Warning about storing chocolate as cupboard vs fridge debate settled

With Halloween and Christmas just around the corner, many of us will start hoarding our seasonal chocolate treats, but where should we store them?

While some people prefer to store chocolate in the refrigerator to keep it cool, others opt for a cupboard to keep it cool.

To put an end to the debacle, Joshua Houston, food storage expert at Household Quotes, has warned against storing chocolate in the fridge.

Joshua said: “The fridge versus cupboard debate when it comes to chocolate has been going on for years.” This should hopefully settle some of the passionate arguments, so my condolences to the fridge stockers.

“Ultimately, however, how you store your chocolate is up to you. Some people prefer cold chocolate to room temperature. Just make sure it’s packaged properly if it’s already opened.”

This is his advice:

Do not store chocolate in the refrigerator

Chilling your chocolate is bad for several reasons. First, chocolate can easily absorb flavors from other foods in your fridge.

Second, if you refrigerate your sweet treats, you may find that the cold can make them tasteless. This takes away some of the pleasure and satisfaction that chocolate can bring.

Discoloration is another big problem. They occur when moisture in the refrigerator causes a “sugar bloom,” where sugar rises to the surface.

Can chocolate go bad?

Depending on the type of chocolate, chocolate can spoil, bars with milk spoil more quickly and last about 10 to 12 months.

Dark chocolate, on the other hand, which does not contain milk, can last for over two years.

Where should you store chocolate?

People tend to keep chocolate in the refrigerator because they are afraid it will melt or spoil. Your closet is a better choice as long as it is dry. Moisture can have a negative impact on taste over time.

The ideal temperature for chocolate is between 12 and 18 degrees Celsius, as higher temperatures can cause melting.

When you open your chocolate (which I wouldn’t blame you), wrap it in an airtight package or container. This protects the chocolate from moisture and external odors that could negatively affect the taste.

Also, make sure that the chocolate is not exposed to direct light, as this will not only cause the sugar to ripen, but also melt it. Bloomed chocolate is still suitable for consumption, but it will no longer look as appealing and may taste slightly different.

What does Cadbury say?

Cadbury has set out its position on a long-running dispute over where people should store chocolate at home.

The company known 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 refrigerator to keep it cool, others opt for a cupboard to keep it cool.

Cadbury’s Australian branch took to Twitter to settle the debate after a user named Bruno asked them whether they should be stored in the cupboard or in the fridge.

They tweeted: “Chocolate should always be stored in a slightly cool, dry and dark place such as a cupboard or pantry at temperatures below 21°C to ensure quality is not compromised.”