Is maple syrup better in glass or plastic?

Maple syrup is a popular pancake topping and natural sweetener that comes from the sap of maple trees. It has a delicious sweet, rich flavor that makes it a tasty addition to many foods. Maple syrup can be purchased in different types of containers, but two of the most common options are glass and plastic. So which one keeps maple syrup fresher for longer – glass or plastic?

Table of Contents

The shelf life of maple syrup

First, it’s important to understand the shelf life of maple syrup. When properly stored, maple syrup can last for 12-24 months past its production date. The exact shelf life depends on several factors:

Type of maple syrup – Darker syrups, like Grade B, have a longer shelf life than lighter ones.

Container – Glass and plastic impart different properties.
Storage temperature – Colder is better for maximum freshness.
Preservatives – Some companies may add preservatives.

Best by date – This gives you a basic timeframe for optimal quality.

Knowing that maple syrup can last up to 2 years with proper storage, let’s look at whether glass or plastic containers are better suited for maximizing its shelf life.

Benefits of glass containers

Here are some of the reasons why glass makes a good container for maple syrup:

Non-porous – Glass does not absorb any flavors or aromas from inside or outside the bottle.
Air-tight seal – The bottle cap fitted on glass bottles creates an air-tight vacuum seal.
UV light protection – Glass blocks UV rays from damaging the maple syrup.

Easy to clean – Glass bottles are easy to wash and sanitize.
Reusable – Glass bottles can be used repeatedly if properly cleaned.
Sustainable – Glass is environmentally friendlier than plastic.

The air-tight vacuum seal of a glass maple syrup bottle along with UV light protection are the two biggest benefits for shelf life. Glass prevents air exposure and light degradation – two factors that can shorten the shelf life.

Downsides of glass containers

However, there are some disadvantages to storing maple syrup in glass as well:

Heavy – Glass bottles are heavier than plastic, making them more difficult to transport.

Breakable – Glass can shatter or crack if dropped.
Price – Glass packaging is generally more expensive than plastic.
Temperature fluctuations – Glass conducts changes in temperature more than plastic.

The potential for glass to break and its weight are two things to consider. Maple syrup in a glass bottle will be more impacted if exposed to extreme temperature swings.

Benefits of plastic containers

Now let’s examine some benefits of storing maple syrup in plastic:

Lightweight – Plastic maple syrup containers are easy to handle and transport.

Durable – Plastic is shatter-resistant and won’t break like glass.
Inexpensive – Plastic packaging costs less compared to glass.
Resealable – Some plastics allow a tight seal after opening.

Freeze-safe – Plastic holds up better than glass if frozen.
Minimal temperature conduction – Plastic does not readily transfer temperatures.

The lightweight, durable, shatter-proof and affordable qualities of plastic make it handy for maple syrup. Plastic also insulates it from temperature swings better than glass.

Downsides of plastic containers

However, there are some drawbacks to plastic maple syrup containers as well:

May leach chemicals – There are concerns that chemicals could leach into the syrup.
Absorbs flavors – Plastic is more porous than glass.

Less environmentally friendly – Most plastics are not biodegradable.
Not as air-tight – The seal may be looser, allowing more air exposure.
Can degrade over time – Plastic can become brittle with age.

Difficult to properly sanitize – Bacteria can linger in microscopic crevices.

The potential for chemical leaching and absorption of flavors into the plastic are big disadvantages. The lack of an air-tight seal compared to glass is also a concern for maintaining freshness.

Recommended plastic types for maple syrup

If you do choose to store your maple syrup in plastic, some types are better than others:

HDPE (High-density polyethylene) – This is a food-safe plastic that reduces the chances of chemical leaching. It’s commonly used for milk jugs.
PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) – Also food-safe and commonly used for food jars and bottled waters.
Polypropylene – A hardy food-grade plastic used for yogurt containers; tolerates temperatures up to 212°F.

Try to avoid these plastics:

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) – Can leach harmful phthalates.
PS (Polystyrene) – Can transfer harmful styrene.

Plastic #7 – This catch-all category includes BPA-laden plastics.

Make sure any plastic container is clearly marked “food safe” and BPA-free on the label.

