Andes Mints Expiration Date? All Answers

Get the most out of your candy haul and eat safely a few months after Halloween. Luke Jones/Flickr

The INSIDER summary:

Halloween candy has a shelf life, but it’s probably longer than you think.

The type of candy and how you store it can affect shelf life.

Keeping your sweets in a cool and dry place is the most efficient way to store them.

Regular chocolate usually lasts the longest.

Not all Halloween candy is created equal, so each treat has a different shelf life. How long you have to eat your favorite candy depends on what kind it is and how you store it — and it’s probably longer than you think.

Sometimes this means you can eat your candy past the “sell by” or “best before” date. Aside from the “Use By” date, according to Business Insider, most expiration dates are guidelines rather than hard and fast rules.

Here are some general “rules” to follow to keep your Halloween candy edible for as long as possible.

How long your candy will keep depends on the ingredients.

Plain chocolate can keep for up to a year. jackmac34/pixabay

“In general, candy spoils very easily due to their low moisture content, but that depends on the candy,” Registered Dietitian Lisa DeFazio told INSIDER.

Fadi Aramouni, a professor of food science at Kansas State University, agreed, telling Best Food Facts that the lack of water in the product and the amount of fat can impact how long it lasts.

The good news is that plain candy bars are one of those long-lasting sweets. This is especially true when compared to candy bars with other ingredients like nuts, seeds, or peanut butter. The added ingredients spoil before the chocolate itself, rendering the entire bar inedible, Slate reports.

There is a difference between candy that is edible and candy that tastes good.

Packaged candy corn can be stored for up to 9 months. Wikimedia Commons

Aramouni also noted that the quality of the candy is often more important than the expiration date when it comes to the window in which you need to eat it. The better the quality, the longer it will last.

Typically, fudge, candy corn, jelly candies and chewing gum can have a shelf life of six to nine months while still in their wrappers, Woman’s Day reports.

The magazine also noted that other sweets — chocolate and candies like lollipops or butterscotch — have a shelf life of up to a year. However, Slate reports that the chocolate can often become too hard to eat and the texture can also change over time. Chocolate old enough to chip a tooth may not be pleasant to eat, but it doesn’t pose any serious health risks.

Sometimes chocolate has a white spot or cloudiness due to fat or sugar rising to the top. Slate reports that this is not mold and is safe for your health. Professional chocolatiers call this “blooming”. A more telling sign of rotten candy is a grainy texture or mold. It’s possible that old candy contains microbes that Defazio said can make you sick, this is especially true of chocolate. So watch out for signs of spoiled goods and throw away anything over a year old.

It’s also worth noting that white chocolate doesn’t last as long as its dark counterparts, only having a shelf life of around eight to 10 months.

Most, if not all, candy needs to be kept in its original packaging and stored in a cool, dry place to keep it lasting as long as possible.

Sweets need to be stored properly so that they last as long as possible. Clem Onojeghuo / Unsplash

According to DeFazio, keeping your candy away from light and in a cool, dry place can improve their chances of lasting as long as possible. DeFazio specifically recommended storing chocolates in the freezer because it keeps them fresher longer. And if you haven’t tried a frozen candy bar, DeFazio said you’re missing out.

“I always freeze Hershey bars, you bite into the cold bar, it’s crunchy and ice cold in your mouth and then slowly melts,” she said. “My mom always put candy bars in the freezer, not to keep them for long, but because we like to eat the chocolate frozen.”

There are many myths surrounding sugar, but when it comes to eating old Halloween candy there are just a few facts you need to know: Watch out for mold and store your candy properly. And remember, while it’s possible to eat elder sweets, eating tons of sugar isn’t good for your health — even though it can be good for the soul.

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I am writing this in early October and I am about to face the most pressing issue any family will ever face. Can we really eat all of this Halloween candy before it goes bad? This year I decided to prioritize which sweets to eat right away and which ones to save for a rainy day. So I did some research and decided to share my findings with you.

