You found an old bag of Air Heads and you are wondering if they are safe to eat. Well, I contacted the company that makes them, and here is what I found.
Unopened Air Heads will stay fresh in their original package for of about 12 to 18 months from the date of manufacture. You can find the expiration date on each Air Heads product package to indicate the date that it is guaranteed to maintain the freshness and quality of the product.
How long do Air Heads last unopened?
Air Heads can be stored unopened for several months and retain their crispiness. Once opened, the bag can keep perfectly fresh for up to a month. They may lose quality after a couple of months, but they are still safe to eat.
Also, the exact expiration date can vary depending on the storage conditions and the specific type of Airheads candy.
It’s important to note that while Airheads candies may still be safe to eat after the expiration date, their flavor and texture may not be as good as when they were fresh. So, it’s generally a good idea to consume them before the expiration date to enjoy the best quality.
How to Tell if your Air Heads have gone Bad?
There is no one specific flavor indicator to check if your Air Heads have gone bad because there are a variety of flavors and pack sizes with different taste; so it is not uncommon for people to have multiple flavors on hand at any given time.
The easiest way to tell if your candies are bad is to look for signs of spoilage, such as swollen bags that may burst open and emit a sour odor.
However, if your Air Heads are bad—either stale or moldy—this could indicate contamination during production and distribution, or that bacteria has begun eating away at them post-production due to improper storage.
Please do not eat them if the package is torn open or damaged in any way (e.g., crushed), as there may be an unseen crack or hole in the packaging.
This also applies to chips with brown spots and crumbs on the surface; these may not taste good even before you open the bag, so don’t risk it unless you enjoy wasting food.
The second sign of spoilage is when there are moldy patches inside your package.
The last way to tell if Air Heads are bad is when they have been stored for too long and start tasting stale or dry- a sign that the nice texture has gone away, which could be dangerous because of how surgery they already can be.
If you think this may apply, then get rid of them as soon as possible before their flavor suffers any worse.
Are expired Air Heads safe to eat?
If you eat a Air Heads that’s been around for a while, chances are, you’ll be fine. It won’t make you sick and won’t hurt you. The taste or texture may turn you off, but most of the time it wouldn’t be harmful.
But it all comes down to personal preference. If you dislike throwing away food, they generally will not harm you take my words with a pinch of salt.
If you have a sensitive stomach, it might not sit right with you, but it’s not something that will give you food poisoning or threaten your overall health.
What is the Best Way to Store your Air Heads?
The way you store your Air Heads can make a big difference in how long they last. Storing them in a cool, dry, and airtight container will extend their shelf life. This is especially important if you live in a humid climate because moisture causes them to spoil faster.
The more moisture is introduced to the bag, the more likely mold spores will be found in the bag. Once opened, it’s best to keep them in their original packaging; just make sure you’ve clipped the bag shut or rolled it down tightly.
Some people keep their Air Heads in the freezer to make them last longer. However, it has an effect on the texture of the chips and can cause them to become brittle.
If your Air Heads are still unopened, keeping them out of direct sunlight is still a good idea, but they’re already airtight, so moisture isn’t a problem.
Where is the expiration date on a bag of Air Heads?
The expiration date of Airheads candies is usually printed on the packaging. The exact location of the expiration date can vary depending on the type and size of the package, but it is often found on the back or bottom of the package.
The expiration date is typically printed in a format that includes the month, day, and year, and may be labeled as “best before,” “use by,” or “expiration date.” It’s important to check the expiration date before consuming the candy to ensure that it’s still fresh and safe to eat. If the expiration date has passed, it’s generally a good idea to dispose of the candy to avoid any potential health risks.
