Snack Tray

Snack trays vary in expiration depending on the type of foods included. Most fresh fruits and vegetables are at their best for about two days if kept at room temperature or a week if refrigerated. Cheeses and deli meats can last up to two weeks in the fridge, while unopened packaged crackers can last for several months. After opening, crackers will remain fresh for up to a week. Prepared dips or spreads can last about five days in the refrigerator. If your snack tray includes any of these items, adjust your timeframe accordingly. Snack trays with perishable items should not be left out for more than two hours to ensure food safety.

Examine each element of the snack tray. Fruits and vegetables that have become slimy or excessively soft should be discarded. For cheeses, you should avoid any with visible mold that was not present when purchased. Deli meats that smell sour or have a greasy or slimy texture have likely gone bad. Crackers that taste stale or rancid, or dips that smell off or have noticeable mold are past their prime.

• Assemble your snack tray as close to serving time as possible to keep ingredients fresh. • Store different food items separately until ready to assemble the tray. This helps to prevent cross-contamination and maintain the freshness of each item. • Keep the snack tray covered with plastic wrap or foil when not being served to protect from bacteria and to prevent the food from drying out. • For items that require refrigeration, store the entire snack tray or individual elements in the fridge when not being eaten. • If your snack tray includes crackers or similar items, keep them in an airtight container after opening to maintain their crunch.