New to Pop Tarts and wondering how long they last or if you can eat them after the date on the box?

If so, you’re in the right place.

Let’s jump right in.

How Long Do Pop Tarts Last?

Pop Tarts come with a date printed on the label and easily retain quality for at least 3 to 6 months beyond it. Just make sure the pastries are sealed tightly. Otherwise, they’ll dry out and lose quality much faster.

Pop Tarts are shelf stable and keep quality for quite a long time, indicated by the best-by date printed on the label.

That date only informs you how long the pastries should retain top quality. It’s not an expiration date by any means, and the product stays safe to eat beyond that date. Even Kellogs state that in their FAQ pages.

The only issue with that is that it’s difficult to tell how long past the printed date the pastries will last. The 3 to 6 months period I mentioned above is a relatively safe estimate, so your Pop Tarts might still be quite tasty even a year or more beyond the best-by date.

That, of course, also depends on how much you care about the quality. If you’re hungry or crave a quick sugar fix, old, semi-stale Pop Tarts will do just fine.

Long story short, how long the pastries are okay to eat is more about the quality, not food safety. If the wrap is untouched, Pop Tarts are unlikely to go bad.

Do Pop Tarts Expire?

Pop Tarts are still safe to eat after the date printed on the label. The only thing that changes beyond that date is that the producer no longer guarantees the quality of the pastries.

In other words, your out-of-date Pop Tarts should be safe to eat, but the quality might be slightly lower than what you’re used to. The texture might change a bit, or the flavor may fade.

But if you need a quick bite to eat or crave some sugar, your “expired” Pop Tarts will do just fine.

Of course, that’s not to say that Pop Tarts never go bad and are immune to spoilage. That’s not the case at all.

They’re unlikely to spoil, but you should always give them a quick once-over before eating, especially if they’re well past their date.

Let’s talk about that in more detail.

How to Tell if Pop Tarts Are Bad?

Discard your Pop Tarts if:

• They look off. Take a closer look at the front and back of the pastry, and look for anything that looks off. That might be some off-color dots on the back of the Pop Tart or discolored frosting. In most cases, these will be safe to eat, but you never know, so it’s better to play it safe.
• They’re moldy. Pop Tarts aren’t likely to grow mold, but if the plastic wrap is not tight and some moisture gets inside, it’s a possibility.
• They smell off. Pop Tarts have a mildly sweet aroma that differs slightly between flavors. So if your give off a sour smell, it’s apparent that something is wrong, and those Pop Tarts have to go. That said, finding that your Pop Tarts are smelly is quite rare.

Those are the typical spoilage signs for Pop Tarts. And as I already mentioned, Pop Tarts don’t go bad easily.

What’s more likely to happen is that yours will taste a bit stale and flavorless if you store them for months beyond the date on the label. And it’s up to you if you toss them or eat them if the quality is subpar.

Your Pop Tarts might also dry out if you leave them half-open. Once again, it’s your choice to use dry Pop Tarts or open a new bag.

How to Store Pop Tarts

Store Pop Tarts in a cool and dry place, away from heat sources. And if you have any unwrapped leftover pastries, place them in a freezer bag, squeeze out the air, and seal tightly. Then, store that bag at room temperature.

That’s all Pop Tarts need.

The pastries are wrapped in twos, so unless you ever need a single, you never have to worry about wrapping any leftovers yourself.

Thanks to the wrapping, Pop Tarts stay nice and fresh for months, and you don’t have to worry about eating them all soon after opening the paper package. So you could eat a pair today and return in a couple of months to enjoy the rest.

All in all, there’s not that much to storing Pop Tarts. You don’t ever have to worry about refrigerating or freezing them, and the packaging is taken care of too. It’s even simpler than storing Oreos or marshmallows.

The post How Long Do Pop Tarts Last? Do They Expire? appeared first on Does It Go Bad?.

You need a packet or two for a salad or dessert, but first, you need to make sure that what you have is actually okay to eat.

Or maybe you’ve bought one of the ready-to-eat gelatin snacks or gelatin cups, and you wonder how long does it last. Maybe the shelf life seems to be quite long, and you’re unsure if it’s not a producer’s error or something.

Or perhaps you find it odd that gelatin snacks are often kept on the shelf instead of the refrigerated section, and you want to make sure that storing them at room temperature is okay.

If either of these concerns sounds familiar, this article is for you. In it, we talk about storage, shelf life, and going bad of gelatin and ready-to-eat gelatin products. If that’s something you would like to learn more about, read on.

How to Store Gelatin

As I already mentioned, when it comes to gelatin, you can either buy dry and powdered products, or some ready-to-eat ones, usually snacks. And as you might imagine, how to store powdered gelatin is completely different from storing jelly.

Storing Powdered or Dry Gelatin

Let’s start with storing dry gelatin and its derivatives, such as flavored gelatin and jello dry powder mix.

These products usually come in a single-serving packet or envelope. You should store these in a cool and dry area. The pantry is the best spot, but a cupboard in the kitchen is a better choice if you use them quite often.

Make sure to keep the product away from heat, sunlight, and moisture. When exposed to moisture, the gelatin won’t set properly once chilled.

