Candy Storage Tips (2024)

Shelf-Life and Storage Suggestions

Chocolate

Dark chocolate can be kept for one to two years if wrapped in foil and stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. A pantry or basem*nt is an ideal location. Milk and white chocolate have a more limited storage time – no more than eight to ten months.

Hard Candy

Hard candies 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

While traditionally associated withHalloween, candy makers have madeChristmas,Valentine’s Day,andEaster-themed candy corn in recent years.Learn more about this popular candy.

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 nine 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

Caramel treats should be kept covered, away from heat and light at room temperature. Stored properly, caramel should last six to nine months and even up to 12 months in some cases.

General Guidelines

Protect Candy in the Pantry.

While different types of candy have different storage requirements, the pantry is generally a safe place to stash sweets. Airtight storage in a cool place will ensure a longer shelf-life. Some treats may also be frozen.

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.

Use Caution When Freezing.

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.

Avoid Moisture Mixes.

Do not mix candies that absorb moisture – such as caramels, mints, and hard candies – with candies that lose moisture like 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 airtight jar.

Candy Storage Tips (2024)

FAQs

Candy Storage Tips? ›

Protect Candy in the Pantry.

How to keep candy fresh longer? ›

Most candies will keep 2 to 3 weeks (if not longer) if stored tightly covered in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator. It's best to avoid storing different types of candy together in the same container because hard candies will become soft and sticky, and soft candies will dry out.

What's the best way to store hard candy? ›

For storage, keep hard candy at room temperature, in a dry place – never in the refrigerator. Properly kept, candy should last for weeks.

How long does candy last unrefrigerated? ›

Hard candy - Hard candies 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 stored away from heat and light at room temperature (about 70 degrees). Stored in this manner, the candy should last 6-9 months.

How do you increase the shelf life of candy? ›

Tips for Storage

Freezers and refrigerators hold a lot of moisture and that moisture will be absorbed by your candy. Always store candy wafers in cool, dry places, and in a container that is airtight. Plastic bags, food storage containers, and glass jars will all do the trick.

How long will sweets last in a paper bag? ›

As paper bags breathe more than plastic, the sweets are always 'double-bagged' to aid longevity of the sweets. If the bags are kept closed, they should be great for about 3 weeks once made, although the expiry date of the contents is much longer than this!

What candy takes the longest to expire? ›

Hard candy like Jolly Ranchers, lollipops and other individually wrapped candies can essentially last forever if they're stored right and kept away from moisture. Dark chocolate can last one to two years in a cool, dark, dry place. Milk and white chocolate will last up to 10 months.

How do you store candy in a pantry? ›

Hard candies can last up to one year if they're stored in a cool, dry place away from humidity and heat. To keep hard candies from absorbing moisture from the air and other nearby treats, sprinkle them with finely ground sugar before stashing them in an airtight glass jar.

How do you store chocolate candy for long term? ›

The best place to store chocolate is in a cool, dry, and dark environment, like a pantry or cupboard. You'll want to store it away from heat, moisture, and light. Chocolate thrives at room temperature and low humidity levels, ideally between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and less than 55 percent humidity.

Does freezing candy make it last longer? ›

Freezing is a popular method for keeping candy over long periods of time.

Why doesn't candy go bad? ›

The Role of Ingredients in Candy Shelf-Life

Sugar, the quintessential candy ingredient, is not just there for its sweetness. It's a natural preservative that can extend the shelf life of many foods, including candy. It can make some dry hard candies stay good for years!

How should most candies be stored? ›

Like food, candy and other confectionaries have a shelf life. 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.

How do you store hard candy? ›

Store in airtight containers between waxed paper. If making lollipops, do not dust with powdered sugar, but place in sucker bags and secure with twist ties. Store hard candy in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate.

What is the preservation method of candies? ›

Preservation Using Sugar

As a natural preservative, it prevents the growth of microorganisms. Candying takes place at fairly low temperatures, and contrary to other fruit processing methods most of the vitamins, minerals and other microelements are maintained.

How long does fresh candy last? ›

“Yes, candy does expire, but the good news is that most types of candy are good to eat for six to 12 months,” says registered oncology dietician, Kaitlin Mckenzie.

How do you make candy soft again? ›

To speed that process along, leave the candy in a loosely covered container with a damp paper towel. If the candy is not wrapped, place a double sheet of plastic wrap between the damp towel and the candy. Change the damp towel every two to three days. It will still probably take a month or so for the candy to soften.

How to preserve sweets for a long time? ›

On average, they last for 2-3 days at room temperature and 5-7 days in the refrigerator. To store them correctly, you should keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How do you keep gummy candies fresh? ›

Keep gummies in a pantry or cupboard away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and moisture. Keeping your edible gummies in the refrigerator can extend their shelf life by one to two weeks. If you don't plan on consuming your gummies within a week or two, consider storing part of your batch in the freezer.

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