The longest-lasting sweets are candies like lollipops or Jolly Ranchers. If stored correctly, they can be kept indefinitely. For softer candies, dark chocolate will last the longest. If stored in an airtight container and kept in a cool, dark place, it can last up to 3 years.

I recommend using an airtight container, like this one from Amazon, for both fridge and freezer storage.

Okay, I know you’re going to get a wide variety of candy, so I decided to make this handy dandy chart for you.

The shelf life of ordinary candy:

Type of Candy Unopened Shelf Life Lollipops or Jolly Ranchers Unlimited if stored correctly Dark Chocolate Up to 3 years Milk Chocolate Bars 6 to 8 months in an airtight container Non-Chocolate Bars 4 months to 1 year depending on whether pantry or in the fridge Chewing gum 9 to 18 months M&Ms 6 to 16 months depending on whether they are stored in the pantry or in the fridge Hard candies and mints 9 months to 1 year Fudges 9 months to 1 year Gummy bears 6 to 8 months in the pantry or 1 Year in Freezer Candy Corn Up to 1 year Jelly Beans 8 months

How long does candy last past the expiration date?

Most candy doesn’t have a set expiration date. Instead, manufacturers use a best-by date, the last date that the company guarantees freshness and quality.

If you see a date on the case or box, add about 6 months to that date and you’re usually fine. Some candy companies use a series of numbers and letters for their date code, but you can easily crack it with a quick internet search.

How long has that candy been sitting there?

Why do sweets expire?

Sweets can go bad. Despite this, the main ingredient in candy is sugar, which is an excellent preservative. However, the other key component is moisture, which manufacturers use to control texture. Most candy bars are high in sugar and low in moisture, giving them a shelf life of almost a year when unopened.

Is It Okay to Eat Expired Candy?

If the flavor is still decent and not rancid, it’s often okay to eat expired candy. However, once fresh, sweets can be tasteless, oddly textured, or even moldy.

However, if you find that Halloween stash you accidentally misplaced or a wrapped candy cane in last year’s Christmas decorations, feel free to spoil yourself. You’ll probably be able to eat well too, even if the taste isn’t great. As always, but throw it away when in doubt. Sweets are cheap and not worth getting sick.

Tip: Candies with a higher fat content and more moisture, such as B. a peanut butter cup, spoil faster. Also, adding fruits or nuts to candies makes them susceptible to mold, which is never appetizing. My advice is that if it contains fruit, nuts, or a lot of moisture, don’t risk eating it if it’s well past its sell-by date.

Proper storage of sweets

The optimum storage time for unopened sweets is between nine months and one year. Opened or unwrapped candies lose their flavor within weeks or months.

Candy hates heat. Therefore, it is best if it is tightly closed and stored in a dry place away from direct heat. Here are some of the effects you can expect from keeping your candy too warm for an extended period of time:

Melting – as anyone who has ever left a bag of gummy bears in their car seat is painfully aware.

As anyone who has ever left a bag of jelly beans in their car seat is painfully aware. Texture Altered – Heat causes chocolate to “bloom” This is caused by the cocoa and fat rising to the top layer, resulting in those unsightly whitish spots.

Heat causes chocolate to “bloom”. This is caused by the cocoa and fat rising to the top layer, resulting in those unsightly whitish spots. Stickiness – Heat causes candies to absorb more moisture, making them sticky.

Pro tip: If your candies aren’t individually wrapped, sprinkle them with sugar before placing them in a storage container. The sugar absorbs extra moisture and keeps your candy sweet.

Use the fridge

You can also store candy in the fridge, and many people swear by keeping their chocolate in the freezer. Surprisingly, gummies do great in the fridge and even better in the freezer. By storing gummy bears in a sealed freezer bag, you can extend their shelf life from six months to a year!

store chewing gum

Chewing gum lasts a long time too. Depending on the brand, it can retain its flavor for up to 18 months when stored in the pantry. Buying gum in bulk is a great way to save. Many gum or refill packs come with nifty ziplock closures on their pouches, making them easy to store. Be sure to keep different flavored gums in separate containers. Also, don’t store gum in the freezer. It becomes hard and crumbly, making it difficult to chew.