If you open a packet and don’t use all of the powder right away, make sure to seal the leftovers tightly.

If you don’t expect to use the rest of the gelatin anytime soon, it might make more sense to pour it into a small airtight container or jar. This way the gelatin (and other ingredients if present) will be well protected from any moisture.

Storing Prepared or Ready-to-Eat Gelatin Products

When it comes to where to store ready-to-eat gelatin products, the best answer is to keep them at the same temperature as they were in the store.

If the product was refrigerated, chances are it requires refrigeration. But more often than not such products aren’t sold refrigerated, and you don’t have to put them into the fridge once you get home.

In case you were wondering why is that, ready-to-eat gelatin snacks contain a pretty high amount of sugar and some preservatives. Those ingredients make them shelf-stable and last quite a long time.

But even if the snack doesn’t require cold temperature, slightly lower than room temp is always preferred. So it’s best if you have a cool pantry where you can keep such snacks. And if you don’t, you can either store them food product in the kitchen (away from heat and sunlight), or in the fridge.

Obviously, the refrigerator is the better choice if you’re looking for the longest possible storage time.

Once you open the package, store the leftovers in the fridge. And make sure they’re tightly sealed so they won’t pick up any strong smells.

Storing Homemade Gelatin

Say you made jello, some marshmallows, or any other gelatin-based snack at home. How do you store the leftovers for later?

Well, pretty much the same way you store opened ready-to-eat gelatin products. That means you need to cover it tightly, possibly using an airtight container, and put it into the fridge. And the sooner you refrigerate the leftovers, the better for their quality.

How Long Does Gelatin Last

Generally, powdered gelatin, both unflavored and its derivates, comes with a best-by date. The date is there usually for legal reasons, not because the product will spoil or lose potency. So you can easily use dry gelatin for months or even years past that date.

And if you scoured the Internet looking for the actual shelf life of dry gelatin, you would find quite a few places claiming it pretty much lasts forever.

Once you open an envelope of dry jello and don’t use all of it right away, try to finish it within 3 months for best results.

When it comes to ready-to-eat snacks, they all come with a best-by date too. And because there are a ton of various jelly-like products (e.g., gummy bears), it’s best if you follow the storage and shelf life guidelines on the label.

Once you open the package, try to finish the snack within a week and make sure it’s adequately stored all the time.

When it comes to homemade gelatin products like salads or desserts, try to finish them within 7 days and keep in the fridge tightly sealed all the time.

Please note that the periods above are estimates and for the best quality.

How to Tell if Gelatin Has Gone Bad?

It’s difficult to tell if powdered gelatin is no longer safe to eat. But if you’re seeing slight to significant changes in color or it develops an off odor, discard the product. Same thing if you find anything else that makes you think something bad has happened to the powder.

If it’s an unopened packet that sat stored properly for a long time, chances are it’s perfectly fine.

For prepared gelatin, discard the product if it has taken on a watery consistency, or simply started to lose texture. If you are seeing signs of mold growth, toss the product out.

Slight changes in color and taste are signs the gelatin snack is starting to degrade in quality. If the changes are still small, it’s up to you whether you eat it or discard it. Significant changes mean it’s time for the snack to go.

The post Does Gelatin Go Bad? appeared first on Does It Go Bad?.

That begs the question: how do you keep donuts fresh for longer than a day?

Donuts are notoriously difficult to store, and sometimes even if you do your best, they will degrade in quality quite quickly.

Nevertheless, knowing a thing or two about storage, shelf life, and going bad of this tasty dessert is always useful.

How Long Do Donuts Last?

Regular donuts, including plain, powdered, glazed, and topped, keep fresh for one to two days on the counter if well wrapped, and up to a week in the fridge. Cream-filled donuts require refrigeration and stay good for 3 to 5 days.

That said, it’s impossible to tell precisely what’s the shelf life of a donut. All I can give you are estimates, but in some instances, those can be wildly off.

In other words, don’t hold on to them, and if your donut is already stale or bad, discard it.

Donuts Shelf Life

How To Store Donuts To Keep Them Fresh

Place donuts in an airtight container or freezer bag. If they’re glazed or frosted, stick with a single layer so that they don’t stick together. Then place that container or bag in a cupboard or in the fridge. If your donuts are cream-filled, the refrigerator is the only option.

First are foremost, donuts with access to fresh air dry out quite quickly, just like bread does. That’s why it’s vital to seal them tightly if you want to keep them fresh for a bit longer than the usual day or so.

An airtight container is the best way to go about that. Resealable bags indeed take less space, but donuts often come topped and storing one in a bag usually ends up in a mess.

If you have plain (not even glazed) donuts or sprinkled ones, feel free to go with the bag, but otherwise, it’s best to stick with the container.

Should You Refrigerate Donuts?

The short answer to that is if your doughnut is cream-filled or has dairy-based topping or frosting, you should keep it in the fridge. Otherwise, it’s okay to leave it at room temperature.

If you leave the container with donuts on the counter, make sure it doesn’t sit in sunlight or near any sources of heat. Frosting doesn’t like direct sunlight, and neither do sprinkles.

Related: Do sprinkles expire?

