BUCKHORN CLIFFSA preparedness field manual

Food · Supply

Dark Chocolate

Dark Chocolate: real shelf life 4-5 years when stored well (Cool, dark).

4-5 YRWorks without power

Quick facts

  • Real shelf life4-5 years
  • Label date says2 years
  • Best storageCool, dark
  • Watch forOff smell (bloom is safe)

Where this sits on the food shopping list

How to check it

Chocolate

Warning signs Mold or an off smell. White fat bloom on the surface is safe.

How to check Look for surface changes and smell for any off-odors.

Notes from the field guide

  • Usually safe: Fat bloom on chocolate
  • Fat bloom: The harmless white or gray film that can form on chocolate. Safe to eat.
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Questions this answers

Tap a question for the short answer.

How long does dark chocolate last?

Stored well, dark chocolate really lasts 4 to 5 years, even though the label date typically says 2 years. Cool, dark storage is what gets it there.

How do I store dark chocolate long term?

Keep it cool and dark. Stored that way it holds for 4 to 5 years, well past the 2 years on the label.

How do I tell if dark chocolate has gone bad?

Look for surface changes and smell it. Mold or an off smell means it has gone bad. A white or gray film is fat bloom, which is harmless and safe to eat.

Keep going

Read nextSpoilage Cheat SheetA one-page recap. When something looks off, run these in order and trust the result.Food · Guide

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Everything in FoodNever-mix checkerShelf life tableFind a recipe by needWalk-around auditStart here

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