We’ve all been there. Searching through the cupboards, looking for just the thing to satisfy that chocolate craving. Finally after minutes of intense searching, you find it – a leftover treat that’s been hiding since the last time trick-or-treaters came knocking on your door. That candy bar you found shoved in the back of the pantry was in the wrapper. It should be fine…right?
Situations like these raise the question, “Can my candy go bad?” Some of us may even be thinking of the candy-themed months ahead. Halloween is just around the corner, after all, and Christmas is right on its heels. So how early is TOO early to start stocking your candy bowl in preparation for the hordes of costumed candy bandits headed your way?
As any die-hard Halloween fan knows, it can take several weeks to set up the perfect haunted house, finalize an award winning costume, and stock up on the perfect treats for your candy dish. For all you avid Halloween enthusiasts concerned about jumping the gun, we have good news. It is safe to begin stocking up on the best treats in the neighborhood by ordering from CandyFavorites.com – your treats will still be fresh for the big day!
Not to get too scientific on you, but many candies and candy bars are high in sugar and low in moisture. If the packages stay closed, this combination lends itself to a long shelf life. Strictly speaking, pure chocolate can last up to two years or more without presenting any serious risks to consumer health. However, any ingredients like nuts and peanut butter can degrade more quickly than the actual chocolate.
In many cases, a candy’s shelf life is more about the quality of the treat, rather than any health risks associated with consuming it. After a significant amount of time has passed, many candies will begin to lose their color and flavor, and most chocolates will develop white splotches – but no need to worry! The appearance of these white spots (often known as “blooming”) is simply a product of the sugar or fat in your chocolate rising to the surface after a prolonged period of time. Though they are not the most appetizing, they are harmless.
If you’re ordering your Halloween candy now, as a general rule of thumb just remember to store it in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Or, for the best tasting candy no matter the time of year, take a peek at our handy Shelf Life Guide for more information.
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