Have you ever found an old bag of M&Ms tucked away in your pantry and wondered – can I still eat these? We’ve all been there, rummaging through the cabinets and coming across a forgottenstash of colorful chocolates. But the question lingers… do M&Ms go bad? Or can you safely indulge despite being well past the “best by” date?
As a lifelong M&M connoisseur, I’ve seen my fair share of worn wrappers and suspicious smears over the years. But is that cracked chocolate coating a sign these candies have crossed over to the dark side? And what exactly makes an M&M “bad” anyway – is it just stale flavor we risk, or could potentially harmful mold be lurking underneath?
In this article, I’m spilling all the secrets to determining whether your box of multicolored morsels should go straight in the trash or if you can still dig in without consequences. From inspection techniques to optimal storage strategies, you’ll learn everything you need to know to keep your M&M habit satisfying and most importantly, safe. So read on fellow chocolate fans and uncover the truth – do these tasty treats truly ever go bad? Or can we trust our tastebuds to be the judge until the very last candy coating crumbles?
Do M&Ms go bad?
So Do M&Ms Really Go Bad? The short answer is – yes, it’s definitely possible for an M&M to cross over to the dark side. While their shelf life is longer than you might expect, M&Ms aren’t immune to the effects of time and improper storage.
Just like any other chocolate candy, M&Ms can deteriorate if the outer shell is cracked or damaged. This allows moisture to seep in and accelerate the stale aging process. Over weeks or months, the chocolate filling may start to dry out. Texture will become chalky and flavors will fade.
In some cases, mold may even develop if conditions are humid enough. You definitely don’t want to be eating any M&Ms sporting strange white growths! The candy coating acts as a protective barrier, but once compromised it can’t keep undesirable microbes at bay.
However, it usually takes many months past the “best by” date for noticeable changes to occur – if stored correctly in an airtight container away from heat and light. Manufacturers use conservative estimates, so your M&Ms are still edible for a window of time afterwards.
The bottom line is that with some quality inspection and proper storage, you can absolutely still enjoy those forgotten candy stashes long after the date on the package has come and gone. Read on to learn how to spot signs of staleness and maximize their shelf life.
What’s Their Shelf Life?
While individual packages may vary slightly based on ingredients and manufacturing conditions, here are some general guidelines for an M&M’s shelf life:
- Unopened Bag in Pantry – M&M’s stored in the original unopened packaging at room temperature can last 12-18 months past the best by date.
- Opened Bag in Pantry – Once opened, M&M’s shelf life decreases to around 6 months. Be sure to tightly seal and store in an airtight container.
- Refrigeration – Storing opened bags in the fridge only extends the shelf life by a month or two at most. The fluctuating temperatures and humidity aren’t ideal.
- Freezer – Freezing halted the aging process, allowing opened M&M’s to maintain quality for 1-2 years depending on the variety. Peanut and caramel varieties only last 6-12 months frozen.
- After Opening – Eat opened pouches or containers within 3-4 months, as air exposure will cause the chocolate to start degrading more rapidly.
So in summary – unopened bags on the pantry shelf can certainly be consumed well past a year following the best by date, provided there are no signs of defects like mold. Optimal freshness is about 6 months after opening though. Freezing reigns supreme for long-term storage.
Signs Your M&Ms Have Gone Bad
Now that you know M&Ms can potentially spoil, it’s important to inspect your stash for any warning signs before indulging. Here are some visual and sensory cues that indicate it’s time to toss those suspect candies:
- Cracked Shells – Checking for small cracks or breaks in the shell is a good starting point. Intact shells usually mean the chocolate interior is still well protected.
- Visible Mold – Never eat anything with fuzzy white or colored growths developing on the surface. Toss it immediately.
- Chalky Texture – Give a test bite and notice how the chocolate breaks apart. Stale M&Ms will have a powdery, chalk-like texture rather than being smooth and creamy.
- Odd Smell – Take a discreet sniff and be on alert for sour, vinegar-like or ammonia-like odors. Fresh M&Ms have only a mild cocoa scent.
- Change in Color – Over time, the bright candy shells may lose their luster or faded colors can indicate degradation.
- Bad Taste – If it tastes significantly different than your memory of fresh M&Ms, it’s best to play it safe and discard rather than risk getting sick.
Use all your senses to identify spoilage. When in doubt, throw damaged or suspect candies in the trash to prevent any potential health issues from consuming rancid chocolate. Your well-being is worth more than a stale snack.
Properly Storing Your M&Ms
We’ve established that M&Ms can indeed go bad if not properly handled. So what’s the secret to maximizing their shelf life? Proper storage conditions are key:
- Cool, Dry Place – A cool pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat is ideal. Ambient temperatures between 60-70°F are best.
- Airtight Container – Transfer opened bags or pouches to an airtight plastic or glass container to prevent moisture absorption and staling.
