Does Corn Syrup Go Bad? How Long Does Corn Syrup Last?

In this article, you will know the answer to the query “Does Corn Syrup Go Bad? How Long Does Corn Syrup Last?“.

The corn syrup you purchased a few months ago didn’t need to be used all the time. The pantry shelf is the best place to store it after it’s been used.

As you prepare your favorite pastry or pancake, you remember you have corn syrup in the pantry.

Are you concerned about corn syrup going bad because you don’t know whether it can be consumed?

It is used as a sweetener only when necessary, just like other sweeteners. Therefore, it is normal to keep it in the pantry and forget about it.

What is Corn Syrup Anyway?

The syrup made from corn starch is known as corn syrup. Fructose is produced by converting glucose in corn starch to fructose using an enzyme. It becomes sweeter as a result of this process.

A dilute acid can also be used to make it by heating it. The starch that is produced from corn (maize) is a byproduct. There is no guarantee that corn syrup is made from corn starch, but it is sometimes called glucose syrup.

Hydrolysis is also used to make glucose syrup from other starchy plants, such as rice, wheat, or potatoes.

Light corn syrup and dark corn syrup are the two types of corn syrup available on the market.

The light corn syrup is decolorized and has a moderate sweetness, while the dark corn syrup has been seasoned with caramel color and molasses, giving it a strong, sickly sweet taste.

A sweetener and thickener, corn syrup is used in most sweets. In addition to maintaining moisture in foods, corn syrup also acts as a humectant.

In baking, the light syrup is used because it doesn’t form crystals when heated, while dark syrup imparts a strong, sweet taste. As a table syrup, it can be used as well.

How to Store Corn Syrup Properly?

There’s a possibility you have used up all the corn syrup in your bottle and don’t know what to do with it. There’s nothing to worry about. Sweeteners such as corn syrup can be stored in the same way as other sweeteners.

There is always a benefit to keeping sweeteners in a room-temperature-controlled environment, such as the pantry or a cupboard. In addition to being completely dry, the storage space should be free from any moisture.

You should tighten the cap on a half-used bottle in order to prevent food particles from getting inside.

You may be thinking that it needs to be refrigerated, but it doesn’t need to be since it can stay without refrigeration for a long time. The same way honey is stored, it can be stored as well.

You are still not wrong if you feel like refrigerating it. Keeping food refrigerated will prevent microorganisms and mold from growing.

You should avoid freezing corn syrup, however, if you wish to do so. As a result of freezing corn syrup, the shelf life is not increased and the syrup’s texture may be changed.

To prevent moisture from seeping in, you should keep the lid tightly closed. Food syrups don’t like moisture because it promotes mold growth.

When scooping out the syrup, do not use any utensil as this may introduce food particles, leading to mold growth.

Does Corn Syrup Go Bad? How Long Does Corn Syrup Last?

Fortunately, corn syrup doesn’t go bad like other food syrups (such as chocolate syrup). By the date it comes with, this reflects the best.

The date only tells you how long the quality of the product will remain intact, not when to stop eating it.

Corn syrup can sometimes change color, giving off a yellowish hue, but it is still edible. Due to its indefinite shelf life, corn syrup remains good for consumption for a long time.

If the corn syrup smells strange or looks discolored, or if your sixth sense is tingling, throw it out and get a new one.

To stay healthy, avoid eating corn syrup that has passed its expiration date if you have a sensitive stomach.

Processed foods and pastries containing corn syrup are more likely to cause health issues. This is not because of its component, but because of the other ingredients in the baked goods.

Keeping corn syrup in a cool, dry place can extend its shelf life for months, even years.

However, there is a twist to the story. It is possible for corn syrups to lose their quality if you don’t use them for up to a year.

There may also be a difference in the taste and texture of the corn syrup compared to the original. There is a known difference in thickness between old and new corn syrups.

How to Tell if Corn Syrup Is Bad? Corn Syrup Shelf Life!

However, corn syrup can go bad even though it is rare. You can get this if you did not store it correctly.

Discoloration of clear corn syrup from white to yellow does not necessarily indicate spoilage. There is still a possibility that it is safe to consume.

You may need to get rid of it if you see any of the following signs:

Cloudy bottle: If the bottle appears cloudy or hazy, mold has just begun to grow.

When you don’t properly cap the bottle, moisture gets inside. You have to throw it out in this case.

Fermentation: Food particles get into the syrup and cause it to bubble. There is a tendency for corn syrup to ferment when it has been used. 

In fermentation, bubbles are formed, or a foamy coat forms. Getting rid of it is a good idea if you notice this.

Bad odor: If you’re not very sure if the corn syrup is edible or not, you can use this method.

When you detect an alcohol-like smell or bitter smell, throw it out as mold is forming.

Does Corn Syrup Go Bad? How Long Does Corn Syrup Last?

PREP TIME

15 minutes

COOK TIME

15 minutes

TOTAL TIME

30 minutes

Ingredients

• Corn syrup
• Air-tight containers
• Labels and markers

Instructions

• Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
• Check the “Best-by-date” to know when it expires.
• Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
• Always check for signs of spoilage before use.