Does maple syrup need to be refrigerated?
Does maple syrup need to be refrigerated?
By Heather | Published: 2025-10-06 23:56:00 | Source: Better Living
Does maple syrup need to be refrigerated? The short answer: Yes. Once you open a bottle of pure maple syrup, you should definitely refrigerate it.
Does maple syrup need to be refrigerated?
If you’ve ever left your maple syrup on the counter and wondered, “Did I just spoil it?” -You are not alone.
Why?
Because maple syrup is hygroscopic, which means it pulls moisture from the air. This moisture invites mold.
Refrigerating your syrup keeps it fresh, delicious and safe. It also slows the growth of microbes and helps prevent spoilage.
Don’t panic if it stops overnight, but in the long run? The refrigerator is your drink’s best friend.
The answer depends on one key detail.
Do you have real maple syrup or are you using imposter “pancake syrup”?
Real maple syrup: Yes, you have to refrigerate it
Once opened, pure maple syrup must be refrigerated.
Why?
Low sugar and high moisture: Unlike honey or jam, maple syrup does not contain enough sugar to prevent mold growth at room temperature.
No preservatives: Real maple syrup is just boiled tree sap without any additives or stabilizers.
Mold can be sneaky:Â Even if it looks good, mold can form inside the bottle or around the cap.
advice: If you accidentally leave it on overnight, don’t panic. Simply check for signs of spoilage (odour, cloudiness or mold) and refrigerate it from now on.
What about pancake syrup?
If your bottle says “maple flavored syrup” or has corn syrup, preservatives or artificial flavors in its ingredient list, it’s shelf-stable. You should also know that it is not real maple syrup.
High fructose corn syrup base: These juices last without refrigeration.
Preservatives do the work here: They prevent the growth of microbes, even after opening.
However, storing it in a cool, dark place helps maintain the flavor and consistency.
Shelf life of maple syrup
| Type of drink | Not open | open (refrigerated) | Open (room temperature) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure maple syrup | undefined | 6-12 months | Mold risk within weeks |
| Pancake syrup | 1-2 years | 6-12 months | 3-6 months |
sources: US Department of Agriculture Guidelines
How to store maple syrup properly
Always refrigerate after opening: This keeps it fresh and mold-free.
Bottles are better than plastic: Glass is less porous and better for long-term freshness.
See also
Can you freeze maple syrup? Yes you can!
For long-term storage, freezing maple syrup is the best solution to preserve flavor and freshness. The maple syrup will not freeze solid, but it is still scoopable, so it is safe to store it there indefinitely. You can also set it at room temperature for a few minutes and it will be pourable again.
Dispense what you need for a few weeks in a clean container or dispenser and leave it in the refrigerator.
It’s a great tip if you want to buy larger jugs of syrup but know you won’t be able to use it quickly.
FAQ: Should you refrigerate maple syrup?
Does unopened maple syrup need to be refrigerated?
no! Unopened, it is shelf stable. Just refrigerate it after opening.
Can maple syrup spoil?
Yes! Especially if it is not refrigerated. Mold growth will be the main cause.
What if I see mold?
Toss it. Some say you can peel and boil it, but for safety and peace of mind, it’s best to replace it. Here are all the ways to tell if your maple syrup has gone bad.
Further reading
Does maple syrup go bad?
Does honey go bad?
Does honey need to be refrigerated?
Does molasses go bad?
Is olive oil bad?
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