How long do jelly beans last. Something you need to be very familiar with.
At least if you like buying them in bulk, like I do.
Besides, these are relatively expensive candies, so we don’t want our good money (or any of the great flavors) to go to waste.
So today, I am going to be covering how long you can expect to keep your jelly beans for before they start to take a turn for the worst.
I’ll also be covering how to tell when they start to show signs of being past their best and ways to preserve them for longer.
So be sure to keep reading for those!
Contents
How Long Do Jelly Beans Last?
Jelly beans typically have a shelf life of 1-2 years (for maximum taste and flavor). However, the brand of jelly beans, how they are stored, and the packaging are all factors that can impact this timeframe.
At the same time, you could always eat jelly beans beyond this date.
They don’t expire as such.
But you may start to notice a deterioration in the quality and flavor after 1-2 years.
Do Jelly Beans Expire If Unopened?
Jelly Beans do not expire if unopened, though they may degrade in quality over time.
Picture this: it’s a warm summer day, and you’ve just found a forgotten stash of jelly beans in the back of your pantry.
You’re eager to indulge, but a question lingers: how long do jelly beans last? More importantly, do they ever expire if unopened?
Well, here’s the good news: jelly beans are quite the survivors in the world of candy.
Thanks to their low moisture content and hard outer shell, they can last long if stored properly. Unopened and sealed in their original packaging, jelly beans can last several years.
Even after opening the package, jelly beans can still maintain their quality for up to a year if you store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
But, like with any food product, jelly beans aren’t immune to spoilage.
Yes, they will eventually expire, but it’s more about a decline in quality than a danger to your health.
Factors That Influence How Long Jelly Beans Will Last
Let’s go into more detail about the varying factors that will determine the shelf life of a jelly bean:
- Ingredients: Some jelly beans have additional ingredients like natural flavors or fruit juices, which may have a shorter shelf life compared to the traditional sugar, corn syrup, and artificial flavors found in most jelly beans.
- Brand: Different brands may use different preservatives or manufacturing processes, which can affect the shelf life of their jelly beans. It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s recommendations on the packaging for the most accurate expiration date.
- Storage conditions: As with any food, storage conditions play a crucial role in determining the shelf life of jelly beans. Even if unopened, jelly beans exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight may spoil faster than those stored in optimal conditions.
How Do You Know If Jelly Beans Are Past Their Best?
You will know if a jelly bean is past its best based on something being off about its texture, flavor, appearance and odor
A few years ago, I went on a trip to visit my grandparents.
While there, I stumbled upon a dusty bag of jelly beans in the back of their cupboard, likely forgotten for years.
Being the candy lover I am, I couldn’t resist tasting one.
After biting into it, I immediately knew something was off. The jelly bean was hard and brittle, and the flavor was less than enjoyable.
It got me thinking: how do you know if jelly beans are past their best? Here’s what I discovered through research and personal experience:
- Texture: Fresh jelly beans should be chewy and slightly springy. If they’re hard, brittle, or overly sticky, it’s a sign they’re past their prime.
- Flavor: As jelly beans age, their flavor can fade or become unpleasant. Trust your taste buds – if they don’t taste right, it’s best to toss them.
- Appearance: Check for any discoloration or white spots on the surface of the jelly beans. This can be a sign of sugar crystallization, indicating they’re no longer fresh.
- Odor: A stale or off-putting smell is another indication your jelly beans are past their best.
Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to food quality, so if you have any doubts, it’s best to dispose of the jelly beans and treat yourself to a fresh batch.
How To Make Your Jelly Beans Last Longer
You can make your jelly beans last longer by storing them properly in airtight containers, freezing them, buying them in smaller quantities and rotating your stock.
Now that you know how to determine if your jelly beans are still good to eat, you’re probably wondering how to make them last longer.
After all, you want to savor every moment with these delectable treats. So, here are some tips I’ve gathered over the years:
Store Them Properly
Keep your jelly beans in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
High temperatures and humidity can cause them to become sticky and lose their shape, while sunlight can fade their vibrant colors.
Use Airtight Containers
Once you’ve opened a package of jelly beans, transfer them to an airtight container.
This will help keep them fresh and prevent them from absorbing odors from other items in your pantry.
Plus, it keeps them safe from curious critters wanting to sneak a taste.
Freeze Them
If you want to extend the life of your jelly beans even further, you can actually freeze them!
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and remove any excess air.
Frozen jelly beans can last up to two years, but let them thaw for a few minutes before eating to avoid any potential dental mishaps.
Buy Smaller Quantities
While stocking up on a massive bag of jelly beans might be tempting, it’s better to purchase smaller amounts more frequently.
This way, you’ll always have fresh jelly beans on hand and less likely to have them stale.
Rotate Your Stash
If you’re an avid jelly bean collector (like me), make sure to rotate your stock.
Place newly purchased jelly beans behind the older ones, so you consume them in order of their age.
This helps ensure you’re always enjoying the freshest jelly beans possible.
Lastly
Unopened jelly beans can last several years (with peak taste, texture and condition), while opened ones tend to degrade much faster.
Either way, the best way to ensure you’re always enjoying the tastiest jelly beans is by storing them correctly and following the tips I’ve shared for prolonging their freshness.
Related guides you may want to read:
- Jelly Bean Brands: The Ones You Need To Know
- Why Are Jelly Beans So Expensive?
- Why Are Jelly Beans Shiny?
Hello, I’m Matthew, a candy expert and enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the candy industry. My passion for candy started at a very young age. Since then, I have worked in numerous, large candy stores, and have been fortunate enough to try out hundreds of brands of candies, different types and flavors. In addition to my work, I enjoy sharing my extensive knowledge with others, and decided to create Sugar Stand in order to do so. My mission is to make the world a sweeter place, one candy at a time.