How long do Hershey’s Kisses last?
Hershey’s Kisses are a popular chocolate treat loved by many. However, if you’ve ever found yourself with a forgotten bag of Kisses in the back of your pantry, you may be wondering how long they actually last. In this article, we will explore the shelf life of Hershey’s Kisses and the factors that can affect their quality and taste.
Understanding the Shelf Life of Hershey’s Kisses
Hershey’s Kisses, like other chocolate products, come with a variety of dates printed on the package, such as best by, use by, and sell by dates. These dates serve different purposes and provide an indication of the freshness and quality of the chocolate.
The best-by date is the date when the chocolate is considered to be at its best. However, it does not necessarily mean that the chocolate is inedible after this date. The taste and texture of chocolate can deteriorate over time, especially as it ages.
The sell-by date gives consumers an idea of when the chocolate will still be edible. It is not an exact expiration date, but rather a general guideline. It is important to note that chocolate can still be consumed after the expiration date, but its taste and quality may have deteriorated.
Unlike some other food products, Hershey’s Kisses typically do not have an expiration date. This is because determining an exact expiration date for chocolate is difficult due to the many factors that can affect its longevity. However, when chocolate reaches its expiration date, it may no longer be appealing to eat, even though it is technically still edible.
How long do Hershey’s Kisses last?
Under optimal storage conditions, Hershey’s Kisses can last approximately 11 months, or even longer if the bag is unopened. It is important to note that this is a general guideline and actual shelf life may vary depending on several factors.
The taste and quality of Hershey’s Kisses can be affected by the type of chocolate. Dark chocolate varieties, such as Hershey’s Kisses Special Dark or Dark Chocolate, may taste better after 11 months than sweeter alternatives. This is because sweeter chocolates often contain more additives that can degrade over time.
The shelf life of Hershey’s Kisses may be affected by temperature changes. Chocolate should be stored in a cool, dry place at a temperature between 65-68ºF (18-20ºC) for optimal preservation. Exposure to higher temperatures may cause changes in the chocolate’s texture and flavor, which may reduce its shelf life.
In addition, two common problems that can affect the quality of Hershey’s Kisses are sugar bloom and fat bloom. Sugar bloom occurs when chocolate is stored in a humid environment, causing moisture to collect on the surface and extract sugar from the chocolate. This results in the formation of sugar crystals on the surface of the chocolate.
Fat bloom, on the other hand, occurs when chocolate is exposed to excessive heat. The cocoa butter separates from the other ingredients, rises to the surface and solidifies, creating white fat streaks on the chocolate. Both sugar bloom and fat bloom can negatively affect the taste and appearance of Hershey’s Kisses.
How to tell if Hershey’s Kisses have gone bad
There are several signs that Hershey’s Kisses may have gone bad and should be discarded. One noticeable sign is a change in the appearance of the chocolate. If the chocolate appears powdery, cracked or moldy, it should be discarded immediately.
The presence of fat or sugar bloom, characterized by streaks of fat or a white surface, may also indicate that the chocolate has deteriorated. While kisses with bloom may still be usable in baking, their texture may not be enjoyable when eaten as is.
The smell of the chocolate can also give an indication of its freshness. Milk and white chocolate kisses, in particular, can develop a rancid odor as they age due to the presence of milk powder and fat.
Finally, if you taste the chocolate and it tastes off or funky, trust your instincts. If the chocolate does not taste the way it should, it is probably past its prime.
Proper Storage of Hershey’s Kisses
To maximize the shelf life and maintain the quality of Hershey’s Kisses, proper storage is essential. Chocolate should be stored in a cool, dry place at a temperature between 65-68ºF (18-20ºC). Avoid storing chocolate in the refrigerator or at room temperature, as these conditions can adversely affect its texture and flavor.
It is recommended that Hershey’s Kisses be stored in an airtight container or wrapper to protect them from odors and moisture. This will help preserve their quality and prevent the chocolate from absorbing unpleasant odors.
Freezing Hershey’s Kisses
While freezing can extend the shelf life of many foods, it is not recommended to freeze Hershey’s Kisses. Freezing chocolate can cause changes in texture and flavor, resulting in a less enjoyable eating experience. The moisture in the freezer can also cause condensation on the chocolate, which can further affect its quality.
If you have a surplus of Hershey’s Kisses and want to extend their shelf life, it is best to store them in a cool, dry place rather than freezing them.
How to use expired Hershey’s Kisses
If you have expired Hershey’s Kisses that are no longer appealing to eat on their own, there are still ways to use them. Expired Kisses can be used in baking recipes that call for chocolate, such as cookies, brownies or cakes. When melted or incorporated into other ingredients, the expired chocolate can still add flavor and moisture to the baked goods.
Alternatively, you can chop or crush the expired kisses and use them as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or other desserts. The chocolate can add a touch of sweetness and texture to your favorite treats.
It is important to note that the quality of the final product will depend on the amount of aging and the condition of the chocolate. If the chocolate has developed an off flavor or texture, it may not yield the best results in recipes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hershey’s Kisses have a shelf life of approximately 11 months when stored under optimal conditions. Factors such as temperature fluctuations, exposure to moisture and the presence of bloom can affect the quality and flavor of the chocolate.
While Hershey’s Kisses may still be technically edible after their expiration date, their flavor and texture may have deteriorated. It is important to inspect the chocolate for signs of spoilage, such as mold or off-flavors, before consumption.
Proper storage in a cool, dry place is critical to prolonging the shelf life of Hershey’s Kisses. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the quality of the chocolate.
If you have expired Hershey’s Kisses, consider using them in baking or as toppings for desserts to make the most of their remaining flavor.
FAQS
How long do Hershey’s Kisses last?
Hershey’s Kisses can be stored under optimal conditions for approximately 11 months. However, this period may vary depending on factors such as storage conditions and type of chocolate.
What factors can affect the shelf life of Hershey’s Kisses?
Several factors may affect the shelf life of Hershey’s Kisses. Temperature changes, exposure to moisture and the presence of sugar or fat bloom can all affect the quality and taste of the chocolate.
Can I eat Hershey’s Kisses after the expiration date?
Yes, you can eat Hershey’s Kisses after the expiration date. The expiration date is an indicator of when the chocolate is at its best, but it does not mean that the chocolate is inedible after that date. However, the taste and texture of the chocolate may have deteriorated.
What should I do if I find Hershey’s Kisses with bloom?
If you find Hershey’s Kisses with sugar or fat bloom, you can still use them in baking recipes where the appearance of the chocolate isn’t as important. However, their texture may not be pleasant when eaten as is.
How should I store Hershey’s Kisses to maximize their shelf life?
To maximize the shelf life of Hershey’s Kisses, store them in a cool, dry place at a temperature between 65-68ºF (18-20ºC). It is recommended that they be stored in an airtight container or wrapper to protect them from moisture and odors.
Can I freeze Hershey’s Kisses to extend their shelf life?
It is not recommended to freeze Hershey’s Kisses as freezing can affect their texture and flavor. The moisture in the freezer can cause condensation, which can further affect the quality of the chocolate. Instead, it is best to store them in a cool, dry place.