Final Thoughts

Let’s face it, a question of which candy lasts the longest is somewhat debatable. Most of us are lucky when sweets stay around the house for more than two days. However, if you are preparing for a possible food shortage or even the end of the world, I hope this article has helped give you the information you need. The importance of sweets cannot be underestimated, especially in times of contention.

Thank you for reading!

For more, don’t miss the 5 best ways to prevent chocolate from melting.

Hello, I’m Anne but my grandkids call me Jelly Grandma. I have over 50 years of experience as a Southern cook and am a retired librarian. I love sharing what I’ve learned. You can also find me on YouTube! Just click the link at the bottom of your page. I hope your visit here was pleasant.

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Scan barcodes on any single-use or returnable food item to keep your fridge and pantry fresh. Avoid throwing away spoiled food by receiving notifications that your valuable items are about to expire. Use BEEP for commercial or home use on any item with a barcode.

[APP FEATURES]

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Scan the barcode, enter the expiry date and with the beep you’re done! Process management couldn’t be easier.

▲ EXPIRATION DATE PUSH NOTIFICATION SERVICE

Receive a friendly notification reminder a day, a week or a month before the expiry date to preserve your precious groceries.

▲ GROUP FOOD INTO CATEGORIES

Specify foods by type, placement, or location, depending on residential or commercial use. You can categorize and customize your goods to make them easier to find.

▲ CREATE AND SHARE WITH FAMILY OR GROUP

Scans can be shared with others to track products together. Invite family, colleagues or anyone via email and/or phone number to create your own group.

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For support and inquiries please email [email protected]

Discontinued Products – Cosmetics

Did you know that cosmetic products can expire? In this post, we cover the basics of cosmetic product expiration dates.

Do cosmetics have to have an expiry date?

No, cosmetics are not legally required by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to include an expiration date.

However, companies and individuals that manufacture and market cosmetics have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety and shelf life of their products, which usually includes expiration date information(1,2).

Are some cosmetics considered drugs by the FDA?

Many cosmetics can be considered drugs by the FDA. For example, products that contain ingredients to prevent sunburn (e.g. SPF 15, UVA/UVB protection) or acne are everyday cosmetics that are also medicines.

A cosmetic’s packaging label, which is also classified as a drug, must include ingredient information, possible side effects, an expiration date, and more, as required by regulations.

How do I find out the expiry date of a cosmetic product?

There is a two-part process for calculating the expiration date.

Products contain an unopened or use by date on the packaging. This date tells us when a product will expire, even if it remains unopened and unused.

Manufacturers usually print the second expiration date on the product. This expiration date indicates the number of months the product will remain fresh and safe for use after opening. In the image below you can see the standard symbol containing the expiry date in months that can be found on most cosmetic packaging.

What happens when cosmetic products expire?

Cosmetics often contain preservatives, antioxidants, and emulsified ingredients that allow the products to work effectively (1,2).

When we open and use cosmetic products, we introduce microorganisms and oxygen into the product. Preservatives are effective in keeping harmful microorganisms at bay, but eventually lose their effectiveness, allowing microorganisms to multiply quickly.

Over time, antioxidants lose potency and emulsified ingredients begin to break down, changing a product’s color and texture and causing oils and water to separate, affecting the quality of the product.

Sometimes products can dry out and become flaky or cracked, rendering them unusable.

What happens if I use expired cosmetic products?

Reactions to expired cosmetic products depend entirely on the expired product and how long it has been expired. We could not detect any reaction or extreme side effect.

For example, if we use expired mascara, we could get a serious eye infection if bacteria and mold grew out of control in the tube.

On the other hand, if we use an expired makeup powder, we may not notice any difference. However, just because we have no side effects does not mean that the product will work as intended, nor does it mean that there are not excessive microorganisms in the product that could cause harm.

When we use expired cosmetics that are also medicines, like products that contain acne medication and sunscreen, there is no guarantee that the product will work as advertised. Therefore, we may not experience any benefit from the active ingredient such as sun protection or acne treatment, and we could experience skin irritation or worse.

