Does Chocolate Expire?

Does chocolate expire? It’s probably hard to believe that you would even have to worry about such a thing. After all, a good bar of chocolate doesn’t stand a chance of hanging around very long when there are chocoholics and midnight snackers in the house. But maybe you’ve found a two-for-one deal or a closeout sale on your favorite brand. If you’re a party planner, a baker or a major chocoholic, you may simply like to have a steady supply of chocolatey goodness on hand. Too much chocolate certainly can’t be a terrible thing, can it?

Consider all that leftover candy from Halloween, Valentine’s Day, Easter and birthday parties. How long is it good for and when should you toss it? The issue with chocolate is that, like anything else, it may not last forever. Just when does chocolate expire? Keep reading to find out the answer to questions like “Does chocolate expire?” and “How long does chocolate last after the expiration date?”

 Jump to Section

• Does Chocolate Go Bad?
• When Does Chocolate Expire?
• How To Store Chocolate To Increase Its Shelf Life

Does Chocolate Go Bad?

Although chocolate boasts a relatively long shelf life, improper storage or exposure to heat or moisture can cause it to spoil. Unlike many other foods, chocolate lacks water content, which limits bacterial growth (the thing that generally leads to food spoiling and even becoming dangerous to eat).  

Keeping the above in mind, you’ll discover that chocolate doesn't typically have a strict expiration date. Instead, it has a "best-by" date. This means that it can still be okay to eat past the best-by date but the texture, appearance and taste may be off. If this is the case, it's advisable to discard the chocolate.

Does Milk Chocolate Go Bad?

Does chocolate expire quicker if it’s a specific type? Yes, the various types of chocolate can have different shelf lives. Milk and white chocolate, which both have a higher level of milk content, have a shelf life of approximately eight to 12 months. As stated, the milk chocolate won’t necessarily expire after that period but the taste and texture (and even color) are likely to change and become unpleasant, necessitating disposal. 

Does Dark Chocolate Go Bad?

It's common to inquire about the shelf life of dark chocolate when exploring the question: "Does chocolate expire?" If you’re a dark chocolate aficionado, you’ll be happy to hear that this type of chocolate boasts the lengthiest lifespan among all varieties. When stored properly, it can maintain its quality for up to two years. Proper storage entails keeping dark chocolate in a cool, moisture-free environment.

Does Unsweetened Chocolate Go Bad?

Another common question around this topic is: “Does chocolate expire if it is sugar-free?” The answer is that while unsweetened chocolate has one of the longest shelf lives of all the varieties, it still has a best-by date and will technically expire. 

Indications that unsweetened chocolate should be discarded include cracks and white spots on its surface, along with changes in flavor, texture and aroma. Like dark chocolate, unsweetened chocolate will maintain its quality for approximately two years when stored correctly. 

Does Baking Chocolate Go Bad?

Does chocolate expire when it’s the baking variety? Yes, baking chocolate can go bad. It’s generally good for one to two years when stored properly. The higher the cocoa percentage, the longer it will last. 

Does Hot Chocolate Expire?

If you’ve stocked up a bit more than you need on hot chocolate powder, you may want to know if chocolate expires when it’s in the form of powder. The short answer is yes, it will expire. The longer answer is that while hot chocolate powder does have an expiration or best-by date, it has a long shelf life to go along with it. 

When stored correctly, hot chocolate powder can last up to two years before its flavor and consistency begin to be altered. Note that individual hot chocolate powder sachets will last the longest as they are well-sealed from heat and moisture. A tub of hot chocolate powder can have moisture and even other food elements (such as milk droplets from a spoon) introduced that will cause the unused product to spoil quickly. 

Do Chocolate Chips Go Bad?

Another question you may ask, especially if you bake, is: “Does chocolate expire when it’s in chip form?” Since chocolate chips have milk and cocoa butter, they can go bad. Like other chocolate, if the texture and consistency have changed, it’s best to get rid of the chocolate chips. Also in a similar manner to other kinds of chocolate, the higher the milk content of the chocolate chips, the quicker they will spoil. So your unsweetened or dark chocolate chips will have a longer shelf life than the milk and white varieties. 