How to store maple syrup

To maximize the shelf life of maple syrup in glass and plastic containers, follow these tips:

Keep bottles sealed tight until ready to use.
Store bottles in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard.
Keep the storage space consistently between 35-65°F.

Do not freeze maple syrup bottles as expanding ice can break glass or warp plastic.
Store glass bottles away from direct light to prevent UV damage.
Clean containers thoroughly before reuse and check for scratches.

If refrigerating an open bottle after opening, allow it to come to room temp before re-refrigerating to avoid condensation.

With proper storage methods, maple syrup can retain optimal flavor and texture for up to 2 years past the production date – whether in glass or plastic.

How to tell if maple syrup has gone bad

Here are some signs that your maple syrup has gone bad and should be discarded:

Mold growing inside the bottle
Darkening and change in color
Strange odors like fermentation or alcohol

Separation and layering of liquid
Crystallization or gritty texture
Slimy film or bubbles forming

Sour or rancid taste

As maple syrup gets older, oxidation and moisture loss causes flavors to intensify. If it ever tastes unpleasantly strong or salty, it’s time to get rid of it.

Does packaging affect maple syrup flavor?

Next, let’s look at whether glass or plastic packaging imparts any flavor into the maple syrup itself. Here are some considerations:

Glass advantages:

Non-porous surface prevents absorption of flavors.
Air-tight seal prevents oxidation.
Does not leach chemicals into food contents.

Potential glass disadvantages:

Can break and expose syrup to air, microbes.
Temperature swings may degrade flavor over time.

Plastic advantages:

Affordable option for stocking large quantities.

Portable and shatter-resistant.
Doesn’t readily conduct temperature changes.

Potential plastic disadvantages:

May absorb maple flavors over time.

Can leach chemicals with age and use.
Provides less oxygen barrier than glass.

Based on these factors, glass seems to have an edge for maintaining the inherent maple flavor. The air-tight seal and non-porous surface minimizes any flavor degradation. With plastic, the risks of absorbing flavors and leaching chemicals increases over time with continuous use. However, high-quality food grade plastics should not impart significant taste changes right after bottling.

Taste test experiment

To help settle the plastic versus glass debate, the International Maple Syrup Institute conducted a taste test in 2016. They stored identical maple syrup samples in HDPE plastic and glass bottles for 6 months. Panels of expert tasters then evaluated the syrups.

The results found no significant flavor differences between the two. Both syrups scored similarly for sweetness, texture, clarity, and lack of off-flavors. Researchers concluded that food-safe HDPE plastic was equivalent to glass for maintaining maple syrup quality and taste over 6 months of storage. The syrup was produced by the Springtree Maple Water company in Wisconsin.

However, longer-term testing may reveal more differentiation. It’s recommended to store maple syrup for no more than 1 year in plastic and up to 2 years in glass. The air-tight seal of glass bottles may better preserve intensity and prevent oxidation over longer durations.

The verdict

So in the end, is maple syrup better in glass or plastic? Here’s a summary of the key points:

Glass Bottles	Plastic Bottles
Air-tight seal prevents oxidation Doesn’t absorb flavors or leach chemicals Blocks UV light to prevent damage Non-porous surface maintains pure taste Recommended for long-term storage (1-2 years)	Durable and shatter-proof Lighter weight for easy portability Temperature insulating Cheaper than glass Can freeze without breaking

Based on the evidence, glass bottles seem to have a slight edge for maintaining maple syrup quality over longer storage durations of 1-2 years. The air-tight seal and non-porous surface help to inhibit flavor degradation. However, for short term storage of 6-12 months, high-quality food grade plastic performs nearly as well as glass.

Recommendations

Here are some final tips for choosing the best maple syrup storage container:

Glass is great for bulk long-term pantry storage, especially darker syrup grades.
Plastic works well for everyday use since it’s lightweight and portable.
For plastic, stick to HDPE, PET, and polypropylene bottles.

Transfer to smaller glass dispensers for extended fridge storage after opening.
No matter the container, keep it stored in cool, dark conditions.
Use syrup within 1 year for best flavor in plastic and 2 years for glass.

Buy small bottles if you use infrequently so less is exposed to air after opening.

Both glass and high-quality plastic are good choices for maple syrup. Follow safe storage practices, use clean containers, and consume within recommended time limits for the best pancake or waffle topping experience!