Elderberry syrup is a popular natural remedy used to help treat colds, flus, and other illnesses. It’s made from the berries of the elderberry bush, which contain compounds like anthocyanins that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Many people swear by elderberry syrup as an immune system booster and take it regularly, especially during cold and flu season. But does elderberry syrup have an expiration date? Here’s what you need to know.
What is elderberry syrup?
Elderberry syrup is made by cooking elderberries with honey or another sweetener to make a concentrated, syrupy liquid. The berries contain flavonoids, which are plant compounds that have antioxidant properties and help support immune function. Elderberry syrup proponents claim that its high antioxidant content helps boost the immune system and may shorten the duration of colds and flus. Most elderberry syrup products contain black elderberries, which are native to Europe, although some use American elderberries.
In addition to flavonoids, elderberries contain vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium, and iron. They also contain small amounts of quercetin, rutin, and cyanidin-3-sambubioside, which act as antioxidants in the body. Several studies suggest that elderberry extract may have antiviral effects and be beneficial for treating influenza.
Does elderberry syrup go bad?
Like most food products and natural remedies, elderberry syrup does eventually expire and go bad. However, its shelf life is generally quite long compared to fresh berries or produce. There are a few factors that affect how long elderberry syrup lasts:
- Manufacturing method – syrup made at home tends to have a shorter shelf life than commercially prepared products.
- Ingredients – products made with lemon juice or alcohol as a preservative tend to last longer.
- Storage – elderberry syrup stored in the refrigerator or freezer keeps longer.
- Packaging – syrup in airtight, light-blocking containers has a longer shelf life.
Homemade elderberry syrup shelf life
If you make elderberry syrup yourself at home, it typically only lasts for a few months at most in the refrigerator. The exact shelf life can vary based on the recipe, but homemade syrups have a shorter shelf life than commercially prepared versions. There are a few reasons for this:
- No preservatives – homemade syrups don’t contain chemical preservatives to extend shelf life.
- Possibility of contamination – homemade products have more risk of bacterial contamination.
- Higher water content – some homemade syrup recipes have a higher percentage of water, which facilitates microbial growth.
To extend the shelf life of homemade elderberry syrup, store it in the refrigerator and use clean utensils and equipment when preparing it. Discard if you see any signs of mold or fermentation. As a general guideline, homemade elderberry syrup may last about 2-3 months in the fridge when properly prepared and stored.
Store-bought elderberry syrup shelf life
Commercially prepared elderberry syrups have a significantly longer shelf life, generally about 1-2 years from the manufacturing date when stored properly. The manufacturers use techniques like vacuum sealing, pasteurization, and the addition of lemon juice or alcohol to make them last longer. For example:
- Sambucol, a popular brand, has a shelf life of up to 2 years when stored in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator after opening.
- Nature’s Way states its elderberry syrup is good for 1 year after opening when refrigerated.
- Gaia Herbs lists a shelf life of 3 years for unopened bottles and 1 year for opened bottles when refrigerated.
Be sure to follow the storage instructions on whatever product you purchase. Properly stored, most commercial elderberry syrups stay good for at least a year after opening. Refrigeration extends the lifespan.
How to tell if elderberry syrup has expired
Elderberry syrup lasts a surprisingly long time, but it doesn’t last forever. Here are some signs that your syrup has expired and should be discarded:
- Color changes – Fresh elderberry syrup is a deep purple or burgundy color. As it oxidizes and goes bad, the color lightens and eventually turns brown.
- Texture changes – Elderberry syrup has a thick, sticky syrup texture when fresh. Expired syrup may become runnier or appear watery or thin.
- Crystallization – Hard sugar or sorbate crystals may form in old syrup, giving it a gritty or grainy texture.
- Fermentation – Bubbles, carbonation, or a wine-like smell can indicate yeast or bacteria got in and fermented the sugars.
- Mold – Fuzzy mold growing on the surface or visible mold spores mean the syrup has definitely spoiled.
- Expired date – If stored properly, elderberry syrup is generally good for up to 1-2 years past the manufacture date.
