When does sugar go bad?

Answer 1

While sugar doesn't really expire, per se, if kept too long or in a non-airtight container where humidity can get in, it WILL become a solid, unreasonable block. Sugar is an incredible preservative, working in jams, jellies, and twinkies (which apparently also never expire, lol)

If your sugar does form into a block, a good way to get around this is by dissolving it in a small amount of liquid, and air drying in a thin layer on a baking sheet at room temperature (drying in the oven can cause carmellization, which affects taste and color.) You can also try nuking it for a very short time in the microwave, but I don't prefer or recommend this method as it may unintentionally scorch the sugar.

Answer 2

I just opened my package of cut raw sugar cane and it smelled slightly sour even though it smelled fresh (interestingly). I tasted it and it was also semi-tart. I spit it out, my fingers also felt a bit slimy. I assume it has gone bad, but the vinegar in the rough cane can now be used for scrubbing/cleaning! So its not a total loss. Also it is good as an antibacterial skin cleanser exfoliator. This is only good if it isn't moldy, colored, weird smelling, etc. I have gotten a few like this before, kind of winey, they are still useful.. Be careful if you do ingest it. It may be wine , it may be harmless, it may be vinegar, it may be bad prison pruno!

Answer 3

Sugar does not go bad because it is a desiccant ("water sucking") that would pull all of the water out of any microorganisms trying to live in it.

Answer 4

Never