The best way to store your artisanal chocolates.

So you’ve treated yourself to a delicious chocolate treat, but don’t want to indulge them all in one go. We’ve got a quick tip guide to keep your chocolates their best.

How long can chocolate last?

Plain chocolate by itself can generally last for years! As long as it’s been tempered correctly and stored correctly it’ll stay as tasty as the day you bought it. All chocolate products will have a ‘best before’ date on the packaging. If it’s a chocolate product that contains other ingredients, the shelf life can vary.

Why does it matter where I store chocolate?

If chocolate is not stored correctly it can develop a white coating called ‘bloom’. This can happen when the chocolate has been exposed to air and the fat crystallises on the top of the chocolate. If this happens, don’t worry! The chocolate is still completely edible, it just doesn’t look so great.

Different types of chocolate can have different shelf life and different ways to keep them fresh. For example, dairy cream truffles should be kept in the fridge in an air-tight container to keep them at their best. Whereas, fondant filled chocolates are best kept at room temperature away from direct light.

Whats the best way to store my chocolate?

Always store your chocolate goodies at the correct temperature - Most chocolates are best stored at room temperature. All of our Oaks Artisan chocolates are made to be kept at room temperature.

Use an air-tight container - Chocolate will often develop a bloom if exposed to the air for long periods of time. Keeping your goodies in an airtight container will also protect it from any humidity.

Always check the best before date - Some chocolates can have a shelf life of only 2-3 weeks, so double check the date before you tuck your chocolates away for another day!

Avoid light exposure - Prolonged exposure to light whether its sunlight or artificial can affect the taste and texture of chocolate. Keeping your chocolate in a cupboard is probably your best bet!

How to tell if chocolate is past its best

Have you left it too late? Storing your chocolates in the correct container can’t reverse the affect of light exposure, heat or dampness. If you spot any of the following, it’s a sign that you’ve left it too late!

Funny smell - If your chocolate has an unusual smell. Chocolates sell is normally a rich cocoa scent. If your chocolate is smelling more savoury than sweet, it’s probably been left too long.

White or grey coating - The bloom coating can be a sign that the chocolate has been exposed to the air for too long, this can have an effect on the texture and taste.

Grainy or bitter texture - This is often a sign of a sugar bloom which is caused by an exposure to humidity.

Funny taste - If chocolate has been left near strong smelling foods, it can absorb these odours which can affect the taste. Although the chocolate itself may not have gone bad, it’s quality isn’t as good and might not be as enjoyable to eat.

It’s past its best before - No matter how carefully stored, chocolates will be less fresh and lower quality the further past it’s ‘best before’ date it goes.

Fresh filled truffles - For fresh truffles, moisture on the outside and cracking are warning signs that they are past their best! They may even be growing mould inside, so steer clear of them.

If you’ve left your chocolates too long and are no longer enjoyable, it might be time for you to treat yourself and re-stock! Why not have a look at our chocolate range and see what takes your fancy…