If your syrup displays any of these signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard it and purchase a new bottle or make a fresh batch. Consuming expired elderberry syrup likely won’t make you sick, but its potency and beneficial compounds deteriorate over time.
Does refrigeration help elderberry syrup last longer?
Yes, refrigerating elderberry syrup can significantly extend its shelf life, both before and after opening. The cool temperatures of the refrigerator or freezer help slow down chemical reactions and microbial growth. Refrigeration can make elderberry syrup last up to 2-3 times longer compared to storing it at room temperature. Here’s how it helps:
- Slows oxidation – cooler temps prevent oxidation and color changes.
- Slows microbial growth – refrigeration inhibits mold, yeast, and bacterial growth.
- Slows separation – chilled syrup is less likely to separate or get watery.
- Retains potency – refrigeration helps elderberry compounds stay stable longer.
Both commercial elderberry syrup manufacturers and sources on homemade recipes recommend refrigerated storage to maximize shelf life. Keep unopened bottles in the refrigerator, and refrigerate opened bottles after use. The freezer can extend shelf life even longer.
Does heat affect elderberry syrup shelf life?
Heat can degrade the beneficial compounds in elderberry syrup over time, shortening its shelf life. Exposure to high temperatures causes the flavonoids and antioxidants to break down more rapidly. Light and oxygen also hasten the deterioration process. Here’s how heat shortens the shelf life:
- Degrades flavonoids – the antioxidant compounds are sensitive to heat.
- Darkens color – heat accelerates the browning of the syrup.
- May affect taste – can give a bitter, burnt flavor.
- Promotes separation – heating thins the syrup and makes separation more likely.
To maximize freshness and get the most health benefits from your elderberry syrup, avoid storing it anywhere hot. Keep it away from hot spots like on top of appliances, near stoves and ovens, or in a hot car. Refrigeration is ideal for longer shelf life.
Does elderberry syrup need to be refrigerated after opening?
It’s highly recommended to refrigerate your elderberry syrup after opening to extend its shelf life and quality. The cool temperatures keep it from deteriorating as quickly. For example, Nature’s Way states its elderberry syrup will last 1 year refrigerated after opening but only 1-2 months at room temp. Here are some key reasons to refrigerate opened syrup:
- Slows oxidation – opened syrup oxidizes faster, but refrigeration slows it down.
- Retains color – prevents darkening and browning after opening.
- Inhibits microbial growth – refrigeration deters mold or bacteria.
- Prevents separation – chilling helps keep syrup homogenous after opening.
- Maintains potency – refrigeration retains the beneficial elderberry compounds.
Keeping opened elderberry syrup in the refrigerator gives you the maximum window of time to use it up. Be diligent about keeping it refrigerated after each use to prolong its shelf life. The freezer is also an option if you won’t use it quickly.
What’s the best way to store elderberry syrup?
To get the longest possible shelf life out of your elderberry syrup, follow these storage recommendations:
- Refrigerate unopened bottles – this helps extend shelf life before opening.
- Refrigerate opened bottles – prevents spoilage after opening.
- Use airtight containers – keeps out air and light that degrade syrup.
- Avoid heat – prevents breakdown of beneficial compounds.
- Watch expiration dates – don’t use syrup past expiration or signs of spoilage.
- Freeze for long-term storage – freezing gives longest viability but may affect texture.
Following the manufacturer’s or recipe’s storage guidance is also recommended. With optimal storage conditions like refrigeration and air-tight containers, elderberry syrup can retain its potency and flavor for up to 1-2 years.
Does freezing extend elderberry syrup’s shelf life?
Freezing is very effective at extending the shelf life of elderberry syrup for long-term storage. The freezing process stops most chemical reactions that cause food spoilage. Frozen properly, elderberry syrup may last for years without going bad. Here’s how freezing helps:
- Halts microbial growth – freezing temperature stops mold, yeast, and bacteria growth.
- Suspends chemical reactions – freezing puts reactions that degrade syrup on hold.
