Quick summary: Yes, molasses can go bad, but it has a relatively long shelf life due to its high sugar content and low moisture content. Unopened molasses can last anywhere from one to four years or even longer, and it’s often safe to use for several months to a year beyond the labeled expiration date.
If you found a bottle of molasses that you opened a year ago and are wondering if it’s okay, we bring you everything you need to know about shelf life, storage, and how to recognize the signs of molasses spoilage.
Molasses is a specific sweetener that finds exciting ways to improve cooking. Although it is often used to sweeten drinks, it is actually very useful when cooking or baking. It will especially give the meat a unique flavor, and chefs love to use it to prepare wok dishes. In any case, you can let your imagination run wild and put this supplement in different recipes.
But what about the shelf life of this sugar beets syrupy flavoring? We know that the majority of the ingredient is sugar, which is why it is highly durable and long-lasting. But if you thought it would never go off, you would be mistaken. Despite a very long shelf life, the expiration date still exists. Read on for more information on blackstrap molasses.
How Long Does Molasses Last?
Due to the high concentration of sugar and the very low presence of moisture, the durability of this product ranges from a minimum of one year to several years. Even after the expiration of the written deadline, the product will almost certainly be good for a few more months, at least if not a year. Of course, proper storage will significantly influence how long molasses will endure.
Unopened molasses
There are different types of store bought molasses, from lighter to darker, from less sweet to very sugary. Their durability also varies, so the instructions on the package will be handy. Shelf life ranges mainly from one year to four years, depending on the manufacturer. If properly stored, the chances are high that your product will be pretty good and up to a year longer than prescribed.
Opened molasses
There are different instructions after opening the bottle, but generally, the product should be good for at least three months, but very often much longer than that. If the bottle is well closed, it could last a whole year.
Can Molasses Go Bad?
Usually, the quality of the product will be reduced because the flavor will weaken over time, so that you will need a new stock for qualitative reasons. However, molasses can also spoil by catching mold or becoming rancid.
Sign 1: Moisture got to it
If you did not close the bottle well or it stood in a very warm place, mold could catch on the surface. Our advice is always to throw away such a product. Although some practice just removing the moldy part and consuming the rest, it can sometimes be a health risk venture.
Sign 2: The taste is off
As we have said, there may be a weakening of the taste over time, and the product will simply lose its original quality. In that case, it is not spoiled molasses, but it will certainly not be helpful to you. Molasses tastes strongly sweet, and nothing else should satisfy you.
Sign 3: It has strange smell
An unpleasant odor will certainly indicate that something is wrong with the thick syrup. Especially in the case of less sweetened versions, it can become rancid, and then be sure to throw everything in the trash. There is no way such a product can improve your food or drink.
How to Store Molasses
Storing this syrupy sweetener is the simplest thing in the world. Anything you usually apply to keep maple syrup or honey will also refer to sugar beet molasses.
Tip 1: Keep it in a dark place
Molasses is a product that does not like direct sunlight. Therefore, prefer to keep the bottle in the pantry or the kitchen cupboard to keep molasses shelf life long.
Tip 2: Keep it away from heat
The best temperature would be a slightly cooler room temperature. So again, the pantry is the best place. Try not to keep the bottle close to the heat source to avoid spoilage. You do not have to refrigerate molasses as it will harden a lot.
Tip 3: Keep it well closed
The most important thing is to close the lid on the jar well after opening. And so every time you use dark molasses. An open bottle will be an easier target for mold.
FAQs
Is expired molasses OK to use?
Yes, molasses will be perfectly fine even after the expiry date. In some cases, this shelf life may be extended to more than one year past the written date. Even after that, the product may be correct, but the quality of the taste may be in question.
How long is molasses good after the expiration date?
Molasses can generally be safe to use for an extended period after its expiration date, as it’s a very stable product. If stored in a cool, dry place and free from any signs of spoilage such as off smells or mold, it can be consumed for several years beyond its expiration date.
Can you get sick from old molasses?
You’re unlikely to get sick from consuming old molasses that has been stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage. Molasses is a stable product with a long shelf life, and as long as there are no unusual odors, mold, or changes in texture, it should be safe to use.
Does molasses need to be refrigerated after opening?
No, molasses does not need to be refrigerated after opening. It can be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Properly sealed and stored molasses can last for a long time without refrigeration.
How do you know if molasses has gone bad?
You can tell if molasses has gone bad by checking for any off or sour smells, unusual mold growth, or a significant change in texture. If the molasses appears and smells normal, it’s likely safe to use even past its expiration date.
Conclusion
Molasses is a very appreciative product that can last a very long time on the shelf. Primarily for at least a year, but more often for up to several years. You don’t need to take special care of it for storage. Just keep it in the dark and not too hot. What is important is to close the lid well each time after use.
If you find an expired bottle, you don’t need to throw it in the trash. It is very likely quite correct to use. Look for possible signs of spoilage, such as mold or odors. If they aren’t there, you are good to go. The reason to throw the product in the trash might be the evaporated taste that fades with age so that it will not give the desired flavor you hoped for.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
