I use the brown bears and just love them! I have had a plastic container (Ziploc) with brown sugar and a bear for almost 3 years now ....I guess you can tell I don't use a lot of it... :lol: . I checked it just now and the sugar is still soft. Occasionally I take out the bear and soak it in water 5 to 10 minutes and put it back. The bears are also great for keeping raisins soft.