If your donut doesn’t require refrigeration, it can still benefit from being chilled in the fridge. As long as it’s properly sealed, it should last a couple more days in there than it would at room temp.

However, refrigerator temperature can cause the glaze or icing to melt, and end up being absorbed by the donuts. As you can probably tell, that results in a soggy donut that nobody likes.

In short, plain and powdered donuts keep well in the fridge, while glazed and topped ones not necessarily so. Cream-filled ones have to be refrigerated, so you don’t have much of a choice here.

Can You Freeze Donuts?

There isn’t a simple yes or no answer to this question; it’s a bit more complicated than that.

Plain and powdered donuts freeze well. Perhaps not as good as bread, but overall the results you get are quite good. That’s because this variety of donuts doesn’t contain anything that the freezing or thawing process can mess up in terms of texture or taste.

Second in line are glazed and topped donuts. For them, the only issue is that the topping can melt, and things become messy when you defrost them. Basically, the same thing that can happen if you keep them in the fridge. It’s worth trying to freeze those, but I cannot guarantee the results.

Last are cream-filled donuts. As you probably know, heavy cream doesn’t freeze all that well, and the same thing goes for most cream-based fillings. Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell if yours freezes alright, or if you end up with a separated filling that’s just gross. You have to find it out on your own on a case-by-case basis.

When it comes to the freezing process, here’s how to goes:

1. Package the donuts. Use containers or freezer bags. If they are of the glazed or with topping variety, and you want to be able to defrost only one at a time, separate them. Use aluminum foil or wax paper to do so.
2. Put them into the freezer.

As you know, the faster you eat them, the better the quality. Nevertheless, the donuts should keep well for a month or two.

When it comes to defrosting, it’s a bit different than usual. Instead of the fridge, leave them to thaw on the counter for 15 to 30 minutes. And make sure the donut stays uncovered, so all the moisture evaporates instead of being absorbed. This way, you won’t end up with a soggy donut.

How To Tell If Donuts Are Bad?

When it comes to donuts being spoiled, the usual suspects you should look for are:

• Mold. If you notice any suspicious activity on the surface, like discolorations or any fuzzy situation, your dessert plans are canceled.
• Off smell. I’ve never had a donut that smelled bad, but if yours does, you know it’s done for.
• Bad taste. We gorge on donuts to be delighted by their taste. If the one you’re munching on doesn’t make you feel that way, there’s no reason to continue. Even if the donut isn’t spoiled, finishing it makes little sense.

Stale donuts aren’t technically spoiled, but if they don’t feel good when you eat them, then what’s the point? I’ll leave it up to you on whether or not you can want to continue on that old and dry donut.

The post How Long Do Donuts Last and How to Store Them? appeared first on Does It Go Bad?.

Or maybe your bag sits open for a few days, and you’re not sure how long marshmallows are good for.

Or how to store them so that they don’t get sticky.

That’s what this article is all about: storage, going bad, and shelf life of marshmallows.

Interested? Read on.

• Shelf life
• Spoilage
• Storage
• Freezing
• Homemade

How Long Do Marshmallows Last?

Marshmallows come with a shelf life of 2 to even 6 months, noted by the best-by or best-before date on the label, and usually keep for at least 1 to 2 extra months. Once you open the bag, the sugar candies retain good quality for about a week before they start to become hard and chewy.

Those are the general guidelines. Let’s discuss the details.

Shelf Life of Marshmallows

The shelf life of marshmallows depends heavily on the producer and the ingredients they are using.

Marshmallows from small bakeries are often made preservative-free, hence the short shelf life of 2 to 3 months.

Those mass-produced marshmallows you can find in the supermarket usually have a couple of extra ingredients to help the candy retain quality for longer. That’s why they come with a longer one.

Pretty much all marshmallows easily last for a month or two after the date on the label (which isn’t an expiration date). Those with preservatives, understandably, retain quality for longer, more like 4 to 5 months.

Open Package

Once you open the package, the sooner you eat the marshmallows, the better.

While some producers urge you to finish the bag within 3 days, the candies should taste great and not harden for at least a week. Sometimes even two weeks.

As time goes by, marshmallows will naturally harden and lose their quality. So even though they might be safe to eat after being opened for a month, they probably won’t taste nearly as good as they used to.

How To Tell If Marshmallows Are Bad?

Marshmallows don’t easily go bad in the sense they become unsafe to eat, but they retain quality for only so long. And once yours become hard, chewy, or smell or taste stale, that’s when you get rid of them.

For marshmallows, if they taste bad, they’re as good as spoiled.

Besides quality issues, here are other things that might go wrong.

Pantry Bugs

Candies of all types attract a host of pantry bugs, particularly ants.

If your bag of marshmallows sits in storage for months, inspect the bag of the candy first. Make sure that it’s completely sealed and free from holes caused by insects. And that the aren’t any dead (or alive) pantry pests inside.

If you find any insects, throw the candy out, and check other food products nearby. Those things spread like wildfire.

Sticky Marshmallows

Marshmallows that have access to moisture (i.e., are stored in a humid place) will clump together and become sticky.

