Expiration & Storage Tips
When does dark brown sugar expire?
Dark brown sugar doesn’t have an expiry date, per se. When kept undisturbed in its original unopened package, it can stay at optimum quality for about 2 to 3 years! Once the package has been opened, if you store it properly, it can maintain its best quality for about a year. As for freezing, dark brown sugar can be frozen indefinitely, but it's best to use it within 2 years for peak quality.
How do you tell if dark brown sugar is bad?
Brown sugar is pretty durable, but it has a few tell-tale signs when it's past its prime. The most obvious is a harsh, chemical smell rather than the usual sweet molasses aroma. It may also become very hard or show signs of mold, insects, or other contaminations. Remember, it won't usually get you sick, but the flavor could be less appealing.
Tips for storing dark brown sugar to extend shelf life
• Keep the dark brown sugar in a cool, dry place.
• Once opened, ensure the package is sealed tight. If the packaging is not resealable, transfer the sugar into an airtight container.
• Add a slice of bread or a few marshmallows to the container to keep the sugar soft and prevent it from clumping together.
• You can also purchase a terracotta brown sugar keeper. Just soak it in water and then place it in your sugar. The sugar will draw moisture from the keeper and stay soft.
• If you decide to freeze it, try double bagging to maintain quality as long as possible.