold, discard it.
What to Do With Expired Sugar?
Expired sugar, especially if it’s just clumpy or hard, can often be revived:
- Brown Sugar. Place the sugar in an airtight container with a damp paper towel for a day or two. The moisture will help soften the sugar.
- Granulated Sugar. Break up clumps with a spoon or pulse in a food processor for a few seconds.
If the sugar has an off odor or signs of mold, discard it.
RELATED GUIDES: Does Brown Sugar Go Bad? | Does Powdered Sugar Go Bad? | Does Sugar Go Bad?