Tip: Keep track of the expiry date of your cosmetic products

It’s easy to lose sight of the expiry date, especially when the date is calculated from the month it was opened.

We only need two materials to mark the expiry date on a cosmetic product:

masking tape

marker

Before throwing away the packaging and using the product, use the symbols to calculate the expiry date, stick a piece of tape on the product and write the expiry date on the tape.

This way we can use our cosmetic products before they expire and we can easily keep track of products that need to be replaced more frequently, such as: B. Mascaras.

The good news.

Did you know candy has its own secret shelf life? Food scientists at Kansas State University this week offered lab-tested tips on how to tell when your favorite treats are past their prime and how to store them.

“Shelf life depends on the type of candy, packaging and storage conditions,” Karen Blakeslee, a food safety researcher at Kansas State University in the United States, said in an Oct. 4 news release. “Shelf life can vary from two weeks to a year.”

She and food science professor Fadi Aramouni suggest that if a candy appears extremely gooey or has a grainy texture, it is most likely expired due to temperature changes and the crystallization of sugar. As a result, it may taste bad, change color, or become moldy if it contains fruit or nuts.

Expired candy can also contain microbes that can make you sick. Aramouni, who studies food safety and food allergies in his lab, said there have even been cases of salmonella poisoning from eating aged chocolate. He’s currently testing gourmet treats from US high-end grocery chain Dean and Deluca in incubators that accelerate the aging process in chocolate, peanut brittle, chocolate peanuts and English toffee so the store can properly date its products. The incubators work by storing the food at higher temperatures – storing sweets for six weeks in an incubator at 35 degrees Celsius is equivalent to six months on the shelf at room temperature (25 degrees Celsius). During the process, Aramouni takes samples weekly to test for microbes, moisture, taste and other chemical measures.

So what do the experts say about storing the sweet stuff? As a rule of thumb, the softer the candy, the shorter the shelf life. And store your treats in a cool, dry place, preferably at room temperature.

“Heat can cause a lot of candy to melt and become too sticky,” Blakeslee said. “Chocolate can get a powdery appearance — called bloom — due to temperature changes, but it’s still good to eat.”

Hard candies can last up to a year if stored properly, and jellied candies, fudge, and gum candies can last anywhere from six to nine months. Dark chocolate has a shelf life of one to two years if wrapped in foil and stored in a cool, dark, dry place. Milk and white chocolate will last no more than eight to ten months.

“It’s okay to throw away old candy,” advises Aramouni. “Don’t feel compelled to eat it. After all, they are mostly empty calories.”

Additional import information

Products identified in the table above are eligible for export from Mexico to the United States as determined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Equivalence Process.

Raw materials used to manufacture products intended for export to the United States must come from a certified facility in an Eligible Country that has an equivalent inspection system for raw or processed products.

The above are the process categories, product categories and product groups as listed in the FSIS product categorization document and as defined in the Public Health Information System (PHIS).

The Julian date format is a five-digit number broken into two parts: a two-digit representation of the year followed by a three-digit representation of the day of the year. For example, January 1, 1999 is 99001 in Julian format. Many older applications store such dates, and although Excel does not recognize this date format by default, this can be solved with a formula.

Date marking on prepackaged foods

Date information on pre-packaged foods is a valuable source of information. Here are some terms you should be familiar with:

Shelf Life – This indicates the expected length of time that an unopened food product will retain its freshness, taste, nutritional value and other properties when stored under appropriate conditions. A “best before” date tells you when the “useful life” period ends.

Best Before Date – The “best before” date does not guarantee product safety, but it does give you an indication of the freshness and possible shelf life of the unopened food you are buying. This must appear on prepackaged foods that stay fresh for 90 days or less. Retail packaged foods may be labeled with either a “best before” date and storage instructions, or the packaging date along with a “best before” date and storage instructions.

