Expiration & Storage Tips
When does chocolate pudding expire?
A store-bought, unopened chocolate pudding cup typically has a shelf-life of one year past the 'sell-by' date. Once opened, it should be consumed within three to five days. Homemade chocolate pudding, when properly stored in the refrigerator, typically has a shorter shelf-life and should be eaten within two to three days. Freezing isn't common for this product, but if you wish to, frozen pudding can last up to two months.
How do you tell if chocolate pudding is bad?
If your chocolate pudding has any signs of mold, including white or green spots, discard it immediately. Also, if it has a strange smell, different than the usual sweet, chocolaty aroma, it's an indication that it's gone bad. In the case of homemade pudding, if the texture becomes watery or chunks appear in it, it's time to toss it. The taste would also be off, so if in doubt, take a small taste. If it tastes spoiled or different than normal, discard it.
Tips for storing chocolate pudding to extend shelf life
• Store your chocolate pudding in the refrigerator, as it is a dairy-based product and needs to be kept cool.
• Use airtight containers or tightly sealed plastic wrap for homemade pudding to keep it from absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
• If freezing, consider portioning your pudding into individual servings before freezing so that you can thaw only what you want to consume.
• If you’ve opened a pudding cup but haven’t finished it, cover it with its original lid or with plastic wrap to keep it fresh in the fridge for the next couple of days.
• Freezing chocolate pudding may alter its texture slightly, making it a bit grainier, but the flavor should remain the same. Thaw frozen pudding in the refrigerator for several hours before you are ready to eat it.