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
If unopened and stored properly, dark chocolate lasts 2 years (from the day it was made). If opened, but still stored properly, the rule of thumb is one year. As for milk and white chocolate bars, the time available is cut in half. One year if unopened and stored properly, and 6-8 months if opened and stored properly.
How to store chocolate for long term? ›
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.
Should chocolate be kept in the refrigerator? ›
Do not refrigerate chocolate. Whether you only eat gourmet truffles or consume any chocolate put in front of you, please don't store chocolate in the fridge. This is because chocolate easily absorbs the odors of whatever items it is placed near to in a fridge, which can have a detrimental effect on its flavor.
Does chocolate go bad if not refrigerated? ›
Proper storage is key to preserving the quality and flavor of chocolate. Chocolate should be stored in a cool, dry place away from the presence of sunlight and strong odors. A temperature range of 60–70°F (15–21°C) is optimal for maintaining chocolate's texture and taste.
How do you store chocolate to keep its best quality? ›
Tips for Storing Your Chocolates
- DON'T REFRIGERATE! ...
- Store it in a cool, dry place. ...
- But even in a cool, dry place: Remember that cocoa butter (the vegetable fat in chocolate) picks up the smell of whatever's around it. ...
- Seal them in an air-tight container. ...
- Keep them away from the light!
Avoid Unwanted Odors
Chocolate has a very sensitive aroma, and any strong smells can seep in and affect its flavor. 4 This is especially true when storing chocolate for long periods of time. It's best to store it away from other foods or products that have a strong smell.
Where is the best place to store your chocolate? ›
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.
What is the shelf life of chocolate? ›
If unopened and stored properly, dark chocolate lasts 2 years (from the day it was made). If opened, but still stored properly, the rule of thumb is one year. As for milk and white chocolate bars, the time available is cut in half. One year if unopened and stored properly, and 6-8 months if opened and stored properly.
Can I store chocolate without fridge? ›
Storing your chocolate in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight is one of the simplest hacks to prevent it from melting without needing to use a refrigerator. By keeping chocolate at room temperature – ideally between 18°C and 20°C – you can maintain its delicious taste and texture for longer periods.
How long does Godiva chocolate last? ›
How should I store the chocolate if I want to keep it fresh tasting for more than two weeks? To store chocolate for up to two months, place package in two plastic bags, close tightly and refrigerate. To store chocolate for up to six months, place package in two plastic bags, close tightly and freeze.
Texture: Bad chocolate might feel dry or crumbly, and its smoothness may be compromised. Odour: If the chocolate smells off, rancid, or musty, it could indicate spoilage. Taste: If the chocolate tastes stale, sour, or simply not as flavorful as it should, it may have gone bad.
Does Hershey chocolate go bad? ›
How long should I keep chocolate? Most confectionery products are at their best flavor for one year after manufacture. Ingredients such as nuts will shorten the shelf life. Products kept beyond recommended "best before" date may have flavor loss or texture changes.
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.
What is the best container to store chocolate? ›
Do store chocolate in an airtight container. This serves two purposes. First, it helps protect the chocolate from moisture, which (as noted above) can cause a gross-looking (albeit harmless) “sugar bloom”.
Is it better to keep chocolate in the fridge or pantry? ›
Ideally keep it in a cool, dry place away from other odours and light. So the answer is not the fridge unless very hot or humid. * Fat Bloom occurs due to chocolate being exposed to heat, generally from about 24 ºC, where the cocoa butter melts slightly and can create a white film on top of the chocolate.
Why chocolate should not be refrigerated? ›
Although you might think storing chocolate in the fridge only alters its texture, refrigerating chocolate can actually impact its taste as well. As cocoa butter absorbs flavours and odours, you could find yourself munching on a chocolate bar which tastes like last-night's leftovers.
Can chocolate last for up to five years if stored properly? ›
According to Jeff Stoeckel, CEO of Bridgewater Chocolate, if you're talking about the most basic form of chocolate (cacao + cocoa butter), it can last for several years (some even say more than five years) if stored properly in a cold, dark, dry environment.
Does vacuum sealing chocolate make it last longer? ›
Caramels and sugar-based chocolates/confections last longer than truffles and ganaches, but not nearly as long as solids. Sipping chocolate lasts a very long time as well. You can vacuum seal chocolate to help keep it longer. Just make sure to package it in a hard container.
What chocolate has the longest shelf life? ›
Dark chocolate is known for lasting longer than milk and white chocolate. The absence of dairy content makes it less perishable. If unopened and stored properly, dark chocolate lasts 2 years (from the day it was made).
