Storing away sweets is a great way to encourage moderation and ensure that Halloween candy lasts beyond a few weeks. But how long does candy last? And how can you make sure it stays fresh? These are some great tips for keeping Halloween candy alive long after the spooky costumes have been laid to rest.
Shelf Life and Storage Suggestions
- Chocolate. Dark chocolate can be kept for 1 to 2 years if wrapped in foil and stored in a cool, dark and dry place. A pantry or basement is an ideal location. Milk and white chocolate have a more limited storage time—no more than 8 to 10 months.
- Hard Candy. Hard candies (lollipops, lifesavers, butterscotch) can last up to a year when stored at room temperature or in a cool, dry location.
- Jellied Candies. If the packaging has been opened, soft candies should be kept in a covered candy dish, away from heat and light at room temperature (about 70 degrees). Stored in this manner, the candy should last six to nine months. If the packaging has not been opened, soft sweets will last approximately 12 months.
- Candy Corn. If the packaging has been opened, candy corn should be stored under the same conditions as soft candies and will last approximately three to six months. Unopened, fresh packages will last about 9 months.
- Gum. As long as the packaging remains sealed, most gum products have a shelf life of six to nine months. To maximize product freshness, keep chewing gum packages in a cool, dry place and out of any direct sunlight.
- Caramel. Should be kept covered, away from heat and light at room temperature. Stored properly should last six to nine months, even up to 12 months in some cases.
General Guidelines
- Protection in the Pantry. While different types of candy have different storage requirements, generally the pantry is a safe place to stash sweets. Airtight storage in a cool place will ensure a longer shelf life. A number of candies may be frozen as well.
- Wrap it up. Treats such as taffies, caramels and nougats should be protected from dampness during storage. Before storing away, make sure these sweets are wrapped individually with clear cellophane.
- Avoid Moisture Mixes. Do not mix candies that absorb moisture such as caramels, mints and hard candies with candies that lose moisture such as fudge and creamy candies. Storing these sweets in the same container will cause the harder candies to become sticky. To make sure that hard candies stay hard, sprinkle with finely ground sugar and store in an air-tight jar.
- Cryonic Candies. Freezing is a popular method for keeping candy over long periods of time. However, not all sweets are suited for the freezer. While toffee and truffles can be frozen for up to two months, avoid freezing candy with fruits and nuts.
What do you do to ensure the candy lasts a long time? Do you have any tips or wisdom you can impart on us?
