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Whether you’re out trick-or-treating or grabbing discounted candy the day after Halloween, it’s the time to indulge. It’s easy to want to finish your candy stash all at once, but taking your time with treats like Reese's Cups will pay off. Here’s the expiration timeline to know in order to make your Halloween sweets last well into 2022.
According to experts, dark chocolate has the longest shelf life among Halloween candies. With little to no dairy, dark chocolate can last for up to two years, while a regular Hershey’s bar will go bad after about eight to ten months. Although both chocolates can develop a pale, chalky appearance over time, this doesn’t mean they’re unsafe to eat; it just indicates the candy is drying out.
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Hard candies, such as jelly beans, and jelly candies can remain fresh for up to a year, so you can save them for next Halloween. Softer treats like gum, candy corn, caramels, and peanut butter cups last for about six to nine months. After that, it's time to discard them from your plastic jack-o'-lantern and throw them out.
The key to keeping your candy fresh is proper storage. Candies in loose wrappers spoil much faster than those sealed in their original packaging, so try to consume them soon after opening. Storing your treats in a warm, sunny area is also harmful. Instead, store them in a cool, dark spot—like the back of a cabinet where no one else can find them.
