How do you store candy coating?

My top tips for storing candy melts before and after you use them, including shelf life examples for different types of candy melts sweets.

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Storing candy melts (before you use them)

When purchasing candy melts, it's advisable to keep them in their original packaging. This also applies to other chocolate-based candy melt substitutes. In addition, I typically transfer them to a sturdy airtight plastic container to preserve their freshness.

Unopened candy melts generally have a lengthy shelf life, around 3 to 6 months or even longer. Ensure you store them in a cool, dry place in your home where temperature fluctuations are minimal. Ideally, aim for a temperature of 18°C (65°F). While slightly higher temperatures are acceptable, rapid fluctuations can lead to quality issues.

A good spot to keep your candy melts is in a lower kitchen cabinet, away from direct sunlight and heat sources such as stoves, ovens, refrigerators, or microwaves.

Storing leftover candy melts

If you've melted more candy melts than needed, let them cool and set at room temperature; it’s unnecessary to refrigerate or freeze. Once completely set, remove them from the bowl and place them back in their original packaging or a durable plastic bag.

The next time you wish to use them, you may need to mix in a bit of shortening, cocoa butter, or oil to achieve a smooth, runny consistency.

If you notice any bits of cake pops, nuts, or other inclusions, pour the candy melts through a fine sieve to eliminate any impurities before they set.

Storing finished candy melts sweets (no soft filling, such as chocolate bars, solid shapes, decorations)

After your candy melts have set and hardened, keep them at room temperature (around 18°C or 65°F) so any moisture on the surface can evaporate.

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Wrap each finished candy in individual cellophane bags and tie them with ribbons or strings. Store them in an airtight container, layering them between bubble wrap or at least greaseproof paper, maintaining an ambient temperature of approximately 18°C (65°F).

If individual wrapping isn't feasible, at the very least, layer each sweet with greaseproof paper inside an airtight container (I personally use a large plastic box).

Firm candy melts without inclusions like nuts, dried fruits, or seeds should last a minimum of 3 to 6 months, or according to the expiration date on the packaging of your candy melts.

Introducing nuts, dried fruits, or seeds in your bars will shorten their shelf life to about 3 months due to the oil from the nuts or moisture from the dried fruit, which might seep into the candy melts. However, they will still taste fine, and you can consume them even if their appearance declines.

Storing finished candy melts sweets (with fillings, such as chocolate truffles, cake pops)

Once your candy melts sweets are adequately set (this may take longer if oil was used to thin the candy melts), wrap each one in cellophane bags and store them layered with bubble wrap or paper in a lidded plastic box.

Typically, there's no need to refrigerate or freeze filled candy melts unless you're in an extremely hot climate; a constant 18°C (65°F) environment is ideal for storage.

The shelf life of candy melts sweets will vary based on the filling used. Alcohol or water-based fillings, for instance, can extend their shelf life by several weeks.

• Cake Pops – 2-3 weeks
• Chocolate Truffles with Fresh Cream Filling – 2 weeks
• Chocolate Truffles with Fresh Cream and real alcohol – 4 weeks
• Water-based chocolate truffles (water, fruit, marmalade, jam, etc.) – 4-6 weeks

How Long Do Candy Melt Decorations Keep?

If you’re simply melting and molding candy melts, they should last as long as the candy melts themselves do. Just be cautious of heat sources and ensure they're wrapped to prevent odor absorption.

My dad still has a candy melt plaque I made for him 24 years ago, and I’m always amazed when I find it in his freezer! It's survived three refrigerators since then and remains intact!

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