How to tell if the chocolate is bad? The main signs

Chocolate is a very tasty and healthy product. We are not talking about low quality confectionery bars, but a complete delicacy, made with observance of the smallest nuances of the recipe. It has a certain shelf life, storage conditions and it really can go bad. It is important to determine in time that you should not eat it, because you can get poisoning.

Can chocolate go bad?

Chocolate, like any product, has its own expiration date. Accordingly, it can go bad. If 4-6 months have passed from the date stamped on the package, then it is better to give up on such delicacies.

Also, chocolate spoils if:

• improperly prepared;
• The storage conditions have been violated.

In any case, before you enjoy the taste of the product, you need to look carefully at the bar. If something in the appearance or smell does not like it, it is better to put it aside.

Signs of spoiled chocolate

The most characteristic is an unpleasant smell with an admixture of mold. The next test is for taste. In its bouquet should not be sour or astringent components. This is a sign that the product is not good. Also alarming is the greasy tint and bitterness. This is an indication of improper storage conditions.

The last step in quality control is the appearance of the tiles themselves and the integrity of the packaging. Deformation and streaks on the surface are a signal for increased attention. At a minimum, the chocolate was kept in the refrigerator, at a maximum, the decomposition of organic components and the formation of toxins has begun.

Is it possible to eat expired chocolate?

It all depends on the expiration date, the type of delicacy and its characteristics. The safest is dark chocolate with minimal sugar. It can be left for another 3-4 months after the specified date, provided that the flavor and appearance are preserved.

Important: If moldy areas appeared, rancid smell, the product should be disposed of immediately, regardless of the information on the packaging. This is a direct path to poisoning.

Symptoms of poisoning and first aid

Signs are almost identical to any other food intoxication:

• nausea;
• tinnitus;
• dizziness;
• digestive distress;
• pain in the stomach area;
• bitterness in the mouth;
• fever;
• weakness;
• apathy;
• a general deterioration of well-being.

Toxins entering the stomach are not lethal, but will cause a lot of unpleasant moments. To relieve the condition the stomach is flushed, given plenty of fluids, Rehydron solution, activated charcoal. If an allergic reaction has begun, antihistamines are taken.

What can be done with an expired product

First of all, it is checked for suitability for use. Dairy varieties can be infested with moth larvae. They are not dangerous, but cause disgust and squeamishness, and may discourage eating chocolate for a long time. The white variety is thrown away immediately after the expiration date. It contains cocoa butter and sugar, which begin to actively ferment. There is no benefit, and the likelihood of poisoning is high.

Once the quality of the product is assured, it can be used as a component of icing, cake fillings, and dessert bases. The main thing is that it should be heat treated.

Shelf life and conditions

The shelf life depends on the species. The longest retains the properties of bitter or dark chocolate, up to 1 year. Milk varieties lose their useful properties after 6 months. Handmade white chocolate can be eaten safely for 30 days, but candy can not withstand more than 1-2 weeks.

Optimal conditions: temperature of +14-19 ° C, humidity no higher than 75%. Keep in mind that chocolate is not afraid of the cold, you need to protect it from temperature changes.

Can I freeze chocolates?

You can freeze chocolate and products based on it, it will not harm, only increase the shelf life. This method is also used to transport the product on a hot day, for which firstly the bar is placed in the freezer, and then in a thermopack. However, in practice such a thing is rarely used. The assortment in almost all large stores is decent and you can buy a delicacy on the spot without subjecting it to such severe tests.

The shelf life of chocolate is a very relative concept, the product is safe for at least another six months, preserving the taste characteristics, only if it is not the white variety.

Photo of tainted chocolate