Dark chocolate, with its higher cacao content, can be good to eat for as long as three years past the best before. Due to their high milk contents, milk and white chocolates might not last as long as dark, but their longevity is still nothing to sniff at — you can expect to get another 8 months or so out of it.
Lindt chocolate is widely known for its superior quality and exquisite taste. While it is generally safe to eat chocolate past its expiration date, the taste and texture may not be as good as when it was fresh. Lindt chocolate is no exception and may become dry, gritty, or stale when consumed after its expiration date.
As bacteria can't live in chocolate, chocolates don't have a use by date. Even if a bloom does appear, or your chocolate has a peculiar smell to it, it will still be safe to consume.
First, take a look at the expiration date on the package to see if it is past the date. Also, check for any signs of discoloration or evidence of mold on the chocolate. Additionally, inspect the texture of the chocolate. If it feels dry, crumbly, or has a cloudy white tint to it, then it is likely bad.
Lindt truffles have a shelf life of about one year, provided they are stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. However, if you keep them refrigerated, they will last much longer, up to two years or more.
Here is how you can tell the difference between mold and bloom: Moldy chocolate has white fuzz growing above its surface and will feel fuzzy to the touch. Bloomed chocolate has a chalky layer or grey/white streaks on its surface and will feel slick to the touch.
Lindt products typically have a shelf life of 9-12 months, and some high cocoa content products can have a shelf life up to 15 or 18 months, however we cannot guarantee a sell by date on our products that are longer than 3 months.
Any solid chocolate pieces will last up to a year or so believe it or not. However, any filled pieces such as caramels, creams, jellies or toffee have approximately a 6 to 8 week shelf life. Truffles have approximately a 2 to 4 week shelf life due to the fact that they are made with fresh heavy cream.
It is generally safe to eat chocolate for months or even years after the expiration date if it has been properly stored and is unopened. As a result, when purchasing Lindt chocolate, you can be confident that it will be fresh and delicious for a long time.
How long do chocolate truffles last? When stored at room temperature, these truffles should remain good for up to one to two weeks. However, if you store them in the refrigerator (which I recommend) they should last up to six months.
The chocolate in the middle melts faster which makes your tongue feel cold as the heat leaves your tongue and goes into the melting chocolate.
Chocolate truffles created without alcohol typically have a shelf life of 3- 4 months although this does depend on the ingredients used. The centre of a chocolate truffle is typically made from chocolate, butter and/or cream. It should be soft, velvety smooth and sumptuously rich to taste.
Over time chocolate may change in appearance and develop a thick white film but it is still perfectly edible. Of course, a taste test is the only way to tell if the flavour has been affected. Worst case scenario you can use the chocolate for baking instead.
If your chocolate smells bad or has any kind of mold, it's time to throw it in the trash. And if there are any cracks on the surface, chances are that the chocolate is stale and past its prime. Use your best judgment: If it looks and smells like chocolate, it'll likely taste like chocolate.
“First of all, the water activity of chocolate is very low, which means microorganisms cannot grow in chocolate. So unless the chocolate was contaminated with microorganisms to begin with there should be no issue with microbial spoilage, even after 20 years.
Chocolate can last a long time, she adds, but it often develops a white coating, known as the "bloom", when it's exposed to the air. This happens when some of the crystalline fat melts and rises to the top. It's not mould, she says, and it's fine to eat.
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.
"Truffles shouldn't be rock hard," says Brad. They should have a little give, but not be soft or mushy. Of course, it goes without saying that you should pass over ones that are downright squishy or moldy. The smell should be very strong—remember, it's technically a fungus—so don't be deterred by a little eau de earth.
Do keep your chocolate on the cool side. Aim for a temperature between 60–64 degrees Fahrenheit (16–18 degrees Celsius), not much higher. Room temperature is ideal but in the summer, and without air conditioning, that means a cool space like a basement or cold cellar.
Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate should be enjoyed slowly and is best served at room temperature (18 to 20° Celsius / 64° to 68° Fahrenheit) to ensure consistency and maintain product integrity.
My favorite white chocolate to melt is Lindt. It contains real cocoa butter, tastes the best, and melts very well - even if you need to use the microwave in a pinch.
The white coating that forms on the surface of chocolate is called bloom, and—here's the good news—it's perfectly safe to eat.
Chocolate bloom might look unappetizing, but it's completely safe to eat. That doesn't mean you'll want to eat it, though, as flavor and texture can both be compromised. “Bloom usually strips the chocolate of some of its most pleasing qualities,” says Laiskonis.
(Spoiler alert, it's still safe to eat!) This white film does not mean the chocolate is moldy or has gone bad. It's actually just a scientific process called “chocolate bloom”. There are two types of this bloom: sugar bloom and fat bloom.