Shelf Life Tips
- How long does white chocolate last? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - store white chocolate in a cool, dry area.
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To maximize the shelf life of white chocolate, store at a room temperature between 60°F -75°F and keep white chocolate tightly wrapped after opening.
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How long does white chocolate last at room temperature? Properly stored, white chocolate will generally stay at best quality for about 1 year at normal room temperature.
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Is white chocolate safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided it is properly stored and the package is undamaged - commercially packaged white chocolate will typically carry a " Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the white chocolate will remain at peak quality.
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Storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the white chocolate's texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
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Can you keep white chocolate in the freezer? Yes, it is fine to store white chocolate in the freezer, although doing so will not significantly change the shelf life; to freeze, place the white chocolate inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
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How long does white chocolate last in the freezer? White chocolate will maintain best quality for about 1 year in the freezer.
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The freezer time shown is for best quality only — white chocolate that has been kept constantly frozen at 0° F will keep safe indefinitely.
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How can you tell if white chocolate is bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the white chocolate: if the white chocolate develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, it should be discarded.
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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here
