Like other product shortages, Halloween candy has been impacted by supply chain problems due to the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. If, after hearing about the potential shortage, you have already stocked up or plan to go shopping for Halloween candy early this year, you need to know how to store that candy so that it’s fresh for trick-or-treaters when the time comes. Because most candy is individually wrapped and shelf-stable, it shouldn’t deteriorate in quality between now and Halloween, provided the conditions are right. 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 Halloween candy out of direct sunlight — somewhere like a pantry, basement, cabinet, or drawer. For an extra level of protection, place candy in airtight containers prior to storing it. If the temperature inside your home regularly gets above 85ยบ F, you may want to consider storing the candy in your refrigerator. Use caution when putting candy in the freezer. While some candy would be fine, avoid freezing anything containing fruit or nuts. When stored properly, milk and white chocolate can last between 8 and 10 months, while dark chocolate will be good for up to 2 years, as long as it’s wrapped in foil. Caramels typically last between 6 and 9 months, hard candy can make it up to a year, as can unopened packages of gummy candies.
