Photo: Leena Robinson (Shutterstock)
As trick-or-treating time approaches, you may have seen reports suggesting that we may face a Halloween candy shortage this year.
Like other product shortages, this one is impacted by supply chain problems, though increased demand for candy during the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t helped. And that’s not all: According to Hershey’s, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has made it even more difficult to source ingredients and manufacture candy this year.
If, after hearing about the potential shortage, you went out and bought your Halloween candy early this year, here are the best ways to store it so it makes it to the holiday intact.
How to store Halloween candy
Because most of the Halloween candy given out to trick-or-treaters is individually wrapped, that makes it easier to store. Plus, it’s shelf-stable, and shouldn’t deteriorate in quality between now and Halloween, provided that the conditions are right.
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Temperature and sunlight are the biggest factors. Even if your home is air conditioned or the weather has cooled down in your area, be sure to store your Halloween candy out of the direct sunlight—somewhere like a pantry, basement, cabinet, or drawer. For an extra level of protection, place the candy in airtight containers prior to storing it.
If the temperature inside your home regularly gets above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, you may want to consider storing the candy in your fridge (if there’s room). But use caution when putting any candy in the freezer. According to the National Confectioners Association, while some candy would be fine, avoid freezing anything containing fruit or nuts.
When stored properly, milk and white chocolate can last between eight and 10 months, while dark chocolate can be good for up to two years, as long as it’s wrapped in foil. Caramels typically last between six and nine months, hard candy can make it up to a year, as can unopened packages of gummy candies.
