HOW LONG DOES CHOCOLATE LAST AND HOW SHOULD YOU STORE IT?

You can never go wrong with chocolates, be it as a tasty treat to snack on or as a gift for your loved ones. Everyone loves the delightful goodness of chocolate, but there is one concern: can chocolate expire? You are at the right place if you are looking for answers to this, hoping that the yummy treat will retain its freshness until you are ready to use it. This guide breaks down everything that you need to know about chocolate storage.

How Long Does Chocolate Last?

It's like so hard not to love  quality chocolate.

Besides, its great taste, it is also generally known that it is very versatile. You can have them as a spread of chocolate-covered strawberries when melted, as a snack on their own, or with other tasteful fruits. There are just so many ways to enjoy it. That's when curiosity strikes and you can't help but ask: can chocolate go bad? Luckily, chocolate doesn’t necessarily expire, unlike other food types. Instead, if you don’t store chocolate properly, you risk exposing it to moisture, extreme temperatures, and the elements, causing it to change texture, appearance, and taste. It is likely to turn into mush, get discolored, become brittle, stick together, or have a different taste, depending on the conditions it encounters.

After all, this is the last thing you would like, so, to be on the safe side, at least you should know the shelf life of your favorite chocolate and how it should be stored properly.

Dark Chocolate

What is more,  dark chocolate happens to be among the longest-lasting types. Provided it is stored in some cool and dry place, trust to keep for as long as 2 years. While storing chocolate, consider keeping it in your cupboard or your pantry and, while you are at it, avoid storing it in the fridge because condensation could lead to discoloration and may cause it to go bad.

Milk Chocolate 

Unfortunately,  milk chocolate does not have the same shelf life as dark chocolate. Depending on the storage, it will last from 6 months to 1 year. Surely, one should not leave it in the high humidity areas or sun, and if you store it in the refrigerator, then be sure to put it in a hermetically closed container so it would not gather moisture.

White Chocolate 

When it comes to  white chocolate, well, under the very perfect conditions, it's good for up to 4 months. Make sure you contain it in your pantry at ideal temperatures to be safe because, if you decide to refrigerate it, separation of molecules will only occur, ruining its texture and looks.

Filled Chocolate 

Filled chocolates are also notorious for a very short life span next to chocolate truffles. The answer to how long does chocolate last with this one is that it only stays in its perfect flavor and texture for about 3-4 months, and this is only under ideal conditions. If you are worried that you will not be able to finish them fast enough, you can store them in the fridge, but make sure that they are contained, as this fact has them last longer.

How to Store Chocolate Properly? 

While chocolate may not go bad like most other perishable food items, yet you want it to last longer, retaining its luscious taste, color, and texture. But can chocolate expire? Yes, it can, which is why it's important to store it correctly. Now that you are aware of the shelf life of different types of chocolates, the following tips should help you know how to store chocolate properly:

Choose the Right Environment 

A chocolaty location makes all the difference. That's what makes the difference between whether it will last long or not. But will chocolate go bad if stored incorrectly? Absolutely. That is why it is recommended to keep your chocolate in a cool, dry place, maybe in your pantry or on a shelf. The place should be without direct sunlight and at a high humidity level, which interferes with the structure of the chocolate. If you’re wondering, will chocolate go bad in the kitchen? It can, which means that even if kept in the kitchen, you should also ensure it is kept away from appliances like the oven and microwave.

Choose the Correct Temperature 

Chocolate is among the most perishable food products once it comes down to temperatures. Knowing how to store chocolate properly is essential to maintain its quality. The predominant temperatures arise from the location that you select, therefore it is advised that in no case the levels go below 68 degrees in addition to not being above 68 degrees. On the same note also, ensure that  levels of humidity remain around 55%; if higher, the chocolate continues to gather more moisture, and its texture is totally ruined.

Understand When to Use the Fridge 

So many people refrigerate chocolate, but does it seem to be a good idea? Although, in fact, did you know you're technically not supposed to keep refrigerating chocolate? Will chocolate go bad if you refrigerate it? It might. 

First of all, condensation quickly develops on the top surface of the chocolate, and in effect, the molecules easily separate from the rest of the ingredients, which spoil the texture of the chocolate. However, if your locality gets extremely humid with temperate changes, then you have no other choice than to refrigerate your chocolate. Always keep them in sealed containers and, for good results, in the freezer, not the fridge. Lastly, there are chances of temperature chock, so consider placing it in the fridge for at least 24 hours before freezing.

Use Airtight Containers 

For anything that is stored in either a pantry or the freezer,  use airtight containers. Chocolates definitely fall into this category, as you want them kept fresh for as long as you can and do not let the moisture in to ruin them. When considering how long does chocolate last, you also might want to label the containers with what it is and the date purchased or last opened. But can chocolate expire? Yes, and proper storage is key to preventing this. 

This way, you can trace how long it has been put in the freezer so you know when to eat it. And what if you do not have a container? Well, you can wrap the chocolate in plastic or aluminum foil. But then again, it will not last too long, as long as when you store it in a closed container.

Everybody knows how important it is to preserve the high quality of chocolate in all its forms if one loves it. It has a feel and taste uniquely yours, and the last thing you would want to do is to interfere with these features. That is the reason you need to store chocolates in airtight containers either in the freezer or under cool, dry conditions in the pantry. Keep them away from direct heat/sunlight and high humidity.