Energy Bar

Energy bars can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the ingredients used. Generally, they will remain good past their expiration date printed on the package, but it's a good rule of thumb to eat them within one month of that date for the best taste and nutrition. Once opened, the quality can diminish faster due to exposure to air, light, and moisture. If it's homemade, consume within a week if stored at room temperature due to lack of preservatives commonly used in store-bought versions. Freezing homemade energy bars can extend their life up to 3 months.

There are a few ways to tell if your energy bar has gone bad. If it has an off smell or flavor, especially a rancid or sour taste, that's a big red flag. A change in color or consistency, like if it is overly hard, chewy, or crumbly can also indicate spoilage. Lastly, if there's any visible mold or moisture, toss it immediately.

• Keep energy bars in their original packaging until you're ready to eat them. The wrapper is designed to keep them fresh. • Store energy bars in a cool, dry place. This will prevent them from becoming too soft or backbreaking hard. • If you decide to freeze them, wrap individual bars in freezer paper or put them in a freezer bag. • For homemade bars, storing them in an airtight container can maximize freshness. • Avoid keeping them in your car or gym bag long-term as temperature changes can affect their quality.