Buzz
While organizing my pantry last weekend, I found myself pondering deep questions, particularly about sprinkles. Alongside my usual collection, which has seen me through countless holiday baking sessions, my sister handed down an array of pastel eggs, lime green sugar, and other decorative confections she no longer wanted, each in various states of use. At the time, I gratefully accepted them, but now I wish I had asked, 'Just how old are these?'
Upon noticing a pack of 'holiday stars' dated back to 2012 (thanks again, sis), I began to wonder: Do sprinkles and their festive baking companions actually expire, and if so, when? When it comes to pantry staples, I usually treat expiration dates as mere guidelines—after all, they’re labeled non-perishable for a reason. Even the FDA acknowledges that 'most date labels aren’t rooted in precise science' and are often provided by manufacturers to indicate when the product is expected to maintain its optimal quality and flavor.
While the taste might not be as fresh, it’s unlikely to harm you. Many labels say 'Best by' rather than 'Consume by this date or face dire consequences.' Plus, since these items are mostly sugar, how much can they really degrade? Let’s dive in and explore.
Do sprinkles have an expiration date?
The straightforward answer is: Kind of—and when they do, it happens very gradually. Sprinkles contain colorants, additives, and sometimes even oil. According to Eat By Date, if stored correctly in airtight containers and kept free from contamination, 'Sprinkles can last for 3-5 years past their best-by date.' You can safely use them for several years beyond expiration without any problems.
How to determine if they’ve gone bad
A quick visual inspection can reveal a lot. Check for faded colors, spots, mold, or clumping, which indicates moisture exposure. If these signs are absent but you’re still uncertain, give them a sniff. A sour or rancid odor means it’s time to throw them out. If you’re still unsure, taste a small amount. If they retain their sweetness, they’re still good to use.
What about the shelf life of food coloring?
Most food coloring consists of water, glycerine (a sugar alcohol), dye, citric acid, and sodium benzoate (a preservative). Gel food coloring also includes corn syrup and modified cornstarch. Since many of these ingredients don’t expire, food coloring has an extended shelf life and can be used years past its expiration date if stored in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed, and away from sunlight.
If stored improperly, liquid and gel food coloring can harden or dry out. If this happens and you can’t get to the store, try adding a few drops of hot water and massaging the tube to see if it softens. If it’s completely hardened or shows signs of mold, discard it immediately. (Note: Powdered food coloring, which contains no liquid, lasts the longest.)
Does the same apply to cookie icing?
Cookie icing is a bit more ambiguous. According to Eat By Date, a pressure tube of icing has an “indefinite shelf life—though it may harden and become unusable.” Brands like Wilton and Betty Crocker often use cryptic codes on their packaging, such as “H014A,” where the letter represents the month (H=August), the first number indicates the last digit of the year (0=2020), the next two numbers specify the day (14th), and the final letter denotes the production plant.
If decoding these codes feels too complicated, remember that you can use the icing until it changes color, thickens, or develops an off smell, typically within 18-24 months.
What about other essential baking ingredients?
We’ve previously covered how to determine if your baking soda and baking powder are still effective for leavening, as well as how long flour remains usable. Regarding food safety, imitation vanilla extract doesn’t technically expire but may lose its flavor and aroma after four years. Additionally, according to Mytour’s senior food editor Claire Lower, sugar can last indefinitely if stored in a cool, dry place free from ants.
