Storing Christmas Candy: How Long Can You Keep It?

Christmas is a time of celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with an abundance of festive candy? But what happens when the holidays are over and you're left with a surplus of sweets? How long can you safely store Christmas candy, and what are the best methods for ensuring their longevity?

The shelf life of Christmas candy varies depending on the type of confectionery. Hard candies, such as candy canes, have a long shelf life of up to one year when stored in a cool, dry location or at room temperature. On the other hand, soft candies like caramels and jellies have a shorter lifespan, lasting up to nine months if unopened and stored properly. Chocolate products, a Christmas staple, also have varying shelf lives. Dark chocolate, the longest-lasting variety, can be enjoyed for up to two years if stored in foil in a cool, dark, and dry place. Milk and white chocolates, on the other hand, have a more limited lifespan of eight to ten months.

How to store Christmas candy canes

Candy canes are a Christmas staple, and with proper care, you can enjoy them for a long time. Here are some detailed tips on how to store Christmas candy canes to keep them fresh and tasty:

Choose the Right Storage Container

To maximise the shelf life of candy canes, place them in a tightly sealed, airtight container or a heavy-duty plastic bag. Wrapping them individually in plastic wrap or cellophane will also help preserve their freshness. This protective layer will keep moisture and air out, maintaining the quality of the candy canes.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

The ideal storage location for candy canes is a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight. Aim for a constant temperature of around 55-60°F (13-16°C). A basement or pantry often provides the perfect conditions. By avoiding heat and humidity, you can prevent the candy canes from becoming sticky or soft.

Keep Away from Odours

Ensure the storage area is free from strong odours. Candy canes can absorb nearby scents, affecting their taste. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods or substances to maintain their minty freshness.

Separate Different Types of Candy

When storing different varieties of candy together, use separate containers. Soft candies and hard candies have different moisture needs. Mixing them can cause the hard candies to become soft and sticky, and the soft candies to dry out prematurely.

Consider Refrigeration or Freezing

In hot and humid environments, consider storing candy canes in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent moisture accumulation. Candy canes can also be frozen, maintaining their quality for about 12 months or even longer. However, freezing may affect their texture, so consider this before deciding to freeze them.

Check for Signs of Spoilage

Even with proper storage, candy canes won't last forever. Check them regularly for any signs of spoilage. If they appear or smell unusual, or if mould develops, discard them. Additionally, if the candy canes become too soft and lose their signature snap, it's best to replace them.

How long does chocolate candy last?

The shelf life of chocolate candy varies depending on the type of chocolate and how it is stored.

Soft chocolates, like milk and white chocolate, last between eight and ten months. Dark chocolate, on the other hand, has a much longer shelf life and can last up to two years. This is because the higher milk fat content in white and milk chocolates shortens their shelf life compared to dark chocolate.

To ensure the longest possible shelf life, chocolate candy should be stored at a moderate room temperature, ideally between 60° and 70° Fahrenheit. Keeping chocolates in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or basement, can help maintain their quality. If stored under moderate temperatures, most types of boxed chocolates will retain their quality for at least 6 to 9 months, even after being opened. However, chocolates filled with creams and caramels have a shorter shelf life.

For longer-term storage or in hot and humid conditions, refrigeration or freezing is recommended. Refrigerating chocolate can extend its shelf life by at least 25%, while freezing can prolong it by 50% or more. It is important to place the chocolates in a heavy-duty plastic freezer bag and seal it tightly before refrigerating or freezing.

Handmade, premium, and ultra-expensive chocolates have a shorter shelf life and will usually remain at peak quality for only 2 to 3 weeks at room temperature. For longer storage, they can be refrigerated for 2 to 3 months or frozen for up to 6 months.

It is worth noting that chocolate is highly susceptible to absorbing nearby odors, so it is crucial to keep boxed chocolates well-covered, regardless of the storage location. Additionally, exposure to sunlight and humidity should be avoided, as this can impact the texture and appearance of the chocolates.

