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Does cane sugar spoil?

porkchop_z5b_MI

4 years ago

DH forgot to put sugar on the shopping list for me, so when he needed it he bought a 10-lb sack of it --- this is going to take at least 2 years, maybe 3, to work our way through, we just don't use it very often. Normally the 5-lb sack I buy lasts us a year. So, what is the shelf life of sugar? I'm wondering if I should give it away and buy ourselves a smaller package -- I hate to see things spoil.

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Comments (5)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
Granulated sugar does not spoil....its shelf life is indefinite. It might come with a best by date of around 2 years but is completely safe to use for an extended period of time after that.

It can develop some lumps if exposed to moisture but they are inconsequential and do not affect quality or taste.

I go through 5 pounds of sugar every couple of months, faster during the summer. But I feed hummingbirds year round and make up a batch of nectar at least once a week or every couple of days in summer. I use 3 or 4 times the amount of sugar making hummer juice than I do with any baking.
porkchop_z5b_MI thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
4 years ago
Yes - the only problem with storing sugar that I can think of is moisture/humidity making it harden up into a solid lump, or vermin/dirt getting into the packaging, but it would not 'spoil'.

Is it stored in an airtight container or a plastic bag? I keep items that come in paper packages in tins or heavy plastic zip bags.
porkchop_z5b_MI thanked carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
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plllog
4 years ago
And if it clumps, you can just break them up.
porkchop_z5b_MI thanked plllog
nancyofnc
4 years ago
Sugar never rots.
Jasdip
4 years ago
I buy cane ugar from Costco for my water kefir. You'll be fine. Sugar lasts almost indefinitely I'd say.

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