Long Term Food Storage
How to Store Sugar – Long Term Food Storage
May
Looking for the best ways to keep sugar fresh for everyday, short term and long term food storage? Check out the below information!
Everyday – store in an airtight container, keep away from moisture, use as needed.
Short term – store in an airtight container, food grade bucket or mylar bag with NO oxygen absorber.
Long term – store in food grade bucket or mylar bag with NO oxygen absorber.
Do I need to freeze sugar before storing?
No, do not place sugar in the freezer or fridge, it will turn it into a rock and even if it does ‘defrost’ it can cause too much moisture buildup and make the sugar go rancid.
Can I store brown sugar long term?
Brown sugar can be stored short term in a mylar bag with NO oxygen absorber for a couple of years. You may want to consider storing white sugar and storing molasses, as molasses lasts forever and you make brown sugar by mixing in some molasses with white sugar.
Can I store powdered sugar long term?
Powdered sugar can be stored long term with no oxygen absorber. However, the best way to have powdered sugar on hand is to store white sugar then blend/grind as needed.
Do I need to use an oxygen absorber when storing sugar?
No, never use an oxygen absorber for any kind of sugar. It will turn into a brick if you use an oxygen absorber.
I have some demerara sugar in a plastic bag that expires in Jan. 2026. I haven’t opened it. Do i need to open it and pour into mylar bag or what? Will it store longer than that date? Thank you.
You could place into a mylar bag without an oxygen absorber, it will extend the shelf life, but I’d say maybe another 2-5 years.
I’ve used molasses that’s well over 20 years old. It was perfect. Don’t hesitate to keep some on hand for long term storage.
absolutely, great to have on hand for long term!
Thanks for all your hard work and content. You indicated in this article that molasses last forever. I believe if you do a little research you’ll see that molasses only has a shelf life of a couple of years, depending how it’s stored.
I have done my research and molasses lasts forever. Thanks for your comment.
Are you still around? Thanks for all your insight and info. :) tc
Of course.