The change in texture doesn’t mean that the marshmallows are no longer safe to eat. They just turn goopy due to melted sugars.

Unfortunately, the quality drop is pretty significant, and I recommend you throw these out. There’s no point in eating candy that tastes bad.

If sticky and melting marshmallows is an issue you’re dealing with often, make sure to read the storage section.

Other Quality Issues

A freshly opened bag of marshmallows has a sweet yet mild aroma, pillowy-soft texture, and sugary taste. That’s the ideal you’re after.

If the marshmallows are particularly old or open for way too long, the quality will suffer. Discard yours if:

• they are hard or chewy
• the color of candy has changed
• the smell is funny or off in any way
• they taste bad or stale
• anything else seems off

Texture changes like hardening or being chewy don’t necessarily mean that the marshmallows are spoiled. But, once again, I don’t think eating them so that you don’t have to throw them out is a good enough reason.

Marshmallows are made mostly of water, sugar, and gelatin. You eat them to satisfy your sweet tooth, not because you’re hungry. If you aren’t delighted with the experience, I don’t see the point.

How to Store Marshmallows To Keep Them Fresh

Store marshmallows in a cool and dark environment, away from sources of heat. Once you open the bag, make sure it sits in a dry spot and that it’s sealed tightly. A resealable bag is a good option here.

If you need to store marshmallows for a prolonged period, freezing them is also an option.

Those are the basics. Let’s get into details.

Unopened Bags

Although marshmallows have a high water content, they are shelf-stable.

Assuming that it’s not the middle of a hot summer or your AC is on, room temperature is perfect for them. Slightly below is also fine. That means a dark cupboard in the pantry or kitchen is a great choice.

If you live in the tropics, or it gets really warm where you store your marshmallows, refrigerating them might be the optimal choice.

If you have a history of marshmallows melting and sticking together, store them in the fridge or freezer instead.

Opened Bags

Once you open the bag, keep the marshmallows sealed tightly because they harden when exposed to air and absorb any nearby moisture. You can do that in a couple of ways.

The easiest is to twist the bag’s opening and seal it with a rubber band, food clip, or a twist tie.

Another option is to put the open package into an airtight container. Or transfer the marshmallows into a freezer bag.

A tight seal also prevents the candy from picking up strong odors from their environment.

If, despite that, your marshmallows tend to get sticky after storing them for some time, try sprinkling them evenly with a tablespoon of cornstarch or powdered sugar (does powdered sugar expire?).

If your marshmallows pick up moisture quickly and become dense and chewy, try placing a slice of white bread in the bag. It should help pick up any moisture and leave the candy dry. The same trick works if you’re softening hardened brown sugar.

Besides all of that, remember to store the bag away from direct light and in a cool, dry place, just like you do with an open bag.

(You do the same for Oreos and Pop Tarts.)

Can You Freeze Marshmallows?

Marshmallows freeze surprisingly well.

While most sellers don’t talk about whether or not you can freeze their product, give it a shot. Especially if you don’t plan to consume the rest of your stash anytime soon and don’t want to force it to avoid waste food.

If the bag is unopened, there’s no additional prep needed. Just chuck the bag into the freezer, and you’re good to go.

If the package is opened, transfer the candy into an airtight container or a freezer bag, and then freeze. The most important thing here is that the marshmallows should be sealed tightly.

Remember not to pack the candy too tightly, both in the container and in the freezer (if you’re using a bag). You don’t want to squish the marshmallows in storage.

When it comes to defrosting, all they need is 10 to 30 minutes on the counter, depending on the size. Or you can use them right away if you’re melting them in hot chocolate or making S’mores.

As a bonus, marshmallows are easier to cut into shapes when they’re frozen. The only downside is that you need to hurry because they come to room temperature really fast.

Homemade Marshmallows

All of the suggestions above work for most homemade marshmallows. But not all.

There are hundreds of marshmallow recipes out there, and each one is slightly different. Because of that, the recommendations when it comes to shelf life and storage practices differ too.

Ideally, you should go with whatever the recipe suggests. If there aren’t any specifics, assume that room temperature in a sealed container or bag for a couple of weeks is okay.

If you got the marshmallows as a gift or bought them in a candy shop, don’t hesitate to ask how long they are good for, or if you can freeze the leftovers.

The general suggestions I provide are accurate and work in most cases, but it’s always better to confirm that with the source.

The post Do Marshmallows Go Bad? appeared first on Does It Go Bad?.

You have a few packs of popped popcorn that are nearing the date on the label, and you’re not quite sure if you can serve them to your guests. Does popcorn go bad?

Or maybe you’ve bought a few packs of dry kernels back in the day and only recently noticed they are still sitting in the pantry.

They’re months past the date on the label, so you considered discarding them. But after thinking about it for a moment, you thought: these are just dry kernels, do they actually go bad?

Either way, if you’re unsure of how or how long you can store various types of popcorn (popped, microwaveable, or dry kernels), this article is here to help.

Read on to learn more about the wonderful human invention that is popcorn.

How To Store Popcorn

No matter if it’s popped popcorn, a microwave packet, or a package of dry kernels, you should keep the unopened package in a dry and fairly cool place.

