We are frequently asked how long our chocolates will last. Here is an article that we found at Stilltasty.com.
The good news is that chocolates have a long shelf life, so you can shop early and they will still be good for the holidays. Even better, months after theholidays have passed, you can still dig into those boxed chocolates. Here's how to keep them fresh and tasty:
For best results, store boxed chocolates at a moderate room temperature.
The ideal temperature for storing chocolates is generally between 60° and 70° Fahrenheit — muchwarmer than that, and the chocolates’ texture and appearance can begin to suffer.
How long does a box of chocolates last at room temperature? Stored under those moderatetemperatures, most types of boxed chocolates will retain their qualityfor at least 6 to 9 months,even after they been opened. It is shorter for chocolates filled with creams and caramels. Sponge Candy should also be enjoyed within 8 weeks as it is susceptibleto moisture which make s the sponge candy start to dissolve.
For longer-term storage -- or in hot, humid conditions -- refrigerate or freeze chocolates.
If the climate in your home is routinely above 70° Fahrenheit and humid — or if you can’t polish off anentire box of chocolates within a few months — your next best option is to refrigerate or freeze yourboxed chocolates.
How long do boxed chocolates last in the fridge or freezer? As a general rule, refrigerating chocolatecan extend its shelf life by at least 25%, while freezing can prolong it by 50% or more. Place theoriginal box in a heavy-duty plastic freezer bag, seal it tightly and thenrefrigerate for up to oneyear, or freeze for up to 18 monthsfor best quality. Thaw frozen chocolates in the refrigerator.
Handmade, premium chocolates and chocolate truffles have a shorter shelf life.
Handmade, premium gourmet (and typically ultra-expensive) chocolates and chocolate trufflespurchased from specialty stores don't last as long as regular boxed chocolates. They will usually remainat peak quality for2 to 3 weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, they will keep well in thefridge for 2 to 3 months or for 6 months in the freezer.
Wrap tightly to keep the odors away.
Chocolate absorbs nearby odors like a sponge. So it’s important to keep your boxed chocolates well-covered, no matter where you’re storing them. For maximum taste and freshness, place opened boxesin a heavy-duty plastic bag and close tightly.
FAQs
As a general rule, refrigerating chocolate can extend its shelf life by at least 25%, while freezing can prolong it by 50% or more. Place the original box in a heavy-duty plastic freezer bag, seal it tightly and then refrigerate for up to one year, or freeze for up to 18 months for best quality.
How long does chocolate really last? ›
Generally, dark chocolate tends to last longer than milk or white chocolate due to its lower moisture content and higher cocoa content. Dark chocolate usually will retain its full flavor for about 1.5 to two years at room temperature, and milk chocolate and white chocolate for about one year.
Should I put chocolate in the fridge or freezer? ›
So instead of the fridge: Store it in a cool, dry place. When chocolate is kept at a consistent temperature below 70°F (ideally between 65 and 68°F), and at a humidity of less than 55%, the emulsion of cocoa solids and cocoa butter will stay stable for months.
How long do fresh chocolates last? ›
To make it to its one- and two-year anniversaries, the chocolate must be stored in a cool, dry place. If the package of candy is opened, cut the shelf life in half to one year for solid dark chocolate and six months for solid milk chocolate, Detwiler says.
Can you eat chocolate 2 years out of date? ›
Dark chocolate, with its higher cacao content, can be good to eat for as long as three years past the best before. Due to their high milk contents, milk and white chocolates might not last as long as dark, but their longevity is still nothing to sniff at — you can expect to get another 8 months or so out of it.
How to store chocolate properly? ›
The best place to store chocolate is in a cool, dry, and dark environment, like a pantry or cupboard. You'll want to store it away from heat, moisture, and light. Chocolate thrives at room temperature and low humidity levels, ideally between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and less than 55 percent humidity.
Can chocolate expire in the fridge? ›
It's still edible, and it won't “go bad” just because it's refrigerated. However, you should know that chilling it will change the taste and texture of even the highest quality chocolate. Cocoa solids and cocoa butter need a consistent temperature to remain stable.
Can you freeze chocolate to make it last longer? ›
As a general rule, refrigerating chocolate can extend its shelf life by at least 25%, while freezing can prolong it by 50% or more. Place the original box in a heavy-duty plastic freezer bag, seal it tightly and then refrigerate for up to one year, or freeze for up to 18 months for best quality.
What needs to be avoided when storing chocolate? ›
For best results, store chocolate in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or areas of high humidity. 3 If you store your chocolate in the pantry or cupboard, make sure to choose an area away from heat sources such as ovens and dishwashers.
What happens if you don't refrigerate chocolate? ›
Chocolate is sensitive to both temperature and humidity. At higher temperatures, the cocoa butter in chocolate can melt. This leads to a loss of the crisp texture and complex flavour profiles that define our chocolates.
Chocolate does not spoil in the same way that perishable foods do, but its taste, texture, and appearance may change over time due to factors such as sugar bloom or fat bloom. These changes do not make the chocolate unsafe to consume, but they might affect the overall quality and enjoyment of the product.
How long can chocolate last in the pantry? ›
The true shelf life on chocolate depends a lot on how it is stored and what type of chocolate we are talking about. For instance, if a chocolate bar is stored in the pantry it will last for 2-4 months - but if stored in the refrigerator it lasts for 4-6 months BEYOND its printed date.
How to store chocolate in summer? ›
Your goal when storing chocolate is to keep it below the softening point to preserve the temper. If your home is equipped with air conditioning or central air, make sure your thermostat is not set above 75°F, and keep it in a cool dark place in your house.
Is it safe to eat 20 year old chocolate? ›
If the chocolate has been stored properly in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture, it may still be safe to eat even if it is 2 years past its expiration date. However, if the chocolate has a rancid smell, a discoloured appearance, or a strange texture, it is likely spoiled and should not be consumed.
What to do with old chocolate? ›
Now it's time to transform any excess chocolate into one of these delicious sweet treats.
- 1No-bake chocolate tarts. ...
- 2Spiked mud cake with sour cream ganache. ...
- 3Banoffee profiteroles. ...
- 4Mini chocolate cheesecakes. ...
- 5Caramel and raspberry chocolate palmiers. ...
- 6Lindor brownies. ...
- 7Chocolate fudge cheesecake.
Is it safe to eat chocolate that has turned white? ›
Chocolate bloom might look unappetizing, but it's completely safe to eat. That doesn't mean you'll want to eat it, though, as flavor and texture can both be compromised. “Bloom usually strips the chocolate of some of its most pleasing qualities,” says Laiskonis.
Can you eat chocolate after 10 years? ›
Remember that good dark chocolate has a shelf life of two or more years if left unopened, so unless you have reason to believe the chocolate has gone bad—if it doesn't smell right or looks like something is off—rest assured that chocolate is just fine to eat or bake with.
Does 100% chocolate go bad? ›
While you can eat chocolate well after the date on the wrapper, the general shelf life is two years for dark chocolate and six months to a year for milk and white chocolates. To help extend its life, keep your chocolate in stored in an air-tight container.
How long does chocolate last at room temperature? ›
For example, if you're keeping your favourite milk chocolate bar at room temperature, it could last up to a year if stored properly. On the other hand, dark chocolate has a longer shelf life of up to two years; this is because cocoa butter helps preserve it better than milk powder used in milk chocolates.
How long does Hershey's chocolate last after the expiration date? ›
Proper storage can greatly extend the shelf life beyond the expiration date, with unopened Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars potentially lasting one to two years under optimal conditions.