Does Maple Syrup Need to Be Refrigerated? Here’s How to Store It (2024)

Maple syrup tends to be typecast, pulled out only when pancakes or waffles are on the table. But if the sticky stuff is a favorite condiment, you might wonder: Does maple syrup need to be refrigerated? This versatile ingredient is helpful in making savory dishes a little sweeter, giving butter more flavor, or even as a sugar substitute, so knowing the right way to store it means you'll always have it on hand when you need it.

You've probably noticed the syrup bottles are displayed next to pancake mix at the grocery store (for obvious reasons). But does that tell you how to store this sweet staple at home? The short answer is no. Stick your opened maple syrup inside the fridge, like you refrigerate open pasta sauces or condiments like ketchup and mustard. Read on to learn more about storing maple syrup and its corn syrup-based cousin, table syrup.

Are You Storing Pure Maple Syrup or Table Syrup?

Start by figuring out which type of syrup you have. Pure maple syrup ($9, Target) is made by concentrating the sap of a sugar maple tree. Straight out of the trunk, the liquid is clear and slightly sweet, but it doesn’t stay that way: The sap takes a trip to a sugarhouse, where it’s processed through an evaporator, which boils the sap down into syrup. From there, it can be bottled for purchase.

This nature-derived syrup is different from table syrup (also called maple syrup). The considerably less expensive table syrup stocked next to pure maple syrup has a much different source: This pancake topping is made with corn syrup and/or high fructose corn syrup, along with caramel coloring and maple-like flavorings, giving it a look and taste similar to the pure stuff.

Does Maple Syrup Need to Be Refrigerated?

Should your maple syrup go in the pantry or the fridge? It depends on whether you’ve opened it. According to the pros at Massachusetts Maple Producers Association, pure maple syrup is often hot-packed and, therefore, shelf-stable. (Syrup that is not hot-packed will not be shelf-stable.) When unopened, you can store hot-packed pure maple syrup for at least a year (or more) in the pantry at room temperature.

Once opened, does maple syrup need to be refrigerated if it's the pure variety? Yes, because it’s a natural product with no preservatives and can spoil or grow mold. If your syrup is not hot-packed, store it in the fridge (even if it’s unopened) and plan to consume it quickly.

For table syrup, follow the manufacturer’s instructions listed on the bottle. Depending on its ingredients (which could include pure maple syrup), it may not need to be refrigerated, but always follow the guidelines given.

Maple Syrup Recipes

Looking for maple syrup recipes? Try these delightful Mini Maple Pecan Pies to satisfy your dessert cravings, or make a batch of Maple-Bacon Corn Muffins as a sweet-and-savory side dish. For a main dish, Maple Smoked Salmon Fillets are marinated in maple syrup for a sweet fish dish. And perhaps the most decadent maple syrup dish, Maple-Flavored Bacon is a fan favorite.