How long does chocolate last?
Unopened, it keeps in the cupboard for about 1 year. Once opened, it keeps in the cupboard for about 1 year.
Applies to: Bar of chocolate.
Shelf life of chocolate at a glance
| Storage | Unopened | Opened |
|---|---|---|
| Cupboard | 1 year | 1 year |
Keep it dry and dark at 12 to 18 °C, and wrap opened bars airtight. A whitish bloom is usually just fat or sugar coming to the surface and is harmless. Dark chocolate keeps longer than milk or white chocolate.
Does chocolate go off?
These are guide values for food that has been stored properly. Food past its best before date has not necessarily gone off, and many products are still fine after it. Look at it, smell it and taste a little before deciding. Mould, an unusual smell or a bulging tin mean it should go in the bin. A use-by date is different: do not eat the food after that date.