M&M’s are a delicious and popular candy that is enjoyed by people of all ages. But do M&M’s expire? The answer is yes, but they have a very long shelf life. In fact, M&M’s can last for up to two years in an unopened package.
Once opened, M&M’s will still last for several months, but they may start to lose their flavor and texture. So, if you have a bag of M&M’s that has been sitting in your pantry for a while, don’t worry, they’re still safe to eat. Just keep in mind that they may not taste as good as they did when they were fresh.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the shelf life of M&M’s, how to store them properly, and how to tell if they’ve gone bad. We’ll also provide some tips on how to make your M&M’s last longer.
So, whether you’re a longtime M&M’s fan or just getting started, read on to learn more about the shelf life of this delicious candy.
How long can M&M’s stay open?
M&M’s can last for up to 18 months after they are opened, as long as they are stored in a cool, dry place. The best way to store M&M’s is in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry. If you live in a humid climate, you may want to consider storing your M&M’s in the refrigerator.
Is it safe to eat M&M’s after the expiration date?
Expiration dates on food are not a guarantee that the food is unsafe to eat after that date. Instead, they are a guideline for when the food is at its best quality. It is still possible to consume food after its expiration date as long as it has been stored properly and does not show any signs of spoilage.
There are three main types of date labels used on food:
- Best by: This date indicates when the food is at its best quality. The food may still be safe to eat after this date, but it may not taste as good.
- Sell by: This date indicates when the store should remove the food from the shelves. The food may still be safe to eat after this date, but it may not be at its best quality.
- Use by: This date indicates when the food should be consumed. The food may not be safe to eat after this date.
Expiration dates are a good guideline for when food is at its best quality, but they are not a guarantee of safety. It is generally safe to eat M&M’s that have passed their best-before date, as long as they have been stored properly and do not show any signs of spoilage.
The USDA estimates that Americans waste 30% of their annual food supply. One contributing factor to this is that we often throw away food that is still safe to eat because we are unsure of its expiration date. It is important to remember that expiration dates are just guidelines and that food can often be eaten safely after the date has passed.
How to tell if M&M’s has gone bad?
It’s critical to constantly check the M&Ms’ quality to make sure they’re still edible and fresh. There are various indicators that M&Ms should be thrown away if they have gone bad.
- Mold: If you see any mold on your M&M’s, do not eat them. Mold is a sign of spoilage and can make you sick.
- Discoloration: M&M’s should be a uniform color. If you see any discoloration, such as white spots or brown streaks, the candy may have gone bad.
- Off odor: M&M’s should have a sweet, chocolatey smell. If you smell anything sour, bitter, or otherwise unpleasant, the candy may have gone bad.
- Staleness: M&M’s that are old or have been stored improperly may become stale. Stale M&M’s will be hard and chewy, and they may not taste as good as fresh M&M’s.
If you see any of these signs, it is best to discard the M&M’s. Eating spoiled M&M’s can make you sick.
What does spoiled M&M’s taste like?
Spoiled M&M’s can have a variety of unpleasant tastes, including:
- Sour
- Bitter
- Rancid
- Moldy
- Metallic
- Chemical
- Stale
If you taste any of these flavors in your M&M’s, it is best to discard them immediately.
Can M&M’s be refrigerated?
Yes, M&M’s can be refrigerated. However, it is not necessary to do so. M&M’s are made with ingredients that have a long shelf life, so they will not go bad if they are not refrigerated. In fact, refrigerating M&M’s may actually make them taste worse. The cold temperature can cause the chocolate to become waxy and the candy to lose its flavor.
If you do choose to refrigerate M&M’s, be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture. You should also remove them from the refrigerator a few minutes before you want to eat them so that they can come to room temperature.
What makes M&M’s go bad?
M&M’s are a type of candy that is made with chocolate and sugar. They are coated in a hard candy shell that helps to protect them from moisture and air. However, M&M’s can still go bad if they are not stored properly.
Here are some things that can make M&M’s go bad:
- Moisture: M&M’s can absorb moisture from the air, which can make them soft and sticky.
- Heat: M&M’s can melt if they are exposed to heat.
- Light: Exposure to light can cause the chocolate in M&M’s to fade and lose its flavor.
- Time: Even if M&M’s are stored properly, they will eventually go bad. The shelf life of M&M’s is typically about 1 year.
It is recommended to exercise a bit of safety and throw away M&Ms if you are confused about whether they are safe to consume. M&Ms that have gone bad can make you ill.
What is the Best Way to Store Your M&M’s?
The best way to store your M&M’s is in a cool, dry place. A pantry or cupboard is a good option. Keep them in their original packaging or in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
You can also freeze your M&M’s to extend their shelf life. When freezing, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2-3 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen M&M’s will last for up to 12 months.
What to do with old M&M’s?
Here are some ideas on what to do with old M&M’s:
- Eat them! Even if they’re a little stale, M&M’s are still delicious.
- Use them in recipes. M&M’s can be added to cookies, cakes, brownies, and other desserts. They can also be used to make candy bark, truffles, and other treats.
- Decorate with them. M&M’s can be used to decorate cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other baked goods. They can also be used to make holiday ornaments, gift tags, and other crafts.
- Donate them. If you have a lot of old M&M’s, you can donate them to a local food bank or homeless shelter.
- Recycle them. M&M’s wrappers are made from recyclable materials. You can recycle them by putting them in your curbside recycling bin.
Symptoms if you ate spoiled M&M’s?
If you eat spoiled M&M’s, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Headache
It is crucial to get medical help right away if you experience any of these after eating M&Ms. Food poisoning from eating rotten M&Ms can be hazardous, especially for small children, elderly persons, and those with compromised immune systems.