The best place is usually the pantry, but if that’s not an option, a cupboard in the kitchen can work too. Just make sure it’s not above the stove or anywhere near water or steam.

When it comes to dry kernels and commercially-popped popcorn, once you open the package you should transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or bag. Or at least seal the bag with a clip.

Keeping it sealed at all times helps retain the quality of popcorn for longer. It protects it from picking up moisture and getting soggy, and keeps kernels from drying out quickly.

That bag or container should still sit at or slightly below room temperature.

How Long Does Popcorn Last

When it comes to the shelf life of popcorn, it differs vastly between types.

Shelf life of popped popcorn

Let’s start with the ready-to-eat popcorn, often referred to as commercially-popped. Like all types of popcorn, it usually comes with a best-by or best-before date. That date is usually around two to three months after the production date.

Will the popcorn be still fresh and tasty after the date on the label? Absolutely, but it will gradually dry out and lose flavor, so don’t expect it to be fresh and tasty 2 months after that date.

The quality of the popcorn itself comes into play as well, so a higher-quality product will likely retain freshness for longer.

Once you open the package, it lasts about a week, maybe two, if stored properly. But the quality drops rather quickly, so it’s best to eat it as soon as possible.

Shelf life of dry kernels

Dry kernels basically have an indefinite shelf life when stored properly. They stay safe to use for years, but that doesn’t mean you will enjoy the same results with 10-year-old kernels as you do with fresh ones.

In short, fresh kernels yield better results, meaning they pop larger and more consistently than older ones.

Because of that, it’s recommended to use them within about two years of the production date, or about 6 to 12 months past the date on the label.

Shelf life of microwaveable packets

Last but not least, we have the microwaveable packets. Since they already contain everything that’s needed to pop the popcorn, they won’t last as long as dry kernels.

The oil, butter, or any other fat added doesn’t retain good quality forever. So even if most kernels from an old packet will pop, the taste likely won’t hit the spot.

When it comes to storage time, it’s best if you use the microwaveable packages within around 3 months of the date on the label.

How To Tell If Popcorn Is Bad

Once again, let’s go through all the popcorn variations one by one.

Let’s start with commercially popped popcorn. Both an unopened package and properly stored leftovers will last years without becoming unsafe to eat.

Nevertheless, if there is something wrong with the popcorn, like it smells off or mold sets in, discard it. That’s highly unlikely to happen, but I wanted to point that out either way.

As you probably know, being safe to consume doesn’t mean it will retain quality for that long. Popped popcorn stays fresh and tasty for a relatively short period, and when you find it stale or simply not that good, throw it out.

For dried kernels the story is similar. Unpopped kernels, if kept away from water, will stay safe for years. Unfortunately, over time they dry out and don’t pop consistently anymore.

When it comes to microwaveable packets, you’re not supposed to open them before popping. That means the best you can do is to judge the quality of the prepared popcorn.

If there’s anything wrong with it, for example, it smells bad or tastes awful, just throw it out. Same thing if you notice anything unusual in the bag after microwaving.

The post Does Popcorn Go Bad? appeared first on Does It Go Bad?.

Or maybe you’ve bought some gummies in bulk, and you want to know how long do gummy candy last.

Either way, this article is what you’re looking for. In it, we’re going to talk about:

• gummy bears spoilage (do gummies go bad or not?)
• the shelf life of gummies
• storing gummies so that they last the longest (for those that don’t finish them in a day or two)

Interested? Let’s dive right in.

Do Gummy Bears Expire or Go Bad?

Gummy bears don’t really expire, but they lose quality over time. If yours are opened for more than a couple of months, they might become dry and grainy. That’s when you discard them.

Gummies can go bad (e.g., grow mold), but that’s only possible if water gets to the candy. And I mean more than a drop or two. If you store them properly, that’s highly unlikely.

Can you eat expired gummy bears? Sure, assuming that they don’t show any signs of spoilage (are safe to eat) and the quality is good enough. It’s pretty much the same as with almost any expired candy.

Here’s when you should assume your gummies are done for, and you should throw them out:

• the candy is dry or grainy
• they are sticky
• gummies smell off in any way
• there’s something off about the way they look, e.g., there’s mold, the color has changed, or sugar crystallized on the surface

Finally, if your gummy bears pass all the tests above with flying colors, but they are stale, difficult to chew, or taste kind of weird, you should get rid of them anyway.

How Long Do Gummy Bears Last?

Unopened gummy bears should last for at least a few months past the date on the label. Once you open the package or buy gummies in bulk, they should retain quality for up to half a year.

Unless you buy gummy candy in bulk in the supermarket, there’s a date on the package. That date is only an estimate of how long the candy will retain quality, not an expiration date.

In other words, your gummies most likely will be okay quality-wise for at least a couple of months past that date (just like Oreos), assuming you’ll do a good job of storing them.

Related: How long do jelly beans last?

How long past the date can you eat gummy bears? It’s impossible to say. It all depends on how you store them, the ingredients used to make the gummy candy (they vary a bit brand by brand), and your taste buds.

How To Store Gummy Bears

Store gummy candy in a cool and dry area. If you live in a warm and humid climate, or you’re in the middle of a hot summer, consider storing gummies in the fridge. Once you open the pack, keep them sealed tightly.

