How Long Does Marshmallow Last?

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Are you intending to, or have you just bought a bag of marshmallows? Are you wondering how long you can expect them to keep for? And retain that pleasant, sweet, soft texture we all love these sweet soft pillows for. Well, you’ll be pleased you stopped by. This is what you’ll want to know.

So, how long do marshmallows last? Marshmallows will typically last between 1-2 months beyond the date disclosed on the packet (best-by or best before date). However, inappropriate storage conditions (warm and in direct sunlight) can reduce this time, whereas refrigeration can potentially extend it. Open marshmallows or those exposed to air will typically only last for a few days.   

Of course, these are just rough estimations.

There are various different brands of marshmallow; different sizes and not all are made with (or from) the same ingredients.

For instance, homemade marshmallows or gourmet-style marshmallows (from independent marshmallow makers) do not tend to last as long.

So just consider that.

But with this mind, let us now continue to explore the longevity of this confectionary starting with that question you may likely have – storage via the fridge.

We will then look at if they can spoil, signs they might have and more importantly, how to extend the shelf-life as much as possible!

How Long Do Marshmallows Last In The Fridge?

An unopened bag of marshmallows will typically last around 3 months past the ‘best-before’ or ‘best-by’ date in the fridge. If the bag is opened, you can expect between 1-2 weeks until they start to reduce in quality.  

So as you can see, refrigeration does extend the shelf life of marshmallows.

However, one thing you will need to consider before you do so, is that in doing so, you will be changing the texture.

Refrigerated marshmallows will naturally harden – which may or may not be to your liking.

You can take them out of the fridge and leave them on a countertop (at room temperature) for 20-30 minutes prior to eating to help soften them.

Do Marshmallows Go Bad?

Marshmallows can go bad, but only in regards to their quality. They do not go bad in the traditional sense of becoming harmful.

In other words, you could theoretically eat expired marshmallows (so long as they are not showing signs of spoilage) – they just likely won’t be very nice. Or at least, as nice as what they would be ‘fresh’.

This is why, if you observe closely, packaged marshmallows will always come with a ‘best-before- or ‘best-by’ date.

This is when the manufacturer expects the quality to diminish, and is in relation to when they were produced.

So, depending on how they are stored, the brand, how they were made and the ingredients they were made from, there can eb a huge variance of when marshmallows ‘go bad’ from a quality perspective.

How Do You Know If Marshmallows Have Gone Bad?

The best ways to tell if marshmallows have gone bad is to check:

  • Texture
  • Smell
  • Taste

Texture

Marshmallows that have deteriorated in quality will be noticeably different in texture. They will likely be hard, losing that light and fluffiness these treats are enjoyed for.

At the same time, if exposed to heat, they may have even melted into a large sticky mass.

Now you may prefer them this way, but for the most part, the average consumer does not.

Smell

Marshmallows tend to have an light, sweet smell to them. As time goes on, this starts to reduce or changes somewhat.

Taste

This goes hand-in-hand with texture, but when marshmallows have reduced in quality the taste isn’t quite right.

They may be more chewy or just not as satisfying in general.

How To Ensure Your Marshmallows Last

The best way to ensure you get the maximum shelf life from your marshmallows is proper storage. Keep them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Inside a cupboard or in a pantry are considered ideal here.

You also want to keep your marshmallows sealed and not exposed to air (this will dry them out) and is essentially why closed and sealed bags last longer than those that have been opened.

So, consider placing the bag in an air-tight container.

You can also consider refrigeration, but just ensure that the bag is sufficiently closed and sealed (or placed in a container) to prevent moisture from accessing the marshmallows.

FAQs

Will expired marshmallows make you sick?

Expired marshmallows (that were appropriately stored) are extremely unlikely to make you sick. That being said, you will want to ensure they have not spoiled or have been cross-contaminated as these factors may cause sickness in certain circumstances.  

Are expired marshmallows safe to eat?

In most cases, expired marshmallows are safe to eat. Although they may not be as satisfying and enjoyable as marshmallows still in date.

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