Does Chocolate Go Bad in the Fridge?

While it might seem that storing chocolate in the fridge would help it last longer, this isn’t always the case. Fridges tend to contain moisture, so the chocolate could go bad if exposed to too much of it. This can cause a concept called “blooming,” which is when too much moisture or heat causes the fat in the cocoa butter to come to the surface. This causes whitish discoloration and streaking.

Blooming additionally changes the texture and sometimes the taste of chocolate, which can result in a less-than-fresh sweet treat. If not wrapped tightly, chocolate can also pick up odors from other foods, further affecting the taste. Chocolate isn’t necessarily one of those foods you should never store in the fridge, but you may want to rethink it or only place it in the fridge if you are going to consume it quickly.

When Does Chocolate Expire?

After covering if the most common types of chocolate can expire, you may now be questioning: “When does chocolate expire?” The answer really depends on the type of chocolate and how it’s stored. Between the various kinds, chocolate can last anywhere from eight months to two years as long as it’s stored properly. 

As discussed, the higher the ratio of milk to cocoa, the quicker the product will go bad. Therefore, milk and white chocolates won’t keep their quality much longer than a year, if that. Dark chocolate will last up to two years, depending on the amount of milk to cocoa (for example, 70% cocoa dark chocolate will generally go bad before 90% cocoa varieties). 

How Long Does Chocolate Last After the Expiration Date?

What if the best-by date has passed? How long does chocolate last after the expiration date? While it may be possible to consume chocolate after the expiration (best-by) date, it’s always best to throw it out if the date has passed. While it may still look edible, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

How Can You Tell if Chocolate Is Bad?

When chocolate goes bad, it can have streaky white spots or cracks that are visible on the surface of the chocolate. You may also notice changes in texture, fragrance and taste. If any of these signs appear, especially if you have had the chocolate for a while or it has been exposed to heat or moisture, throw it away and buy some new to enjoy. 

Can You Eat Expired Chocolate?

We’ve probably all asked ourselves: “Can I eat expired chocolate?” Refusing to let go of a delicious treat that would satisfy an urgent craving isn’t the best situation. Unfortunately, while it might be safe to eat expired chocolate, it’s always best to err on the side of safety to avoid sickness and throw away your expired chocolate. 

How To Store Chocolate To Increase Its Shelf Life

Even when stored properly, chocolate won’t last forever. To keep it fresh as long as possible, here are a few tips to keep in mind. Firstly, chocolate is best stored at room temperature and in a low-humidity environment. Store chocolate in a cool and dry pantry or cupboard away from moisture, light and heat. For the best storage, keep it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container once opened and place it away from other foods with a strong scent. The best temperature for chocolate is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a humidity level below 50%.

As previously discussed, the fridge is another place you could store chocolate. However, it will generally go bad quicker when stored in the fridge over the room-temperature pantry. If you need to use the fridge, follow the same directions as in the pantry — wrap the chocolate and place it in an airtight container, ideally away from foods with strong odors. 

Lastly, you may be interested in extending the life of your chocolate items by storing them in the freezer. So, can you freeze chocolate? And does chocolate expire when frozen? The answer is yes, chocolate can be frozen. This is an excellent option if you’ve found a great deal or are stocking up for an event.

To freeze, put the chocolate in an airtight container. Next, you’ll want to place it in the fridge for about 24 hours before finally placing it in the freezer. When ready to use, put it back in the fridge for 24 hours and then let it sit on the counter to come up to room temperature.

The question "Does chocolate expire?" often arises, regardless of whether you're a baker or simply a chocolate lover. While chocolate generally boasts a lengthy shelf life, there does come a point when it should be discarded. Whether it's milk chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate powder or chips, it's essential not to take chances with expired or past-best-by-date foods. Hopefully, this guide has equipped you with all the necessary information to properly store, enjoy and, if necessary, dispose of your chocolate products.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.