It can be difficult to imagine that delicious chocolate treats aren’t eaten as soon as they arrive, but there are times when chocolate needs to be stored.
Perhaps you have been gifted a HUGE box of gourmet chocolates that, despite your best efforts, were not eaten all in one go around. Or maybe, you have learned the art of restraint (if this is the case, please share your secret with us!).
Either way, if you want your chocolate to last longer and still retain its optimal flavor and texture, properly storing it is essential.
Fortunately, here at Dallmann, we are experts in all things chocolate and are happy to share with you our tips for storing your favorite chocolates.
Do not refrigerate chocolate
Whether you only eat gourmet truffles or consume any chocolate put in front of you, please don’t store chocolate in the fridge. This is because chocolate easily absorbs the odors of whatever items it is placed near to in a fridge, which can have a detrimental effect on its flavor.
Furthermore, moisture in your refrigerator can lead to what is known as “sugar bloom,” which is when the sugar rises to the surface of your chocolate and discolors it.
Although refrigeration is not a good option, you do have the option to freeze your chocolate. Here at Dallmann, all our gift boxes come shrink-wrapped, meaning that you can safely freeze them for up to 2 months without having to worry about any deterioration in either taste or texture.
Store chocolate in a cool, dry place
When it comes to our gourmet chocolates, we recommend storing them at a temperature between 55 and 65 degrees, as this ensures that the emulsion of cocoa solids and cocoa butter remains stable.
Our luxury chocolate collections come with a shelf life of 7 days. We pride ourselves on not using any preservatives or artificial flavors, which reduces their lifespan, and we ensure that you are only getting the best chocolate experience for your tastebuds.
Keep chocolate away from light
Both natural sunlight and artificial light can have a detrimental effect on the flavor and texture of your chocolate. This is because when chocolate comes into contact with both light and air, it undergoes oxidation, which causes it to bloom. Furthermore, as you might expect, when chocolate is exposed to light, it may also start to heat up and melt, which will alter the chocolate's chemical structure and cause it to bloom, meaning that you will notice white/greyish streaks or blotches on the chocolate’s surface. Bloomed chocolate is safe to eat but may have an unappetizing appearance and texture.
White chocolate is most at risk of oxidation, whereas milk and dark chocolate are somewhat protected due to the cocoa solids present and their high levels of antioxidants. However, they aren’t completely immune to the effects of light and air.
Store chocolate in an airtight container
If you have opened your chocolates or they don’t come shrink-wrapped, to store them in an airtight container for protection from external odors and moisture. This can also help to protect your chocolate if you have no choice but to place it in the fridge, for example, if it has already started melting.
Can chocolate go bad?
Some chocolate can turn a little bad, such as chocolate that contains milk. However, if the chocolate contains only cocoa mass and sugar, then it can’t technically go bad. That being said, it will bloom after several months.
What is the shelf life of chocolate?
The exact shelf life of chocolate is dependent on a number of factors, with gourmet chocolates typically having a shorter lifespan than their cheaper counterparts. However, as a general rule, dark chocolate lasts the longest and, when stored correctly, can be eaten years after it has been bought as it contains the highest cocoa content.
Here at Dallmann, our luxury truffles and chocolates are designed to be enjoyed as soon as possible, so you can get the full flavor and aroma experience. Trust us when we say that you won’t want to store our gourmet chocolates, as they are just too tempting to eat right away!
FAQs
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.
How to keep chocolate fresh longer? ›
Here's how to keep them fresh and tasty: For best results, store boxed chocolates at a moderate room temperature. The ideal temperature for storing chocolates is generally between 60° and 70° Fahrenheit — much warmer than that, and the chocolates' texture and appearance can begin to suffer.
Is it better to keep chocolate in the fridge or pantry? ›
Moisture in the fridge can also lead to “sugar bloom,” meaning the sugar rises to the surface and discolors the chocolate (which has no effect on flavor, but doesn't look too appealing). So instead of the fridge: Store it in a cool, dry place.
How long does chocolate stay fresh? ›
If unopened and stored properly, dark chocolate lasts 2 years (from the day it was made). If opened, but still stored properly, the rule of thumb is one year. As for milk and white chocolate bars, the time available is cut in half. One year if unopened and stored properly, and 6-8 months if opened and stored properly.
What needs to be avoided when storing chocolate? ›
Avoid Unwanted Odors
Chocolate has a very sensitive aroma, and any strong smells can seep in and affect its flavor. 4 This is especially true when storing chocolate for long periods of time. It's best to store it away from other foods or products that have a strong smell.
How to store chocolate in summer? ›
Your goal when storing chocolate is to keep it below the softening point to preserve the temper. If your home is equipped with air conditioning or central air, make sure your thermostat is not set above 75°F, and keep it in a cool dark place in your house.
Where should chocolate be stored? ›
A cool, dry, and dark place, like your pantry, will always be the best place to store chocolate, but sometimes you have no other choice but to pop it in the refrigerator. Chocolate melts at warm temperatures, so if the summer is looming, the fridge can be a good place to keep it from melting.
Is it better to freeze or refrigerate chocolate? ›
As a rule, refrigerating your chocolate will allow you to keep it fresh for the life of the best by date, while freezing it will allow you to store it safely for at least 50% longer.
What makes chocolate go bad? ›
For instance, the presence of dairy, nuts, or fruits with high moisture content can contribute to chocolate spoilage by introducing excess moisture. Similarly, exposure to heat, light, or fluctuations in temperature can accelerate the lifespan of chocolate, leading to changes in texture, flavor, and overall quality.
When should you throw away chocolate? ›
It turns out that chocolate can outlast love. Unopened, solid dark chocolate has a shelf life of two years, while unopened solid milk chocolate can last one year, says Darin Detwiler, Northeastern food safety expert and associate teaching professor.
Solid Chocolate: If stored properly in a cool, dry place away from sunlight, solid chocolates (like plain milk, white, or dark chocolate bar) can often be eaten for up to 6 months past their 'best before' date. The taste and texture might not be optimal, but it's generally safe.
Is chocolate better in the fridge or cupboard? ›
For best results, we'd recommend that you store your chocolate in a temperature between 10C and 20C., Look for a cool and shady part of the house to store it in, such as a basem*nt or a cool cupboard..
What country eats the most chocolate per person? ›
The chart compares per capita chocolate consumption among the top ten countries. Switzerland leads the chart with an annual consumption of 8.8 kg per person, closely followed by Germany at 8.4 kg. Ireland and the United Kingdom are also significant consumers, with figures around 8.3 kg and 8.2 kg, respectively.
Should you put chocolate in the refrigerator? ›
Do not refrigerate chocolate. Whether you only eat gourmet truffles or consume any chocolate put in front of you, please don't store chocolate in the fridge. This is because chocolate easily absorbs the odors of whatever items it is placed near to in a fridge, which can have a detrimental effect on its flavor.
How do you store chocolate so it doesn't bloom? ›
The best thing to do is to prevent chocolate bloom from happening in the first place. As both types of chocolate bloom occur when chocolate isn't stored properly, this should be your first consideration. Ideally, you should be storing your chocolate in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place.
What prevents chocolate from spoiling? ›
What prevents chocolate from spoiling? Chocolate does not contain preservatives. It contains high levels of fat, oil, and sugar and low levels of water which is not a conducive environment for mold growth.
What is the best way to keep chocolate chips fresh? ›
Keep at room temperature: Chocolate chips are best stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid storing them in the fridge or freezer, as this can cause them to develop condensation and affect their texture.
