Shelf Life

Shelf life is the length of time a food keeps its intended taste, texture and quality when stored as directed. For most confections, the date printed on the package is a "best by" or "best before" date, which is about peak quality rather than a strict safety cutoff.

What limits chocolate's shelf life

• Heat and temperature swings — cause fat bloom and texture changes.
• Moisture — causes sugar bloom and can soften crunchy inclusions.
• Air, light and odors — fats slowly oxidize and chocolate absorbs smells, dulling flavor.
• Ingredients — dark chocolate generally keeps longest; milk and white chocolate contain milk fat that ages sooner; creamy fillings and nuts shorten shelf life further.

Polkadot shelf life at a glance

These guidelines come from Polkadot's own product descriptions:

• Chocolate bars — described as lasting 1–2 years unopened when stored in a cool, dry place, with a recommendation to refrigerate after opening. See the Apple Jacks bar and Blue Açaí bar descriptions for examples.
• Mushroom shots — keep refrigerated and enjoy within one month of opening.
• Truffles — creamy centers mean they are best enjoyed fresh; keep them cool and sealed.

Signs a product is past its best

Gray streaks or white dust are usually just bloom and are safe. Stale, cardboard-like or rancid smells, soggy inclusions, or any fuzzy growth mean it is time to toss it. When in doubt, throw it out.

Making it last

Buy what you will enjoy within a reasonable time, keep packages sealed, and follow our chocolate storage tips. Because Polkadot has a $150 minimum order, many shoppers mix and match flavors, so plan to store extras properly from day one.