How long does chocolate last?

Chocolate is just one of the many ways to celebrate the holidays. And with many holidays each year, there are lots of chocolate left over. You probably still have chocolate from last year hiding in your pantry.

With that in mind, how long does chocolate last?

Chocolate doesn’t last forever, but it can stay edible for a while with proper storage. The type of chocolate also matters.

Dark chocolate can last two years from the date it was made if it’s never been opened and stored in a dark area such as a pantry. White and milk chocolate can be good for one year if left unopened and six to eight months if opened.

It’s important to remember that the expiration date doesn’t mean the product goes bad on that day. The date means you should eat the chocolate before that day to get the best flavor.

Chocolate should be consumed as soon as possible, but eating it a few months after the posted expiry date will not hurt anything. Some chocolate even tastes better if left to age.

You can store chocolate in the freezer to help it last longer, just as long as you take the proper steps to avoid blooming.

Blooming happens when chocolate’s temperature changes dramatically.

There are two types of bloom, sugar and fat. Sugar blooming happens when water gets into the chocolate or is exposed to humidity. Sugar bloom appears as a white coat on the chocolate.

Fat bloom looks like lighter spots on the chocolate, and this happens because the cocoa butter has separated from the other ingredients. Temperature fluctuations are the leading cause of this type of chocolate bloom.

You can avoid chocolate bloom by preventing temperature changes. If you stored chocolate in the freezer and want to use it, allow it to sit in the fridge for a few hours before letting it sit on the counter or in storage.

So, how can you tell if chocolate is gone sour? The best way is to smell and taste. If you smell or taste something other than chocolate, it’s best to throw it away and buy fresh.

If you don’t want to store leftover chocolate, there are many things you can do with it. Melt it down and use it for chocolate-covered fruits. Use it as frosting and much more. You can use it in cakes, brownies and cookies.

For more information on chocolate and our many products, visit our website or call us at (516)829-5785. We will answer any questions you may have. Contact Lazar’s Chocolate today.