How Long Do M&Ms Last?

by Editorial Staff | Posted on January 4th, 2023

Do you have a bag of M&Ms you want to save for later? While it might seem like these colorful treats never go bad, there is an expiration date.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how long M&Ms last and how best to store them, so they stay fresh for as long as possible. Read on to find out!

How Long Will M&Ms Last?

M&M’s are a delicious treat everyone loves, but how long do they last? The good news is that M&M’s can last for a long time if stored properly. According to the Hershey website, an unopened bag of M&M’s can last up to two years in its original wrapper, while an opened bag will keep for six months in a closet.

The shelf life of M&M’s depends on how they are stored, but they should taste fresh up to three months past their due date. If you want to maximize the shelf life of your M&M’s, it is best to store them in a dry, dark, and cool place.

If you need to store them in the refrigerator, unopened M&M’s should last around 12 months past the date. That said, make sure to enjoy your M&M’s before their expiration date!

Knowing What Factors Determine the Quality of M&M’s

It’s important to be aware of the factors that determine the shelf life of M&M’s. Keeping them away from heat, moisture, and light will help them last longer.

Additionally, the filling inside the M&M’s can affect how long they last. For instance, chocolate-filled M&M’s tend to have a shorter shelf life than peanut or mint-filled M&M’s.

It pays to know the ingredients of your M&M’s and be aware of their expiration date. Make sure to store them in an airtight container away from heat and light to maximize their shelf life.

Storing Tips to Maximize the Shelf Life of M&M’s

Now that you know how long M&M’s last, it’s time to discuss how to store them to maximize their shelf life. It is important to remember that proper storage conditions are the key to avoiding spoilage and ensuring that your M&M’s stay fresh for as long as possible.

To ensure that your M&M’s stay fresh, store them in an airtight container and keep them away from direct sunlight. Additionally, keeping your M&M’s in a cool, dry place will help them maintain their flavor and texture for longer periods. If you are unsure about the temperature of the room where you are storing your M&M’s, consider investing in a thermometer to accurately monitor the temperature.

Finally, it is important to keep your M&M’s away from any food with strong odors, like onions or garlic, as the smells can seep into the candy and affect its flavor. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your M&M’s remain fresh and ready to enjoy for months to come.

How Long Does an Unopened Package of M&M’s Last?

When it comes to an unopened package of M&M’s, the shelf life depends on your type of M&M’s. According to the Hershey website, a single M&M will keep in its original wrapper for about two years.

However, storing the package in a cool and dark place will help them last even longer. M&M’s filled with chocolate or other ingredients may last 6-12 months beyond their “best by” date if stored properly. Keeping them in the refrigerator can also help them last up to 12 months past the date.

It is important to remember that the best way to ensure your M&M’s stay fresh is to store them in a cool, dark, and dry place.

How Long Does an Opened Package of M&M’s Last?

Once you open an M&M package, the shelf life will depend on how you store them. If stored in a dry, dark, and cool place, they can last up to three months past their due date. However, they may spoil sooner if exposed to heat and humidity.

Additionally, it is important to ensure you keep them away from any food that could cause contamination, such as cheese or other dairy products. Additionally, it is important to keep the M&M package closed tightly to prevent air from entering and stale the candy.

What Happens to M&M’s When They Go Bad?

Once M&M’s have gone bad, they can taste stale, develop a funky smell or even get moldy. It’s important to be aware of the signs of spoiled M&M’s to avoid eating them. If you do eat them and notice an off flavor or smell, it’s best to throw them out as soon as possible.

Be sure to check the expiration dates on your packages of M&M’s and store them according to the guidelines for optimal freshness.

How to Tell When Your M&M’s Have Gone Bad

It is important to know when M&M’s are no longer fresh to avoid potential health risks. The best way to tell when your M&M’s have gone bad is to check for the following signs: a change in the color of the candy coating, a change in smell, and an off taste.

If any of these signs are noticed, it is best to discard the M&M’s immediately. It’s also important to note that storing M&M’s in a cool, dry place and keeping them away from sunlight will help extend their shelf life.

Cooking With M&M’s

Cooking with M&M’s is a great way to get creative in the kitchen and create delicious treats. Whether you’re making cookies, brownies, or cake, M&M’s can add a fun twist to your baked goods.

M&M’s are also great for adding texture and color to any dish. You can use them to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or ice cream sundaes. They also add a nice crunch to salads or cereal bars. No matter how you use them, M&M’s are sure to make any dish more fun and delicious.

Fun Ideas for Using Expiring M&M’s

When your M&M’s start approaching their expiration date, it’s time to get creative with how you use them. Excess candy can be used as decorations for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.

You can also turn them into a fun science activity by making melting M&M’s. Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven for a few minutes. Once they are melted, you can use the colorful blobs of chocolate to decorate desserts or to make crafts.

You can also use expired M&Ms to make tasty trail mixes or homemade granola bars. Finally, don’t forget one of the classic uses for M&M’s: adding them to your favorite ice cream!

Editorial Staff

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