How to store soft candy

Soft candies should be stored away from heat and light at room temperature (about 70 degrees Fahrenheit). If the packaging has been opened, soft candies should be kept in a covered candy dish. Stored in this manner, the candy should last six to nine months. If the packaging has not been opened, soft candies will last approximately 12 months.

To keep your soft candies tasting fresh, it is best to avoid storing them with other types of candy. Soft candies will dry out if stored with hard candies, and hard candies will become soft and sticky if stored with soft candies.

To prevent soft candies from drying out, wrap them individually in clear plastic wrap. This will protect them from dampness. Soft candies should then be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or basement.

If you are looking to store soft candies over a long period, freezing is a popular method. However, not all candies are suited for the freezer. Avoid freezing candies with fruits and nuts.

How to store hard candy

Hard candy is one of the oldest types of candy, believed to have been first made by the Egyptians over 2000 years ago. It's no wonder that they are still popular today, with their long-lasting appeal and rich history. If you want to enjoy your hard candy for as long as possible, here are some tips for storing them:

Choose the Right Storage Container

Use an airtight container to store your hard candy. This will keep the candy fresh and prevent it from becoming exposed to moisture, which can cause it to become soft and sticky.

Keep it Cool and Dry

Store your hard candy in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or basement. The ideal temperature range is between 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid storing candy in humid environments as humidity is the enemy of hard candy, causing it to deteriorate.

Avoid Mixing with Other Candies

Do not store hard candy in the same container as other types of candy, especially those that are soft or creamy. Soft candies will dry out, and hard candies will absorb moisture and become soft.

Sprinkle with Sugar

To ensure your hard candies stay hard, you can sprinkle them with a fine layer of sugar before storing them. This will help to absorb any moisture and keep them fresh.

Wrap Individually

If you have large pieces of hard candy, consider wrapping them individually in clear plastic wrap before placing them in the airtight container. This will provide an extra layer of protection against moisture and help to preserve their freshness.

Check for Expiry

While hard candy can last a long time, it doesn't last forever. Generally, hard candy can last up to a year when stored properly. However, some varieties, like candy canes, can last much longer—up to five years! Always check the best-before dates and consume the candy within the recommended timeframe.

How to store Christmas candy long-term

Christmas candy is a delightful treat, and it can be tempting to stock up on your favourites to enjoy throughout the year. Here are some tips on how to store Christmas candy long-term to keep it fresh and tasty:

Choose the Right Types of Candy

Not all candies are created equal when it comes to long-term storage. Hard candies, such as candy canes, have a longer shelf life than softer candies. Go for candies that are primarily sugar-based, as sugar acts as a preservative. Dark chocolate is also a good option, as it can last up to two years when stored properly. Milk and white chocolates have a shorter storage time of eight to ten months.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

The ideal storage condition for most Christmas candies is a cool, dry place. A pantry or basement is perfect for this. Keep the candy away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. The recommended temperature range is between 55-70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Use Airtight Containers

To prevent candies from going soft or sticky, store them in airtight containers. This is especially important for hard candies. You can also wrap individual candies in clear plastic wrap or clear cellophane before placing them in the container. This adds an extra layer of protection against moisture.

Avoid Mixing Different Types of Candy

Do not mix candies that absorb moisture, such as caramels and mints, with candies that lose moisture, like fudge and creamy candies. Storing them together will cause the hard candies to become soft and sticky. It's best to keep different types of candy separate.

Consider Freezing

Freezing is an option for some candies, such as toffee and truffles, but avoid freezing candies with fruits and nuts. If you do choose to freeze your Christmas candy, use heavy-duty freezer bags to keep out moisture. Allow the candy to come to room temperature before opening to prevent moisture from collecting on the surface.

Be Mindful of Expiration Dates

Even with proper storage, Christmas candy won't last forever. Hard candies can last up to a year, while soft candies have a shorter shelf life of six to nine months when opened and up to a year if unopened. Dark chocolate can last up to two years, while milk and white chocolates last around eight to ten months. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as changes in texture or the appearance of mould.

Frequently asked questions