Visual Clues: What to Look for on the Wrapper and Candy
Checking the packaging and the chocolate itself can reveal signs of freshness or spoilage. Unopened bags of Hershey Kisses can last up to 11 months, assuming proper storage. If the bag is damaged or shows signs of pests, the candy should be discarded. A whitish or grayish film often seen on unwrapped chocolate is known as 'bloom' and is frequently mistaken for mold.
Understanding Chocolate Bloom
Bloom does not mean the chocolate is unsafe. There are two types:
- Fat Bloom: A common milky white, streaky appearance caused by cocoa butter melting and re-crystallizing on the surface due to temperature changes. It's harmless but affects the look.
- Sugar Bloom: A grainy, dusty gray surface from sugar dissolving and re-crystallizing when exposed to moisture. It impacts texture but not safety.
Beyond the Bloom: Signs of True Spoilage
True spoilage is uncommon but can occur, particularly in chocolates with added ingredients. Discard Kisses if you see:
- Visible Mold: Fuzzy, green mold can develop in very humid conditions, especially with opened packaging.
- Cracks or Dryness: Extreme dryness or cracks indicate the chocolate is very stale.
The Scent and Flavor Test
Your senses are crucial for determining a Kiss's condition. Chocolate's low water content prevents rapid bacterial growth. However, the fats can become rancid over time, particularly with exposure to heat and light.
How Smell and Taste Change
- Smell: Fresh Kisses have a distinct chocolate aroma. An off, rancid, or absorbed odor suggests staleness.
- Taste: A small bite can confirm quality. Stale chocolate may taste bland, waxy, or bitter. The texture can become dry or gritty.
Decoding the Date and Proper Storage
Hershey Kisses typically have a 'Best By' date, indicating peak quality, not a safety expiration. Modern packaging usually displays this date clearly, replacing older coding methods.
Proper Storage for Longevity
Correct storage extends the candy's quality:
- Temperature: Store in a cool, dark place, ideally 60–70°F (15–21°C). Avoid refrigeration, which can cause condensation and bloom.
- Protection: Keep Kisses away from strong smells that cocoa butter can absorb. Opened bags should be in an airtight container.
Bloom vs. Expiration: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Chocolate Bloom | Expired (Truly Spoiled) Chocolate |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Whitish-gray, dusty, or streaky surface | Visible fuzzy mold, extreme discoloration, or cracks |
| Texture | Waxy, grainy, or dry | Very dry, crumbly, or otherwise altered |
| Smell | No foul odor, smells like chocolate | Off, sour, or distinctly rancid smell |
| Taste | Bland, waxy, or less flavorful | Stale, sour, or unpleasant flavor |
| Safety | Perfectly safe to eat | Should not be consumed, may cause stomach upset |
Conclusion
Most Hershey Kisses remain safe well past their 'Best By' date. Bloom is a common, harmless cosmetic issue. Rely on your senses: check for mold, sniff for off-odors, and taste for sourness. If it looks, smells, and tastes like chocolate, it's safe, though possibly less delicious. Discard if in doubt, especially with damaged packaging. You can learn more about food preservation by visiting the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
How to tell if Hershey Kisses are expired? Keypoints
- Check the 'Best By' Date: This indicates peak freshness, not when the chocolate becomes unsafe.
- Look for 'Bloom': A harmless whitish or gray film caused by temperature changes, not mold.
- Examine for Mold: True mold is fuzzy or green and means the candy should be discarded.
- Trust Your Nose: If it smells sour, rancid, or musty, throw it away.
- Perform a Taste Test: A stale, waxy, or unpleasant taste indicates it's past its prime.
- Store Properly: Keep in a cool, dry, dark place to prevent bloom and off-flavors.
- Know Your Chocolate: Filled Kisses have a shorter shelf life than solid ones.
- Prioritize Safety: When in doubt, especially with damaged packaging, discard the candy.
FAQs
Q: Is the white film on my Hershey Kiss mold? A: No, the white film is almost certainly not mold. It is a harmless phenomenon called 'bloom,' where either the cocoa butter (fat bloom) or sugar (sugar bloom) rises to the surface due to temperature or moisture changes.
Q: What happens if you eat expired Hershey Kisses? A: In most cases, eating expired Hershey Kisses will not cause harm, but they may taste stale, have a waxy texture, or just be less flavorful. The main risk is an unpleasant eating experience, not foodborne illness, unless actual mold or rancidity is present.
Q: How long do unopened Hershey Kisses last past the 'Best By' date? A: Unopened Hershey Kisses, if stored properly in a cool, dry place, can last for months or even a year past the 'Best By' date without becoming unsafe, though their quality will decline. Milk and white chocolate may lose quality faster than dark chocolate.
Q: Should I store Hershey Kisses in the refrigerator? A: It is generally not recommended to store Hershey Kisses in the refrigerator. The fluctuating temperatures can cause condensation, which leads to sugar bloom and can also cause the chocolate to absorb odors from other foods.
Q: How do I read the expiration date on a Hershey's product? A: Older Hershey products used a code, but modern packaging usually has a clearer 'Best By' date printed on it. This date is the most reliable indicator of peak freshness.
Q: Can I bake with bloomed chocolate? A: Yes, bloomed chocolate is perfectly fine for baking. Once melted, the waxy or grainy texture will disappear, and it will perform normally in recipes for brownies, cookies, or cakes.
Q: What is the difference between fat bloom and sugar bloom? A: Fat bloom is a whitish, streaky surface caused by melted cocoa butter re-crystallizing, while sugar bloom is a grainy or dusty gray surface caused by moisture dissolving and re-crystallizing surface sugar. Both are harmless.
