Have you ever wondered how long does chocolate candy lasts? You’ll want to keep reading if you have a sweet tooth.
In this blog post, we will discuss the shelf life of chocolate candy and answer some common questions about it.
Chocolate candy will last more than six months. However, they will lose quality before they really spoil or become harmful to eat.
This is due to the fact that sugar, which functions as a preservative, is present in large enough quantities in most candies to counteract their low moisture content.
How Long Does Chocolate Candy Last?
Chocolate candy is one of the world’s most popular types of candy.
Chocolate lovers sometimes wonder how long their favorite treat will last.
The answer is dependent on a few factors, which are explained more below;
1. Types of Chocolate Candy
There are different types of chocolate candy, each with a different shelf life.
For example, dark chocolate candy can last up to two years if stored in a cool, dry place.
Milk chocolate candy, however, will only last for six to eight months if it is stored properly.
White chocolate candy has the shortest shelf life, and it will only last for two to three months if stored properly.
2. Storing Chocolate Candy
If you want your chocolate candy to last as long as possible, you must store it properly.
The best way to store chocolate candy is in a cool, dry place. You should also keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying.
If you store chocolate candy in a warm or humid place, it will not last as long.
3. Opened and Unopened Chocolate Candy
The shelf life of chocolate candy also depends on whether the candy is opened or unopened.
If the candy is unopened, it will last for the time specified on the package.
However, if the candy is opened, it will only last half of the time specified on the package.
4. Temperature and Humidity
The shelf life of chocolate candy also depends on the temperature and humidity of the storage area.
If the storage area is too warm, the chocolate will melt and become unusable.
If the storage area is too humid, the chocolate will become stale and lose its flavor.
5. The Quality and the Freshness Of the Candy
Candies made of chocolate should be consumed within a year after their manufacturing date for the finest flavor.
However, candies made of high-quality chocolate may be eaten much beyond their sell-by date.
This is because candies made from high-quality chocolate include natural preservatives known as flavanols.
Flavanols provide significant antioxidant health advantages while ensuring that chocolate candies continue to taste more fresh for extended periods.
6. Ingredients Used
The shelf life of chocolate candy also depends on the ingredients that are used to make the candy.
For example, if the candy contains nuts or dried fruit, it will not last as long as candy that does not contain these ingredients.
The shelf life of candy made with fresh ingredients is shorter than candy made with processed or artificial ingredients.
How to Make Your Chocolate Candy Last for Longer
How long does homemade chocolate candy last?
Assuming you have stored your chocolate candy in a cool, dark place and it is well-wrapped, it should last for two to three months.
However, if you want your chocolate candy to last even longer, you can do a few things.
Store in a Cool and Dry Place
When chocolate candy is kept at a constant temperature between 60 and 65°F and a humidity of less than 50 percent, the mixture of cocoa solids and cocoa butter will stay stable for months.
But even if it’s cool and dry, remember that cocoa butter, the vegetable fat in chocolate candy, picks up the smell of whatever is around it.
Seal them up so that no air can get in if you don't want your candies to taste like vanilla extract, onion, or garlic powder.
Oxygen does exactly what you’d expect it to do. It changes the way chocolate candy tastes and changes its color.
Fridge
One way to make your chocolate candy last longer is to store it in the fridge.
This will help slow the oxidation process, which can cause the chocolate to go rancid.
Tip: Just be sure to wrap your chocolate candy tightly in order not to absorb any unwanted smells from your fridge.
Freezer
Another way to prolong the shelf life of your chocolate candy is to store it in the freezer.
This is a good option if you live in a hot climate or want to store your chocolate candy for an extended period.
Just be sure to wrap your chocolate tightly to prevent it from getting freezer burned.
Don’t Allow Them to Go Too Close to the Light
Not just natural light but also lights that come from inside. They both make things taste bad in the same way that oxygen does.
What Are The Telltales of Signs of Chocolate Candy That Have Gone Bad?
It’s important to make sure that your chocolate candy is stored properly and consumed within the correct time frame.
Otherwise, you may end up with a disappointing (and potentially dangerous) experience.
There are a few telltale signs of chocolate candy that have gone bad.
Texture Changes:
Chocolate can go from smooth to grainy, and while this change in texture won’t make it taste bad, it’s not particularly tasty.
If your chocolate is starting to get grainy, it’s probably past its prime.
Discoloration:
Another sign that your chocolate has gone bad is discoloration. If your chocolate is starting to look gray, white, or yellow, it’s time to toss it.
Change in Taste:
The biggest sign that your chocolate has gone bad is a change in taste.
If your chocolate doesn’t taste as sweet or rich as it used to, it’s probably time to say goodbye.
What are the Consequences of Consuming Expired Chocolate Candies?
What is the shelf life of chocolate candy? Although chocolate has a lengthy shelf life, it will ultimately go bad.
Although expired chocolate might not taste as good as fresh chocolate, it is typically safe to consume.
However, there are a few risks associated with eating expired chocolate candies, these include:
Allergic Reactions:
This is the most common consequence of consuming expired chocolate candies.
The severity of the reaction depends on how sensitive you are to the allergen and how much you have consumed.
Other possible reactions include stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Food Poisonings:
In rare cases, expired chocolate can lead to food poisoning. This is usually caused by bacteria, such as E. coli, or toxins produced by mold or yeast.
Nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, and diarrhea are all common complaints among those who have food poisoning.
Seek emergency medical assistance if you have experienced these symptoms after eating old chocolate candy.
FAQs About How Long Chocolate Candy Last
Do you have any other questions about the shelf life of chocolate candies?
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about chocolate candies.
Does Storing Chocolate in the Fridge Make It Last Longer?
It depends, storing chocolate in the fridge can shorten its shelf life.
The humidity in the fridge can cause the chocolate to bloom, which is when white streaks or spots appear on the surface of the chocolate.
Does Freezing Chocolate Candy Interfere With Its Favor?
No, freezing chocolate does not interfere with its flavor. It can help to preserve the flavor of the chocolate.
Can You Eat Chocolate Two Years Out of Date?
No, you shouldn’t eat chocolate two years out of date. The flavor will have changed, and it may not taste good anymore.
However, if the chocolate is only a few months out of date, it should still be fine to eat.
Chocolate can last for a long time if it is stored properly.
Final Verdict
So, how long does chocolate candy last? Chocolate candy can last for quite a long time if it is stored properly.
However, eating it within a few months is best to enjoy the best flavor.
Thanks for reading! We hope this article was helpful.