An abundance of Halloween candy after a lack of trick-or-treaters can make for a disappointing night. So what to do with all this extra goodies?
Throwing things in the trash can seem like a waste of money, especially when we’re talking about expensive candy this scary season. No, you don’t have to eat them all either. Freezing candy is a great frugal solution for all kinds of edible foods. Let’s take a look at this lukewarm dessert solution (and when it’s best to avoid it).
How to store leftover Halloween candy
Seal the candy using an airtight container, freezer bag, or heavy-duty freezer wrap—if you want to do your best, you can even vacuum seal the candy. Be sure to label the airtight container with the date and type of candy you are freezing. It’s also a good practice to add an expiration date so you can easily track when you need to dispose of it.
Each type of candy has its own guidelines for storage. Follow the recommendations below for frightening new results.
Shelf life of various types of sweets
according to National Ropes AssociationMany different types of candy work well as long as they are packaged appropriately and stored in a cool, dry place. The NCA also says that you should avoid freezing candy with fruits and nuts. Here are some recommendations for freezing candy.
dark chocolate: Freezing dark chocolate doesn’t necessarily extend its shelf life, but if you live somewhere warm, this is a good option. As long as it is properly closed, you can keep it up to two years. But do you really think you can store it away for years without indulging in a few bites?
Milk and white chocolate: This type of chocolate will last up to a year in the freezer or in an airtight container at room temperature.
Jelly Candy: As long as you seal and store the gum properly, it will last up to twelve months in the freezer for best quality.
hard candy: Hard candy keeps its best quality for up to one year in the freezer.
Caramel candy: Caramel candy should be airtight and sealed away from moisture. If stored properly, it tastes best when frozen for no more than twelve months.
If you’re not a fan of the freezer, don’t worry, there’s plenty you can do with your leftover Halloween candy. Try baking it into a fun dessert or mix it up with Chex, trail mix. However, if your goal is to stay away from extra calories, then bring these goodies to the office and let everyone take them off your hands!