A crumpled bag of baking chips in the pantry. That candy stash in the linen closet that you forgot. The old children’s Halloween swag. A fun sized piece in the glove box. There are few things quite as exciting as discovering a piece of surprise chocolate from who knows when. But does chocolate go bad? Finally, but not in the same way, do more perishable foods like dairy or other produce. Here’s the truth about your favorite late night snack.

How long does chocolate keep?

There is no simple answer to this question. The type of chocolate, its quality and how it is stored affect its shelf life. In general, chocolate tastes tastiest before it’s expired (and even shortly after), but it’s safe to eat for much longer. The quality of the chocolate has a lot to do with its lifespan. Big brand store-bought chocolate made with artificial preservatives goes bad sooner than the high-end stuff. Quality chocolate can even get better with age, just like wine. You owe that to the flavanols, your natural preservatives; They give dark chocolate its antioxidants.

First, let’s talk about types of chocolate. The higher the milk content, the faster the evaporation. (Sorry, white and milk chocolate lovers.) Semisweet, bittersweet, and dark chocolates stand a better chance of surviving a long stay in the pantry. Here are some guidelines for some popular types:

White Chocolate: Because it’s almost entirely dairy and cocoa butter, white chocolate’s shelf life is slightly more inconsistent than bittersweet or dark chocolate. Unopened, it can be stored in the pantry for up to six months and even longer in the fridge. It’s been open for four months.

Because it’s almost all milk and cocoa butter, white chocolate’s shelf life is a little more erratic than bittersweet or dark chocolate. Unopened, it can be stored in the pantry for up to six months and even longer in the fridge. It’s been open for four months. Milk Chocolate: We’ve heard to swap them out for dark ones now that we’re adults, but we decline. This creamy treat can keep at room temperature for up to a year or longer in the refrigerator if unopened. If the packaging or pouch is torn, you have eight to ten months to use it.

We’ve been told to trade that for darkness now that we’re adults, but we refuse. This creamy treat can keep at room temperature for up to a year or longer in the refrigerator if unopened. If the packaging or pouch is torn, you have eight to ten months to use it. Baking, dark or dark chocolate: Less milk means longer shelf life. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two years.

Less milk means longer shelf life. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to two years. Dark Chocolate: Unopened bars should have a shelf life of at least two years. If you’ve already got yourself a few squares, it’s another year (if you don’t gobble it up by then).

Unopened bars should have a shelf life of at least two years. If you’ve already got yourself a few squares, it’s another year (if you don’t gobble it up by then). Belgian Chocolate: As if we had to tell you to eat it on time. Belgian chocolate only keeps for a week or two at room temperature. Double its shelf life by putting it in the fridge, or extend it to two months by putting it in the freezer.

As if we have to tell you to eat it on time. Belgian chocolate only keeps for a week or two at room temperature. Double its shelf life by putting it in the fridge, or extend it to two months by putting it in the freezer. Chocolate Chips: Unopened, chocolate chips can be stored in the pantry for two to four months. You can also keep them in the fridge for six to eight months or in the freezer for two to three years if they’re for a future batch of cookie dough.

Unopened in the pantry, chocolate chips have a shelf life of two to four months. You can also keep them in the fridge for six to eight months or in the freezer for two to three years if they’re for a future batch of cookie dough. Handmade Chocolates or Truffles: If you can get your hands on some of these cuties, chances are you’ll be eating them within hours. They only keep for a week or two and should never be placed in the fridge or freezer. (They’re so fancy.) You can definitely eat them after the two-week mark, but they might not taste as good. The sooner you eat them, the better.

If you can get your hands on some of these cuties, chances are you’ll be eating them within hours. They only keep for a week or two and should never be placed in the fridge or freezer. (They’re so fancy.) You can definitely eat them after the two-week mark, but they might not taste as good. The sooner you eat them, the better. Cocoa Powder: This stuff basically never goes bad, but it loses its potency over time. Unopened, it keeps in the pantry for three years. It’ll be fine for another year or two if it’s open. After that, you may notice a slight difference in taste, but it is not dangerous to consume.

How do you know if chocolate is bad?

