Newswise — When checking your child's Halloween candy to make sure it is safe to eat, also keep in mind the candy's shelf life, according to Kansas State University food experts.
K-State's Karen Blakeslee, research and extension associate for food safety, and Fadi Aramouni, professor of food science, say that the shelf life of candy can vary.
"The shelf life depends on the type of candy, packaging and storage conditions," Blakeslee said. "Shelf life can vary anywhere from two weeks to a year."
More specifically, Aramouni said these factors contribute to how long the quality of the candy lasts. In terms of safety, he said the shelf life of some candy, like hard candy, may be indefinite; however, he said there have been cases of salmonella poisoning from the consumption of expired chocolate.
"It depends on properties of the candy itself: how much moisture is in it and how much fat," Aramouni said.
According to Blakeslee, if a candy appears extremely sticky or has a grainy texture, then it has most likely expired due to temperature abuse and the crystallization of sugar. As a result, she said, it may develop an off flavor, have a change in color or turn moldy if it contains fruits or nuts.
A general rule to follow is that the softer the candy, then the shorter the shelf life it will have. Keeping candy in a cool, dry and dark place is the best way to store it, Blakeslee said.
"The less exposure to air, the better," she said. "Also, store it at room temperature. Heat can cause many candies to melt and get too sticky. Chocolate can get a powdery look to it -- called bloom -- because of temperature changes, but it is still fine to eat."
So the next time a craving for candy strikes, Aramouni recommends checking labels and staying level-headed.
"It is OK to throw away old candy," he said. "Don't feel compelled to eat it. It's mostly empty calories after all."
For more specific information Aramouni and Blakeslee recommend the following guidelines from the National Confectioners Association regarding the shelf life of various types of candy.
* Chocolate: Dark chocolate can be kept for one to two years if wrapped in foil and stored in a cool, dark and dry place. Milk and white chocolates last no more than eight to 10 months.
* Hard candy: Lollipops, roll candy and butterscotch candies can last up to a year when stored at room temperature or in cool, dry conditions.
* Jellied candies: Upon opening the packaging and storing at room temperature, jellied candies can last six to nine months.
* Gum: Most gum products can last six to nine months as long as the packaging remains sealed.
* Caramel: When stored properly at room temperature and away from the heat and light, caramel candy can last six to nine months -- and even up to a year in some cases.
FAQs
According to Blakeslee, if a candy appears extremely sticky or has a grainy texture, then it has most likely expired due to temperature abuse and the crystallization of sugar. As a result, she said, it may develop an off flavor, have a change in color or turn moldy if it contains fruits or nuts.
Can you eat sweets 2 years out of date? ›
Most candies do have expiration dates, but like most foods, these dates serve more as guidelines for when to consume them. It's generally fine to eat candy past its expiration date, though the quality and texture does decline after a certain point.
How do you know if sweets have gone bad? ›
If you open a bag of lollipops and they're gritty, sticky, and taste bad, they're definitely beyond their prime. When you notice white streaks called “blooms” and the chocolate has a dry feel, you know it's gone bad.
What happens when candy goes bad? ›
In candy terms, "going bad" essentially means losing its taste, texture, and visual appeal -- factors that play a crucial role in our candy-crunching experience. And let's be real, a tasteless, misshapen candy is as bad as any spoiled food.
How long does it take for sweets to go bad? ›
Gummy Candy: six months to one year. Hard Candy: up to one year. Dark Chocolate: up to two years. White Chocolate and Milk Chocolate: six months to a year.
What are the side effects of expired sugar? ›
Generally speaking, consuming sugar past its expiration date is not a safety issue. Sugar is a stable substance and doesn't harbor bacteria or mold like other foods. The lack of moisture in sugar acts as a deterrent against microbial growth, making it unlikely to become unsafe for consumption over time.
Can you eat chocolate 3 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.
Can bacteria grow on candy? ›
Although bacteria cannot grow in most confectioneries, pathogens are likely to survive in the product for several months after manufacturing.
When should you throw out candy? ›
Hard candy like lollipops can last up to a year when stored at room temperature or in a cool, dry location. Gummies last for six to nine months from the date of purchase. Soft candies like caramel and jelly beans last six to nine months if the package has been opened and left at room temperature.
Do skittles go bad if left out? ›
Always store skittles in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas with high humidity or temperature variations, as both can accelerate the loss of quality. Once the pack is opened, transfer the remaining skittles to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to minimize exposure to air and moisture.
Expired candy can also carry microbes that can make you sick.
Can bacteria grow on sweets? ›
Confectionery products are generally low-moisture products whose inherent nature restricts the growth and proliferation of micro- organisms. Thus the incidence of microbial contamination in con- fections, though not completely non-existent is low when compared to that in foods such as meats or egg products.
What candy has the longest shelf life? ›
Candy Shelf Life Guidelines:
- Hard Candy: 12 months.
- Jelly Beans: six months.
- Jordan Almonds: two months.
- Licorice: two months.
- Lollipops: 12 months.
- Milk or White Chocolate: three months.
- Mints: 24 months.
- Novelty Candy: 12 months.
“Yes, candy does expire, but the good news is that most types of candy are good to eat for six to 12 months,” says registered oncology dietician, Kaitlin Mckenzie.
Can you use sugar 2 years out of date? ›
Turns out, sugar takes the cake when it comes to extended shelf life. Granulated sugar can last up to two years in the pantry after opening. Technically, sugar never spoils. While it's recommended that granulated sugar be discarded after two years, chances are it will still serve its baking purpose even beyond that.
Can I eat something that expired 2 years ago? ›
Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the 'best by' date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.
Does sugar go bad after 5 years? ›
Commercial sugars (granular, syrup, and honey) have an indefinite shelf life due to their resistance to microbial growth.
