Expiration & Storage Tips
When does sugar free chocolate chips expire?
Unopened: Sugar-free chocolate chips, when kept sealed in their original packaging, can last up to two years past their printed date. This is due to the low moisture content and absence of sugar, which both contribute to slowing down microbial growth.
Opened: Once open, sugar-free chocolate chips can last from 6 to 12 months if stored properly.
Frozen: You can freeze sugar-free chocolate chips to extend their shelf life indefinitely. However, the quality might start to deteriorate after 12 months.
How do you tell if sugar free chocolate chips is bad?
The easiest way to tell if your sugar-free chocolate chips have gone bad is by examining their appearance and texture. If they've developed a white, powdery coating (called 'bloom'), this typically indicates that they have been subject to temperature fluctuations. While they're technically still edible, the texture and flavor might be off. If the chips have a mottled or grey consistent appearance across them, this indicates oxidation and that they are past their prime. Eating them won’t make you sick, but they won’t taste great. Lastly, any off smell is a sure sign that they have gone bad and should be discarded.
Tips for storing sugar free chocolate chips to extend shelf life
• Always store sugar-free chocolate chips in a cool, dry place away from light.
• After opening, make sure to seal the bag well or transfer the chips to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
• If you live in a hot climate, you might want to store them in the refrigerator to avoid the chocolate from melting.
• If you choose to freeze your chocolate chips, make sure they are in a freezer-safe bag or container. Let them thaw at room temperature on the counter before using them in baking or simply use them from frozen.
• If you see the chocolate starting to 'bloom', you can use a hairdryer to gently warm and liquefy the bloom. Once it solidifies again, it should be good as new!