Does chocolate expire?

No, solid chocolate bars as the ones sold here do not expire, but they do have best before dates.

Due to the high fat along with high levels of tannins in dark or milk chocolate (and high levels of sugar in some milk or white), chocolate is extremely shelf stable if no perishable ingredients are included (such as fresh cream or other dairy found in bonbons and truffles).

Can I eat chocolate past the best before date?

Yes, best before dates are not indicators of food safety be it before or after the date. They only suggest the food may not be at optimal flavour and texture after a certain time. If solid dark or milk chocolate is kept well (cool, dark, dry space) it can still be just as good past the best before date. This is especially true for bars that have not been opened, and or are in vacuum packed packages.

When it comes to fine chocolate as the ones sold here, especially fine dark chocolate with more subtle flavour notes, what you’re paying for is the deep layered flavour. Chocolate that has been sitting around too long, especially after being opened, may taste more muted and not as interesting. Since you are paying a premium price for the flavours, it’s best to enjoy them when the flavour is optimal!

Some treat fine chocolate like fine bottles of wine

Some people save unopened chocolate bars, stored in optimal conditions, for years. If kept well, they can maintain the wonderful flavour. Again, as long as they are solid chocolate bars with no perishable ingredients, then they will last for many years.

Some people argue that even if unopened, some flavours with dissipate over time. I would agree with this. I don’t think chocolate even if in the original packaging will last as long as bottles of wine.

What if the bar has been opened?

If opened, I would eat them within a few months for optimal flavour impact.

What about truffles and bonbons?

Any chocolate confection that uses chocolate and mixes in perishable ingredients such as cream, butter, milk, or has high water content should be treated with extra caution, and will expire. Follow the instructions from the shop or manufacturer of these products. Generally you should keep these in the fridge if keeping them for more than few days.

To learn more about best before dates and chocolate, check out my blog post on my virtual site Bean To Bar World.