How to Store the Halloween Candy You Bought Before
As treat time approaches, you may have seen reports that we may be running out of Halloween candy this year.
As with other food shortages, these shortages have been affected by supply chain issues, although increased demand for candy during the COVID-19 pandemic has not helped. And that’s not all: According to Hershey’s , Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has made it even more difficult to find ingredients and produce candies this year.
If, upon learning of a potential shortage, you went out and bought your Halloween candy earlier this year, here are the best ways to keep them safe so they make it through the holiday season.
How to Store Halloween Candy
Since most of the Halloween candies given out to sweet lovers are individually packaged, this makes them easy to store . In addition, it is shelf-stable and shouldn’t degrade before Halloween, provided the conditions are right.
Temperature and sunlight are the main factors. Even if your home has air conditioning or the weather in your area is cold, be sure to store your Halloween candy out of direct sunlight – somewhere like a pantry, basement, closet or desk drawer. For added protection, place candy in airtight containers before storing.
If the temperature in your home regularly rises above 85 degrees Fahrenheit , you might consider storing candy in the refrigerator (if there’s room). But be careful when putting candy in the freezer. According to the National Confectioners Association , while some candy would be nice, avoid freezing foods that contain fruits or nuts.
When stored properly , milk and white chocolate can last eight to 10 months, while dark chocolate can last up to two years when wrapped in foil. Caramels usually keep six to nine months, hard candies can last up to a year, as can unopened gummies.