When you stumble upon a pack of M&Ms that’s been hiding in your pantry, your first thought might be about their age.
Perhaps the ‘best by’ date has come and gone, stirring up the query: can you still enjoy them?
Chocolate products, like M&Ms, have a ‘best by’ date to suggest when they might start to lose their perfect taste. However, this isn’t the same as an expiration date.
While the peak quality might decline over time, it doesn’t mean the sweets are unsafe to eat past that date.
As you consider popping a few of those colorful pieces, remember that taste is all about freshness.
The snappier the shell and the creamy the chocolate, the fresher they are.
Storage conditions matter too; storing M&Ms in a cool, dry place can preserve their delectable state.
So if your M&Ms haven’t been subjected to extreme temperatures or moisture, the chance is good that they’ll still be a pleasurable treat, even if the date on the pack has been ignored for some time.
Key Takeaways
- M&Ms have a ‘best by’ date that indicates peak quality, not safety.
- Proper storage can prolong the tasty enjoyment of M&Ms beyond this date.
- Even past the best by date, M&Ms are generally safe to eat if they haven’t been compromised by poor storage conditions.
Understanding Expiration and Shelf Life of M&Ms
In exploring whether you can eat expired M&Ms, it’s important you understand how expiration dates and storage affect their quality.
Your M&Ms won’t suddenly turn bad after the best before date, but their condition will change.
Deciphering Expiration Dates
When you see a “best before” date on your pack of M&Ms, it’s not a hard stop on edibility.
Instead, think of it as the manufacturer’s promise that the M&Ms will maintain peak quality until this date.
For example, an open bag may deteriorate quicker than one that’s sealed.
Storage and Shelf Life Factors
Keeping your M&Ms in a cool, dry place is key to extending their shelf life.
You’re maintaining quality when you store them in airtight containers away from moisture.
Compared to a warm area, a pantry that stays at a consistent, cooler temperature will help avoid the “going bad” process.
Assessing Quality Over Time
Over time, you might notice changes in your M&Ms.
The candy shell could become less crisp, chocolate less creamy.
These signs don’t mean they’re unsafe to eat, just that the experience won’t be quite the same.
Original packaging, if unopened and well stored, provides maximum longevity before these changes set in.
Eating Expired M&Ms: Safety and Quality Considerations
You’ve just found a bag of M&Ms past their “Best Before” date, you might wonder if they’re safe to snack on. Here’s what you need to know about the safety and quality of expired M&Ms.
Recognizing Signs of Spoilage
If M&Ms have gone bad, you’ll notice visual cues.
Mold or an unusual odor signals spoilage, rendering them unsafe to eat.
Another clue is a white surface bloom, which happens when fat or sugar has separated due to temperature changes. Although not harmful, this indicates a significant quality loss.
Impacts on Taste and Texture
As M&M’s age, flavor and texture degrade.
What was once a crunchy shell might now be stale, and the creamy chocolate could taste off.
The enjoyable snap and rich taste you’re used to can become dull and lackluster. Even if safe to eat, they might not provide the pleasure you expect from this classic snack.
Health Considerations
While expired chocolates like M&Ms don’t typically lead to foodborne illness, their nutritional value diminishes over time.
Besides, if you notice any signs of spoilage or if the M&Ms have a strange flavor or texture, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid eating them to prevent potential health risks.