In most cases, a cabinet in the pantry or kitchen (at room temperature) is good enough for gelatin-based chewable candy. But if it’s hot (and you don’t have air conditioning), tossing your gummies in the fridge will help them retain quality for longer (the same goes for caramels).

Of course, that only makes sense if you expect that pack to sit in storage for a couple of months, or you bought it on a sale because it was approaching its date.

Once you open your gummies, the only thing you should worry about is to keep them sealed. You can just wrap the plastic package, but you can also transfer gummy bears into an airtight container or a freezer bag to keep them away from any moisture.

Sources

• WIKI – Gummy Candy | Wikipedia

The post Do Gummy Bears Go Bad? appeared first on Does It Go Bad?.

Or maybe you used a recipe you’ve found online, and are wondering how long will the fudge last. Or if you can keep it on the counter, or refrigerate it right away.

And there’s also the question of whether or not you can freeze fudge, and how well does it freeze.

If you’d like to learn a bit more about either of these topics, this article is for you. In it, we talk about storage, shelf life, and going bad of fudge. If that sounds interesting, read on.

How To Store Fudge

When it comes to storing fudge, there are three options. Those are room temperature, the fridge, and the freezer. And each option has its own pros and cons, and might be the best choice depending on your situation.

Storing Fudge at Room Temperature

This method is best for storing fudge short term, both homemade and store-bought alike.

Storing fudge at room temperature means it sits in the pantry or in the kitchen. Choose a cool place away from sunlight and sources of heat. Either can make the fudge melt, and we don’t want that.

To prevent fudge from drying out and hardening, transfer it to an airtight container, especially if the original cardboard box can’t be closed tightly.

Alternatively, you can cut the slab into smaller pieces and place each piece in a freezer bag. If you do that, remember to squeeze out the air before fastening the seal.

Storing Fudge in the Fridge

Storing fudge in the fridge works great if you want to store your homemade or store-bought fudge for a few weeks. Or if you live in a hot climate and it’s summer, so you’re afraid the candy will melt.

But if you’re thinking about refrigerating fudge you’ve bought, make sure you read the label first. Some confectioners specifically mention that their product shouldn’t be refrigerated. When it comes to the homemade variety, check with the recipe if refrigeration is a-okay.

If your fudge is cleared for refrigeration, you need to pack it properly, so it doesn’t pick up any moisture or odors from the fridge. Once again, an airtight container or a freezer bag are both great options.

Can You Freeze Fudge?

Freezing fudge works great for both homemade fudge and the one you’ve bought in the candy store. Pretty much everyone agrees that you can freeze fudge and that it works quite well.

To retain the best quality possible, double-wrap the slab, and then put in a freezer bag or an airtight container. When it comes to specifics, use wax paper for the first layer and aluminum foil or plastic wrap for the second.

When it comes to thawing, a few hours in the fridge should be more than enough. You can also easily cut frozen fudge into cubes, so if you’re in a hurry, you can cut it up directly after taking it from the freezer and serve it to your guests.

How Long Does Fudge Last

Fudge basically consists of sugar, butter, and condensed or evaporated milk. Butter doesn’t last long at room temperature, and the same is true for the shelf life of evaporated milk after opening. But thanks to sugar and heat fudge does last quite a few days even if not refrigerated.

For homemade fudge, it usually lasts in good quality between a week and two weeks at room temperature, and around 3 to 4 weeks when refrigerated. For prolonged storage freezing is in order.

When it comes to store-bought fudge, well, find the date on the label and use it as your guideline.

It’s pretty much impossible to say how long the fudge you’ve bought will last. That’s because there are hundreds of varieties, some confectioners use preservatives while others don’t, and so on.

If the fudge is similar to a homemade one in terms of ingredients, it will last around 10 to 14 days. But you can also find fudge that should retain quality even for a couple of months. In other words, check the label and adhere to the date there.

When it comes to refrigerating, if the maker encourages it, it should give the fudge another week or two. If the shelf life is too short for your needs, you can always freeze the candy.

Please note that the periods above are only estimates.

How To Tell If Fudge Has Gone Bad?

Generally, it takes quite some time until properly stored fudge shows any typical signs of spoilage, like mold growth or an off odor. So it’s more about its quality than going bad in the usual sense of the word.

And when it comes to fudge, the quality is all about the texture. If the candy dries out and hardens, it’s past its prime, and you should get rid of it. Same if it melts and turns slimy.

If everything about the fudge in terms of texture, appearance, and smell seems to be okay, it’s most likely perfectly fine to it. That is, of course, if you don’t already store it much longer than recommended.

The post Does Fudge Go Bad appeared first on Does It Go Bad?.

Or maybe there’s a half-open jam in the fridge, and you’re wondering how long will it last in there before it goes bag. You really wouldn’t like it to go bad, but watching your sugar intake is important for you, so you eat only a little at a time. How long does an opened jam last?

If you have any questions or doubts about storage, shelf life, or going bad of jams, this article is for you. Read on.

