Expiration & Storage Tips
When does sweetener expire?
Most sweeteners, when unopened, can last almost indefinitely due to the high sugar concentration acting as a preservative. Once it's been opened, a sweetener like sugar or honey could also last indefinitely if properly stored, however the quality can start to degrade after about 2 years. For artificial sweeteners, refer to the printed date on the package. Even though they might be safe to consume after this date, the quality and sweetness might have diminished. If you freeze a sweetener, it can extend its life indefinitely but it may change the texture which is not commonly done.
How do you tell if sweetener is bad?
First off, always trust your senses! For honey and natural sweeteners, if there's discoloration or the smell is off, it's best not to use it. Honey may crystallize over time, but this doesn't mean it's bad, just warm it to return it to liquid form. Artificial sweeteners do not typically change in appearance or smell, so the best way to tell if they've gone bad is if they have lost their sweetness.
Tips for storing sweetener to extend shelf life
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This avoids any moisture getting in and fermenting the sweetener.
• Keep your sweetener in an airtight container. This helps retain its fresh taste and prevent contamination.
• If you have a large amount of sweetener, consider dividing it into smaller portions. This minimises air exposure whenever you open the container.
• Don’t dip a wet spoon in your sweetener bag or jar. Any moisture introduced can lead to clumping and degradation of the sweetener.