- Avoid Refrigeration – While tempting, exposure to refrigerator temperatures and humidity actually decreases shelf life compared to room temperature storage.
- Freezer Friendly – If freezing, use an airtight heavy-duty freezer bag or container and press out excess air before sealing. Label with contents and date.
- Consume in Order – Rotate stock, using older packages before newer ones to avoid accidental spoilage at the back of the pantry.
- Replace Bag Completely – Once opened, try to finish the entire bag within 3-6 months. Leaving a partial bag exposes more surface area to air.
By thoughtfully handling and storing your M&Ms, you give them the best shot at maintaining freshness long past what most people would expect. Proper care means you can responsibly enjoy those nostalgic treats far beyond any printed date. Your M&M experience depends on it!
Freezing for Maximum Shelf Life
As we’ve covered, freezing is hands-down the best method for long-term M&M storage. The frozen state prevents their gradual degradation that occurs at room temperature. But not all varieties freeze with equal success. Here are some pointers:
- Plain and Dark Chocolate M&Ms freeze very well for 12-18 months with no quality loss. Their simple ingredients hold up well.
- Peanuts, Almonds and Mint varieties typically last 1 year frozen. The added mix-ins don’t pose issues.
- Peanut Butter centers have higher fat content which can become rancid faster, so aim to consume within 6-9 months of freezing.
- Caramel and Nougat varieties are tricky due to their moisture and sugar content. Enjoy within 3-6 months for best texture post-thaw.
- Use heavy-duty freezer bags and squeeze out excess air before sealing. Label with the date and contents for an accurate FIFO (“first in, first out”) system.
- Store bags laying flat for optimal freezing and to prevent crushing. Placing in a labeled freezer container keeps multiple bags organized.
- Thaw frozen M&Ms overnight in their sealed container at room temperature before opening and enjoying. This prevents condensation buildup.
Following these guidelines allows you to effectively “pause” the shelf life clock on M&Ms, ensuring you gain maximum enjoyment from your favorite bags of candies!
FAQs
Can I still eat M&Ms that are slightly past the best by date?
In most cases, yes you can safely eat M&Ms several months past the best by date as long as they are stored properly and show no signs of spoilage. The date is more for quality than safety.
How long can opened M&Ms stay in the pantry?
Opened M&Ms should be stored in an airtight container and consumed within about 3-6 months when kept in the pantry. Their shelf life decreases substantially once exposed to air.
Is it okay to refrigerate or freeze open M&Ms bags?
It’s best not to refrigerate open bags, as fluctuating temperatures and humidity can decrease shelf life. Freezing is a fine option if you use an airtight container and label with the date for a FIFO system.
What is the best way to tell if frozen M&Ms have gone bad?
Examine frozen M&Ms for signs of spoilage like odor or mold growth before thawing. Also discard any that develop ice crystals which can affect texture.
Why do some M&M varieties have shorter freezer times than others?
Varieties with higher fat, moisture or sugar content like peanut butter and caramel centers can become rancid faster in the freezer than simpler chocolate M&Ms.
Can I use expired M&Ms in baking recipes?
Stale M&Ms can still be used in baking where the high oven heat will destroy any potential pathogens. The finished product quality may not be as good though.
How do I know when to toss M&Ms that look/smell bad?
If M&Ms have cracked shells, visible mold, strange odors or tastes, it’s best to discard them. When in doubt, it’s not worth the risk to consume questionable candy.
Can I still eat M&Ms that were not sealed properly?
M&Ms exposed to air by not being sealed will go stale more quickly. It’s best to inspect them carefully for signs of spoilage and use your best judgment on consumption.
What’s the best way to store partially used bags of M&Ms?
For partial bags, transfer remaining candies to an airtight container to limit further exposure to air, moisture and contaminants. Consume within a few months.
Do different M&M flavors have varying shelf lives?
Generally yes, simpler chocolate varieties last longest while those with mix-ins, fillings or coatings have somewhat shorter shelf lives due to potential for degradation.
Can I refreeze M&Ms if they were previously frozen?
It’s best not to refreeze M&Ms that have already undergone a thaw cycle, as freezer/thaw fluctuations can impact quality and increase risk of contamination over multiple cycles.
Do specialty seasonal M&M varieties have the same shelf life?
Limited edition flavors may have slightly different shelf lives depending on unique ingredients. Follow general guidelines and monitor carefully for signs of spoilage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while M&Ms have a well-deserved reputation for having an almost infinite shelf life, the reality is that they can indeed go bad if not properly handled and stored. By learning the signs of staleness and spoilage, optimal storage conditions, and maximum freezer shelf life guidelines for different varieties, you now have the knowledge to feel confident about the edibility of even your oldest hidden stashes for years to come.
Remember proper care is key – keep M&Ms sealed in a cool, dry place and inspect regularly. With a little maintenance, you’ll be able to reliably enjoy that unmistakable chocolaty crunch long after the best by date is a distant memory. Now get out there and eat some M&Ms!