How to Store Jam

Storing jam is quite similar to storing mustard or ketchup. While they taste nothing alike, the reason is that all of them contain quite a lot of natural preservatives. In the case of jams, that preservative is sugar.

You should store an unopened jar in a cool and dark place, away from sunlight and sources of heat. Exposure to light and heat could degrade the jam quickly, which may affect its flavor, consistency, and appearance. The pantry or a cabinet in the kitchen are the best choices. That’s true for both store-bought jams and properly-canned homemade ones.

Once you open the jar, it’s time to transfer the jam to the fridge. Remember to always seal the jar tightly and put it back into refrigeration after scooping as much as you need. This ensures the jam retains good quality for the longest and minimizes the chance of microbial contamination that might make it spoil.

Like with other foods that we scoop, remember to always use clean spoons and never “double-dip.” In other words, practice proper food hygiene. The modus operandi for both store-bought and homemade jams is the same here as well.

How Long Do Jams Last

Let’s start with an unopened jar of jam.

If it’s a store-bought variety, it usually comes with a best-by date. Of course, that date is only an approximation, and a jar with an untouched seal can last in good quality for much longer.

Many companies tried the jam they stored for over 20 years and it was still perfectly fine. So while usually, the best-by date is within 12 to 24 months of the production date, you can easily assume the jam should last years more.

For unopened homemade jams, the general consensus is that you can easily store them for at least a year, if not more.

Of course, homemade jams usually don’t retain taste as well as store-bought ones, but that doesn’t mean that after 1.5 or 2 years the jam will taste bland. So as long as the seal remains intact, it should be perfectly safe (and tasty!) for at least a few years more.

Now let’s talk about opened jams. Many manufacturers generally suggest to eat their product within two weeks to a month. Of course, that’s for best quality only, and if you take good care of the jam, it should easily retain flavor for at least a few months.

When it comes to homemade jams, one month in the fridge is a pretty safe estimate of how long will the product retain flavor. Like with store-bought jams, if your storage practices and good and proper, this fruity treat will definitely keep for longer.

Please note that the periods above are for bets quality. Properly stored jam should easily last months longer.

How to Tell if Jam Is Bad?

First, let’s talk about a change to jam that isn’t a sign of it going bad.

Some jams naturally turn a darker shade over time, even when the jar is unopened. That’s especially true for jams without preservatives or those with less sugar. So there’s no need to worry about your light-colored spreads darkening. That’s just the nature of the beast. Slight taste change over time is also expected.

Now to the signs of a bad jam. Typical signs of jam spoilage include mold or yeast growth, or any off odor. If the jam smells like yeast, alcohol, or anything fermented, get rid of it. Same thing if there are any organic growths on the surface.

If everything looks and smells okay, feel free to give it a taste. If anything seems off, throw it out. Otherwise, feel free to enjoy it.

The post Does Jam Go Bad? appeared first on Does It Go Bad?.

Sugar candies usually last quite a long time, but you’d like to make sure the beans are safe before you give them to your kids. Or, who am I kidding, eat on your own.

Anyway, below we talk briefly about storage, shelf life, and going bad of jelly beans. If that’s what you’re looking for, read on.

How To Store Jelly Beans

I’m sure it doesn’t come as a surprise that you should store jelly beans in a cool and dry place. A cupboard in the kitchen or pantry works perfectly fine for that.

One thing worth remembering is that jelly beans (and other sugar candy) don’t like high temperatures. And they especially don’t like being stored in such conditions for longer periods. That could result in the shells melting and beans changing shape (HB). If it’s the middle of a hot summer, you might consider storing the candy in the fridge to avoid that.

If you want to make sure the jelly beans keep quality for as long as possible, transfer them to a resealable bag or container after opening.

How Long Do Jelly Beans Last

Each pack of jelly beans, no matter if it’s from Jelly Belly, The Jelly Bean Factory, Haribo, or any other manufacturer, comes with a date. That date isn’t an expiration date, but an indicator of how long, approximately, the candy should retain quality.

If you store your jelly beans properly, they should easily last at least a couple of months past that date, if not more. As long as the jelly beans don’t show any signs of spoilage (more on that below), and aren’t super old (like three years past their date), chances are they will be okay to eat.

The last thing to remember is that opening the package doesn’t change much when it comes to shelf life. In other words, it’s not like jelly beans go bad soon after opening, or anything like that. Given that you take pretty good care of them, they should keep for months.

Please note the periods above are only estimates.

How To Tell If Jelly Beans Are Bad?

As I already mentioned, jelly beans keep for quite some time. They usually consist of sugar, corn syrup, starch, and a bunch of other ingredients that make the soft shell and gelly interior (WIKI).

Almost all of these are long-lasting, or there are some preservatives added to help make the ingredient stable. In short, it’s not that easy for the beans to spoil.

Of course, life happens, and things can go south. That’s why it’s worth taking a closer look at an old package you just found stored away for months before indulging. Look for any signs of mold, color changes, off smell, or jelly beans melted together.

If neither sign is present, it’s time for a flavor test. Old jelly beans are most often safe to eat, but you might find the flavor lacking. If that’s the case, cut your losses and discard the candy. There’s no point in eating sweets that you don’t even enjoy anyway.