- Minimizes oxidation – frozen condition prevents oxygen exposure.
- Maintains nutrient content – freezing preserves elderberry compounds like flavonoids.
Commercially prepared elderberry syrup can typically be frozen for upwards of 1-2 years past the manufacture date before the quality degrades. Homemade syrup may last about 6 months frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator before using frozen syrup.
Does freezing change the texture?
Freezing can slightly alter the texture, making elderberry syrup somewhat thinner after thawing. The freezing process causes the water molecules to expand, which breaks down some of the structure. This may result in a more runny or fluid consistency once thawed. However, the freezing itself does not degrade the elderberry compounds or nutritional content.
What happens if you take expired elderberry syrup?
Consuming expired elderberry syrup is generally not dangerous or harmful, though it may cause some mild digestive upset in some cases. Here’s what you can expect if you accidentally ingest syrup past its prime:
- Upset stomach or nausea – caused by degradation compounds or microbial growth.
- Changes in taste – expired syrup may taste bitter, sour, or rancid.
- Laxative effects – elderberries have natural laxative properties that get stronger.
- Diminished effects – immune boosting and medicinal properties decline over time.
While accidental ingestion of expired syrup won’t cause serious illness in most people, you won’t get the full benefits of fresher syrup. It’s best to discard and replace syrup once it shows signs of aging for maximum effectiveness.
How long does opened elderberry syrup last in the fridge?
Once opened, elderberry syrup typically lasts about 1 year in the refrigerator before deteriorating, if properly stored. The shelf life depends somewhat on the product and the storage conditions. For example:
- Nature’s Way lasts 1 year refrigerated after opening.
- Sambucol lasts up to 2 years refrigerated after opening.
- Homemade syrups may last 2-3 months refrigerated.
Be diligent about refrigerating elderberry syrup after each use to get the longest shelf life. Keep it in an airtight bottle toward the back of the fridge. Also keep it away from the refrigerator light, which can degrade nutrients over time.
Can you freeze homemade elderberry syrup?
Yes, homemade elderberry syrup can also be frozen to extend its shelf life, with similar benefits as freezing commercial products. Pour the homemade syrup into an airtight freezer container, allowing headspace for expansion. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Freeze homemade syrup in smaller batches, as it tends to degrade faster than commercial versions once thawed. Use frozen homemade syrup within 6 months for best quality and effectiveness.
Can expired elderberry syrup make you sick?
Consuming expired elderberry syrup is very unlikely to make you sick or cause serious health issues. However, degradation of the syrup over time may cause some mild stomach upset in some cases. Possible symptoms include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Bloating or gas
These gastrointestinal issues are generally temporary and subside on their own. They are caused by chemical changes as the syrup spoils, not pathogenic bacteria. Still, it’s best not to consume elderberry syrup past its expiration for this reason.
Does elderberry syrup need to be organic?
Elderberry syrup does not necessarily have to be organic. Both organic and conventionally produced syrups provide the beneficial immune-boosting effects of elderberry. However, there are some potential benefits to choosing organic:
- Avoids pesticide residues – organic elderberries are not sprayed with synthetic pesticides.
- No GMOs – organic regulations prohibit genetically engineered ingredients.
- May be more natural – organic brands often have fewer added ingredients.
- Supports organic farming – purchasing organic products helps the organic market.
On the other hand, non-organic elderberry syrup is typically more affordable and accessible. The choice comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. From a health perspective, the most important thing is that the syrup is high quality and not expired.
Conclusion
With proper storage, both commercial and homemade elderberry syrup can remain fresh and effective for up to 1-2 years past the manufacture or preparation date. Refrigeration and freezing help extend the shelf life significantly by slowing chemical reactions and inhibiting microbial growth. Make sure to refrigerate opened bottles and watch for signs of spoilage like change in color, texture, smell or appearance of mold. While expired syrup won’t make you sick, it’s best to discard it as the beneficial compounds degrade over time. Following the recommended storage conditions will help ensure your elderberry syrup lasts as long as possible.