Valentine’s Day: What is Your Candy’s Shelf Life?

Here you sit with a huge candy stash and it's impossible to eat it all in a couple days. Here's how long will it last before you need to throw it away.

This guide is also helpful if you took advantage of an after-holiday discount sale. Candy equals joy and there's nothing worse than popping a piece in your mouth that is way past its prime.

CHOCOLATE

The shelf life depends on what kind of chocolate it is. Dark will last for a year or two if it’s kept in foil and in a cool, dark, and dry place. Milk and white chocolate will last up to 10 months, just store it all away from light and moisture.

HARD CANDY

These things will last darn near forever if you store it properly. Candies like Jolly Ranchers and lollipops will last longest if they’re not exposed to moisture.

JELLY CANDY

Soft jelly candies and gummies can last for up to a year if they’re not opened. Even after being opened, they can las six to nine months.

CARAMEL and NOUGAT

Caramel and nougats can last six months to a year at room temperature and away from heat and light.

CANDY CORN

Good ol' candy corn... the candy you'd think lasts forever, doesn't. If you keep candy corn sealed, it can last up to 9 months. Only a few months if they're opened.

On the subject of printed expiration dates, Eater.com says,

Most candies do have expiration dates, but like most foods, these dates serve more as guidelines for when to consume them. It’s generally fine to eat candy past its expiration date, though the quality and texture does decline after a certain point.