Does Molasses Go Bad? How Long Does Molasses Last?

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

If life were not sweet, what would be the point?

Don’t even mention a sweet-free diet to me.

There is nothing wrong with a pinch of sugar here and a drop of honey there. There is one sweetener that you must definitely try, even though those two are the most popular.

It’s likely that you did, then forgot all about it.

The syrup is called molasses, and it is dark in color. The gingerbread man is the most common use for it, but most people aren’t familiar with it beyond that.

Since you used it for that gingerbread recipe, it probably takes up space on your fridge or kitchen cabinet.

Perhaps it is wondering when it will see daylight again.

How long does it take for molasses to go bad?

What is Molasses Anyway?

Molasses was first brought to the Caribbean in the 1600s when slaves were traded for several barrels of molasses by traders.

Molasses was then transported to New England where it was made into rum, creating a highly profitable industry.

As a byproduct of the extraction of sugars from sugar beets and sugarcane, molasses is a sweet, dark syrup.

Depending on the variety and amount of sugar extracted, the color, nutritional content, and sweetness can differ.

The most common uses of molasses are baking, grilling, cooking, and brewing rum and beer.

In addition to marinades and sauces, it can be used to sweeten coffee, cocktails, and roasted vegetables.

Does Molasses Go Bad? How Long Does Molasses Last?

Molasses can be stored for a fairly long time without any adverse effects. It is actually an extremely long-lasting food when properly stored.

molasses syrup poisoning has never been documented anywhere on the planet, so eating molasses syrup that is a year old poses no risk to you or your family.

Molasses’ shelf life is, however, subject to a lot of disagreement. A “Best By” date will be printed on most bottles.

This is only an estimate of how long the product will keep its best quality.

Likewise, molasses and other sweeteners, such as corn syrup, often have a “Best By” date that is not accurate.

Therefore, molasses is safe to consume and remains of good quality for months after the date on the label.

If there is no date on the label, you can safely assume that unopened molasses is best stored in the pantry for at least two years, and probably longer if kept in the refrigerator. 

If properly stored and tightly sealed after every use, open bottles of molasses should last a year or more.

It is still possible for molasses to go bad, however. There is a high degree of hygroscopicity in molasses. When improperly stored, it attracts and retains moisture, which increases the chances of bacterial growth.

How To Tell If Molasses Is Bad? Molasses Shelf Life!

The age of molasses is one of the hardest things to determine. There will be no change in the feel, look, or smell of the product with time – I mean years!

A bad batch of molasses cannot be identified by any specific signs.

If you want to know if there has been a change in the flavor and color of the product, just pay attention to the slight changes.

Any crystallization indicates that the molasses is spoiled since it is supposed to be a liquid sweetener.

It is especially important to watch out for any signs of mold since they can be really tiny and difficult to spot at first.

If it emits an odor or starts tasting strange, you should toss it out as well.

Well, if you don’t know how molasses should smell or taste, you can always get a new bottle and sniff it and taste it.

As a result, you will have a better understanding of the process.

Taste the liquid if the appearance and smell are still good. In case it gives a poor, altered taste, it’s better to toss it right away.

If not, you can use it in your next gingerbread recipe or any other recipe that calls for it!

How To Store Molasses Properly?

Maple syrup and honey, among other liquid sweeteners, can also be stored in the same way as molasses.

It should be stored in a dry, cool environment. It applies to all types of store-bought molasses, including dark, light, and blackstrap.

It is best to store it in your pantry if you tend to use it often. However, the kitchen should also work.

You can extend its shelf life by keeping it in a place where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate too much.

You can also refrigerate molasses if you wish. There are however quite a few interesting properties of molasses that you should know about.

There can be a liquid consistency like maple syrup or a thick and dense consistency like tree sap.

The cold temperature of the refrigerator causes molasses to thicken.

Molasses can be stored in the fridge without additional equipment. You can keep it in its original packaging in the fridge whether it’s opened or unopened.

So, if you need to use that molasses you stored in the fridge, you can either pull it out of the fridge and let it sit for a few hours or heat it in a pot of warm water.

It should reduce the thickness of the sweetener and make it more fluid.

Keeping the jar or bottle tightly sealed after opening is the most important thing that you should remember.

Generally, molasses does not need to be refrigerated after opening, but it could preserve its quality for a longer period of time if refrigerated.

Does Molasses Go Bad? How Long Does Molasses Last? (Recipe)

PREP TIME

15 minutes

COOK TIME

15 minutes

TOTAL TIME

30 minutes

Ingredients

• Molasses
• Air-tight containers
• Labels and markers

Instructions

• Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
• Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
• Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).