Last but not least, remember that there are tons of flavors available. And if the jelly bean you just ate makes you gag, make sure it’s not from a pack of BeanBoozled beans. Because if it is, that’s how it was supposed to taste, and you simply got unlucky.

Sources

• HB Haribo: FAQs
• WIKI Wikipedia: Jelly bean

The post Do Jelly Beans Expire? appeared first on Does It Go Bad?.

Or you have a couple of leftover caramels stored away for a couple of months now, and you need to do something about them. Should you toss them or eat them? Do caramels go bad?

If either of those questions has brought you here, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’re going to cover:

• shelf life – how long caramels are good for, and if they go bad or not
• storage – is leaving them at room temperature good enough? What about homemade caramels?
• spoilage and quality loss – when to toss yours

Interested? Let’s dive in.

How Long Do Caramels Last?

Store-bought caramels come with a shelf life of 4 to 12 months, depending on the ingredients. They retain the best quality for a month to a couple of months past their date, as long as you store them in a cool place.

As you might imagine, caramels without any preservatives or additives come with a relatively short recommended shelf life ([MOU]). If yours come from a popular brand, like Werther’s, they typically come with a best-by date that’s about a year of the production date.

Unfortunately, there’s no way of telling how long past the “expiration date” yours will retain their quality. It depends on way too many factors.

But what I’m quite certain of is that caramels with a long shelf life keep for much longer past their dates than their more perishable counterparts. If you buy your caramels in a supermarket from a well-known brand, and the bag is a few months “expired,” the candy should quite alright.

Homemade caramels retain quality for a couple of weeks at room temperature, a couple of months in the fridge, or even more if you freeze them. This storage time is similar, though shorter, than this of no-preservatives caramels you can order online.

Obviously, that period is only a rough estimate, and it’s always best to go with whatever your recipe says. For example, these homemade caramels from The Stay At Home Chef keep best for two weeks in ambient temperature and freeze for at least six months.

If you don’t devour your caramels in one or two sittings, you might want to know a bit more about how to store them. Let’s talk about that.

How To Store Caramels

Store caramels in a cool and dark place. A kitchen cupboard is okay for most of the year, but if the temperature starts getting higher (75°F or 24°C, or more), consider transferring them into the fridge.

If the environment gets too warm, caramels might start to melt. At best, you might end up with melted and set-once-again caramels that taste so-so. At worst, you might need to discard them or even have to clean up the shelf if they weren’t sealed tightly.

Once you open the bag, keep the caramels away from strong odors, or use a freezer bag to take care of that for you.

Next up, let’s talk temperature.

Caramels melt if it’s too warm. That’s why I recommended storing yours in the refrigerator if it gets too hot. Some confectioners even use cool packaging for shipping caramels if the forecasted temperatures are high ([MOU]).

Besides that, caramels keep best in cold temperatures anyway. If you want yours to retain quality for much longer, you can always throw them in the fridge, no matter what.

And if refrigerating caramels is a good idea, isn’t freezing them even better?

Can You Freeze Caramels?

Yes, you can freeze caramels. All you need to do is place them in a freezer bag, squeeze out all the air, seal the bag, and freeze.

Frozen caramels retain quality for months past their “expiration date,” and freezing is the best way to store homemade caramels long-term.

Of course, freezing these candy only makes sense if you actually need the extra storage time. If you’re going to go through your supply (however big it was) in a matter of a week or two, freezing doesn’t help much.

When it comes to defrosting, there are at least two ways to go about that:

• Defrost on the counter. Your frozen caramels need at least two hours until they get to optimal temperature. Make sure to spread them out. The larger the caramels, the more time you need.
• In the fridge. You can transfer frozen caramels into the refrigerator and leave them there for 10 to 16 hours so that they warm up to fridge temperature. You still need to put them on the counter to make them chewable, but it shouldn’t take more than an hour or so.

When To Toss Old Caramels?

Toss old caramels if:

• They’re moldy, or there’s anything off about their appearance. Of course, there are dozens of caramels styles, so compare yours to how they looked when you’d bought them, not to caramels from another brand. If they are deformed, they might’ve melted at some point and should be safe to eat (but not as good).
• They smell off. If the caramels have been sealed tightly but give off a “funny” smell, throw them out. If you messed up storage and they picked up the odor of something smelly that was nearby, it’s up to you whether you eat them or not. I once ate a piece of cake that smelled liked sausage, and I almost threw up. Just saying.
• They taste off. Taste is the ultimate factor here. If yours look and smell okay but taste bad or weird for whatever reason, it’s time for them to go.

As you probably noticed, I didn’t mention anything about the “best-by” date. That’s because if yours are “expired” but don’t show any signs of spoilage, they’re probably perfectly safe.

The opposite is also true. Your caramels might be well within their date, but if something is off, err on the side of caution and get rid of them. In most cases, the issues would be caused by exposure to hot temperatures.

Sources

• WER – Werther’s Original – FAQ
• MOU – FAQ – Mouth Party Caramel
• GOE – Goetze’s FAQ

The post How Long Do Caramels Last? Do They Go Bad? appeared first on Does It Go Bad?.