Does sugar affect mold growth?
Sophia Koch
Updated on March 14, 2026
Yes. Sugar does inhibit growth of mold.
Does mold thrive on sugar?
Molds grow best in warm, humid conditions, but can also grow at refrigerator temperatures. Molds tolerate salt and sugar and can survive on high-acid foods like jams, pickles, fruit, tomatoes and cured salty meats such as bacon, ham and bologna.Why does sugar inhibit mold growth?
High sugar concentrations cause the bacterium to lose water by osmosis and it doesn't have any cellular machinery to pump it back in against the osmotic gradient. Without enough water, the bacteria can't grow or divide. Mould is more tolerant though and can grow on some jams.What slows down the growth of mold?
Lower Humidity Levels Around the MoldIn order to properly slow the growth of mold in your home, you'll want humidity levels of under 60%, though you ideally want those levels between 30% and 50%. There are plenty of ways you can lower humidity in order to stop mold growth.