Chocolate is a valuable food product that has undergone a huge number of different studies. Based on their results, we can conclude that expired chocolate is not the most dangerous product for health, but there are some important points to be made.
Quality dark chocolate, made from cocoa butter, cocoa beans, dairy products and sugar, can be stored for a long time. If the storage conditions are observed, it will not harm your health, even if the expiry date of the chocolate, indicated by the manufacturer on the package, has expired. Without fear, you can add another six months to this period if it is milk chocolate or bitter. This does not apply to white chocolate!
The white coating that can sometimes be seen when unwrapping a chocolate bar is not a sign of its inedibility. It comes from a change in temperature and is coconut oil that has come through to the surface.
If the storage conditions of the product do not meet the standards, an unpleasant smell or taste may appear. Such chocolate should never be eaten. It is believed that you can use it when making a sponge cake, chocolate cake or chocolate cookies. But it's better not to risk it and throw it away.
All of the above makes sense when it comes to quality chocolate. Bars imitating chocolate, which contain various substitute products for natural ingredients, are hazardous to health with an expired shelf life. They cannot be eaten.
Now manufacturers offer many options for chocolate bars with different fillings: nuts, biscuits, cream and even yogurt. Such a product should be consumed only fresh, otherwise poisoning or a severe allergic reaction is possible.
This rule also applies to chocolates with filling.
Expired chocolate means you can no longer eat it.
Be careful, especially about the content of children's Christmas gifts.
If your chocolate still seems fit for consumption, try tempering it. Use it to make:
- chocolate muffins;
- proper storage of chocolate;
