Chocolate storage warning as cupboard or fridge debate decided

With Halloween and Christmas around the corner, many of us will be starting to stockpile our seasonal chocolate treats, but where should we store them?

While some people prefer to store chocolate in the fridge to keep them chilled, others opt for a cupboard to keep them cool.

To put an end to the debacle, Joshua Houston, Food Storage Expert at Household Quotes has warned against refrigerating chocolate.

Joshua said: ‘’The fridge or cupboard debate when it comes to chocolate has gone on for years. This should hopefully settle some of the passionate arguments, so commiserations to the fridge storers.

“However, ultimately how you store your chocolate is up to you. Some people enjoy cold chocolate more than room temperature. Just make sure it is correctly wrapped if it is already open.”

This is his advice:

Do not refrigerate chocolate

Refrigerating your chocolate is bad for several reasons, the first being that chocolate can easily absorb flavours from other foods in your fridge.

Secondly, if you chill your sweet treats you might notice that the cold can make them tasteless. This takes away some of the enjoyment and satisfaction chocolate can bring.

Discolouring is another big problem, this occurs when moisture in a fridge results in ‘sugar bloom’, which is where sugar rises to the surface.

Can chocolate go bad?

Chocolate can go bad depending on what it is, bars with milk will go off quicker lasting around 10 to 12 months.

Dark chocolate on the other hand which doesn’t contain milk can have a shelf life of over two years.

Where should you store chocolate?

People tend to store chocolate in their fridges due to the fear of it either melting or going off. Your cupboard is a better option as long as it’s dry, moisture can negatively affect the taste over time.

The ideal temperature for chocolate is between 12 to 18 degrees Celsius as any more could result in melting.

If you do open your chocolate (which I wouldn’t blame you), wrap it in an airtight wrapper or a container. This will help protect the chocolate from moisture and outside odours which could negatively affect the taste.

Also make sure to keep chocolate away from direct light, it not only causes ‘sugar bloom’ but melting is a factor. Bloomed chocolate is still safe to eat, but it won’t look as appealing and might taste slightly different.

What does Cadbury say?

Cadbury have revealed their stance on a long-running argument as to where people should store chocolate at home.

The company - famous for its Daily Milk bars - spoke out after the debate, which has been highlighted in previous years, resurfaced on social media.

While some people prefer to store chocolate in the fridge to keep them chilled, others opt for a cupboard to keep them cool.

Cadbury's Australia arm took to Twitter to settle the debate after they were asked by a user called Bruno if they should be stored in the cupboard or the fridge.

They tweeted: "Chocolate should always be stored in a slightly cool, dry, dark place such as cupboard or pantry at temperatures less than 21°C to ensure the quality isn't compromised."