Here we are, just a few days past Halloween.
As a youngster my Halloween haul would last about a week ” If memory serves ” the only thing I would have left was Halloween Kissed and those dreadful Candy Corn . My parents would help them selves to our Halloween candy, mostly opting for a bag of chips or my Dad would search for the rare Humbug Candies leaving the rest for us to ” consume” .
According to a survey, 81% of kids end up eating their entire candy haul within the first week. And 1 in 4 kids’ candy stocks didn’t even make it through to today. Another poll, conducted in 2019, found that two-thirds of parents admit to stealing some of their kids’ Halloween haul. And we’re not talking about just a few pieces of candy, either. Among those who helped themselves, the average parent ate a full THIRD of their child’s Halloween candy.
To answer the question that probably NO ONE is asking this morning: Yes, Halloween candy does expire. But if you are one of the odd people who somehow made it through the weekend without inhaling every last fun-sized treat in your home, here’s an idea of how long you can expect that stuff to last…provided no one gets their hands on it…
• Chocolate gradually loses moisture and flavor over time, even when sealed. (Chocolate goes bad? Not in my house!)
• Filled chocolates (like peanut butter cups or caramel bars) usually stay good for 6–9 months.
• Milk chocolate lasts up to 10 months.
• Dark chocolate lasts for about 2 years.
• Potato chips typically last around 6 months.
• Hard candies like lollipops or jelly beans can last up to a year, if wrapped.
For maximum shelf-life, store candy in a cool, dark place, and toss out anything with odd colors or textures. And remember: Leftover candy can be frozen, baked into desserts, or reused for holiday treats like gingerbread houses or stockings. Or, donate your extras to a food bank — or share them at work.