The expiration date of chocolate is really just an indicator of when the quality is going down. If it looks, smells, and tastes normal, you’re in the clear. Cracks or spots on the chocolate may indicate that it’s a bit stale and has seen better days. If your chocolate shows significant discoloration or mold, it’s ready for the trash.

Before you throw away or throw away neglected chocolate, first think about what you are going to do with it. Older chocolate can be tasty as a snack on its own, but it could still be baked into brownies or cookies. Be stricter about snacking on chocolate than chocolate that you will melt and reuse. Also keep in mind that chocolate with ingredients like nuts or fruits may be more prone to expiration. The more ingredients it contains, the faster it goes bad. If the filling or the crunchy pieces spoil, it doesn’t matter that the chocolate is still good. Use your best judgment before indulging.

Why does my chocolate have white spots?

The white or gray film that you can find on aged chocolate is either sugar bloom or fat bloom and is the result of the sugar or cocoa butter separating from the chocolate. It happens when chocolate partially melts, usually after being stored in an area that is too humid or too hot. Fat bloom primarily changes the appearance of the chocolate and not its taste, so despite its appearance it should still be true to the original. Sugar blossom, on the other hand, can have a grainy or powdery texture and an unpleasant taste. Even though it’s safe, you might not like eating it.

Can you eat expired chocolate?

If the packaging is unopened, it can be months past its expiration date if it has been stored at room temperature, or even longer if it has been in the fridge or freezer. Although it may be safe to eat months or even years past the sell-by date, you may notice differences in taste or appearance.

How to store chocolate

A consistent cool temperature is most important; Getting the chocolate from hot to cold or vice versa is a recipe for condensation and mold. A cool, dark spot in the pantry works like a charm. Unless you live in a very hot or humid environment, keep your candy out of the fridge. (The cocoa butter absorbs all sorts of smells there.)

If you are storing chocolate that has already been opened, wrap it as tightly as possible and then place it in an airtight container to prevent it from picking up ambient odors. Also, leave it in its original packaging; Most chocolate is wrapped in aluminum or opaque packaging that fights oxidation and moisture.

If you have a ton of chocolate on your hands and are worried about wasting it, store it in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer. Just chill it first for 24 hours so the crystallization process doesn’t go too fast in the freezer. (Crystallized fat and sugar = unsightly blooms.) Once frozen, it can last up to eight months, depending on the type of chocolate and the unopened bar or bag. Place in the fridge for 24 hours to thaw, then let cool on the counter to room temperature.

The short and sweet truth

Your chocolate’s golden years may be over, but as long as it looks, smells and tastes relatively normal, it’s safe to eat. The shelf life of chocolate depends on the type of chocolate, its quality and ingredients, and how it is stored. But all in all, unless it smells or has serious discoloration or mold, eat your heart out. Bloom, dammit.

RELATED: The best chocolate recipes of all time, hands down, no competition

How do you interpret the expiration code on your Kellogg’s branded product? The key is to understand that the expiration date is represented in the format “DDMM” – the first two digits represent the month, the next two digits represent the day of the month, and the last digit represents the year.

Some of the popular Kellogg’s products we stock (both sold in our vending machines and by the case) include Cheez-Its, Famous Amos Cookies, Nutrigrain Granola Bars, Pop Tarts and a variety of cereals (Apple Jacks, Cocoa Krispies, Corn Pops, Froot). Loops, Frosted Flakes, Frosted Mini Wheats, Raisin Bran, Rice Krispies and Special K).

You may also be interested in our previous posts explaining how to read expiry codes from Mars Candy, Mars Beverage, Nestle Candy and Sunkist Soda.

Check your canned products on a toll-free number or website if you are unsure of the code on the can or the date by which the product should be used. Some companies confuse the date format by listing the year or date first instead of the month. So when in doubt, it’s best to ask the source. Most manufacturers provide a phone number or website for consumers with questions about their products’ expiration dates. Most canned foods are safe to use for two years from the date of purchase, even if you don’t read the code on the can and can’t find an “Use By” date on the product. Store your preserves at a moderate temperature to ensure freshness. The Canned Food Alliance recommends storage temperatures no higher than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.