How Long Does Halloween Candy Last?
If you’re planning on rationing your kids’ candy this Halloween – or end up buying more candy than you need – you might be wondering how long they last before their quality starts to deteriorate. Typically, most candies are stored for nine months, although this can vary depending on the type of candy and how you stored it.
When does the candy expire?
According to the recommendations of the National Association of Confectioners, the expiration date of the candies depends on the type:
- Chocolate can last 8-10 months if wrapped in foil and stored in a cool, dark and dry place. Dark chocolate can last longer – up to about 2 years. Older chocolate may have a white, cloudy coating known as “ chocolate patina,” but is still edible. (Chocolate that is really too old to drink will taste bitter or moldy.)
- Candies such as lollipops and toffee lollipops last for one year in the package. As the caramel becomes stale, it becomes sticky and the texture becomes grainy.
- Caramel can be stored for about 6-9 months if properly packed (not always in cheaper cellophane packaging). After this time, it will become stale and hard like a stone.
- When closed, the sweet corn will last about 9 months before it hardens from callousness.
- Jellied sweets are stored unopened for about a year. If you open a package of chocolates, but store in a sealed container, it will start to harden after about 6-9 months.
- When properly packaged, chewing gum will last 6-9 months.
How to store candy
As long as the candies are sealed in their original wrapper, you will have plenty of time to eat them. The best place to store your candy is in a cool, dark place, such as a closet or pantry. Once you open the package, close it with a clip or, better yet, store it in an airtight jar or container.
Can I freeze leftover candies?
Most candies can be frozen for up to a year, but there are some exceptions: toffee and truffles can only be frozen for two months, and you should avoid freezing any candies that contain fruits or nuts. Make sure you seal your candy in an airtight container or freezer bag and tag it with the date and type of candy you are freezing so that it doesn’t turn into a guessing game later on.
The alternative is to simply give away the candy (your hapless colleagues are an easy task) or pick a date and throw away whatever is left after that.