How Long Do Milk Chocolate Chips Last?

Shelf Life Tips

• How long do milk chocolate chips last? The precise answer depends to a large extent on storage conditions - store milk chocolate chips in a cool, dry area.
• To maximize the shelf life of milk chocolate chips, store at a room temperature between 60°F -75°F and keep chocolate chips tightly closed after opening.
• How long do milk chocolate chips last at room temperature? Properly stored, chocolate chips made from milk chocolate will generally stay at best quality for about 1 year at normal room temperature.
• Are milk chocolate chips safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided they are properly stored and the package is undamaged - commercially packaged chocolate chips will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the milk chocolate chips will remain at peak quality.
• Storage time shown is for best quality only - after that, the milk chocolate chips' texture, color or flavor may change, but in most cases, they will still be safe to consume if they have been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below).
• If milk chocolate chips have white spots or white film on the surface, are they still safe to eat? Yes when chocolate chips are exposed to overly warm or humid conditions, whiteness can develop on the surface --this affects appearance only and the milk chocolate chips will still be safe to eat.
• Should you refrigerate milk chocolate chips? Chocolate chips should ideally not be refrigerated, as doing so may cause them to absorb odors from other foods and they may also develop a moist surface when brought back to room temperature.
• In very hot, humid environments (consistently above 75°F), milk chocolate chips can be refrigerated; keep the milk chocolate chips tightly wrapped or place in a covered airtight container or plastic freezer bag.
• Can you keep milk chocolate chips in the freezer? Yes, it is fine to store milk chocolate chips in the freezer, although doing so will not significantly change the shelf life; to freeze, place the milk chocolate chips inside covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• How long do milk chocolate chips last in the freezer? Milk chocolate chips will maintain best quality for about 1 year in the freezer.
• The freezer time shown is for best quality only — milk chocolate chips that have been kept constantly frozen at 0° F will keep safe indefinitely.
• How can you tell if milk chocolate chips are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the chocolate chips: if they develop an off odor, flavor or appearance, they should be discarded.

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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here