Does Maple Syrup Expire?

Ideally suited to sauces, marinades and, of course, pancakes, pure maple syrup makes an excellent addition to the pantry – especially for those with a sweet tooth. 

But for even the biggest maple syrup fans, it can take some time to finish a whole bottle.  

If you have some maple syrup that’s been sitting unopened in your cupboard for some time, you may be wondering whether it’s still safe to consume. 

With this in mind, we answer the question, “Does maple syrup expire?”, and offer our advice on how to extend the sweetener’s shelf life.

Does maple syrup go bad?

Maple syrup can go bad, though this only tends to occur after the bottle has been opened. A sealed bottle of pure maple syrup, stored properly in an airtight glass container, will last several years, while an opened bottle can stay in the fridge for between six months and a year. 

Keeping an opened bottle of pure maple syrup for longer than a year may lead to mould growth, due to the prolonged exposure of the maple syrup to the surrounding air. The build-up of mould will then cause the maple syrup to spoil. 

It’s always best to check your bottle of maple syrup for storage instructions. Some cheaper blends are made by mixing maple syrup with other ingredients like corn syrup, and will have a different shelf life altogether. That’s why it’s always best to buy pure, 100% natural maple syrup!  

In some cases, organic maple syrup will still be safe to consume after its expiry date, provided that there is no mould present and the bottle has been stored properly.

How to store maple syrup

A sealed bottle of maple syrup should be stored in a cool, dry place in your cupboard, where it will last for up to a year. Once opened, the bottle should be moved to the fridge, where it can last for a further 12 months. 

If you don’t expect to finish your bottle of pure maple syrup within a year, you can safely store it in the freezer almost indefinitely. The liquid won’t freeze when kept in the freezer, due to its high sugar content, and it will also retain its delicious flavour. 

Finally, it’s worth noting that the material of the bottle can influence shelf life. Glass keeps the best, with sealed bottles of maple syrup lasting several years, while unopened plastic bottles and tins can be kept for up to two years and six months respectively.

So, does maple syrup expire?

In conclusion, maple syrup does expire, though in most cases it will only go bad after the bottle has been opened and left for several months. Before opening, the bottle can be safely stored in your pantry for up to a year. 

After opening the bottle, you should move it to the fridge, where it will keep for six to twelve months before mould begins to form. Alternatively, you can store your maple syrup in the freezer almost indefinitely. 

Has all this talk of maple syrup whet your appetite? Check out our selection of maple syrup recipes for cooking and baking inspiration!