How Long Does Chocolate Stay Good
How Long Does Chocolate Stay Good? 7 Tasty Truths About Shelf Life & Freshness
Chocolate lovers gather round: whether you're hoarding Easter leftovers or saving that special gift box for a rainy day, you might be wondering: how long does chocolate stay good? The answer isn’t as simple as you might think. The type of chocolate, how it's made, and even how you store it all make a difference. At Russell & Atwell, we specialise in fresh chocolate, so we know a thing or two about when chocolate tastes best—and when it doesn't.
1. Does Chocolate Really Go Off?
Yes, but not in the way fresh produce or dairy does. Most shop-bought chocolate lasts 12–18 months because it contains stabilisers and preservatives. These long-life chocolates are made for efficiency, not flavour. At Russell & Atwell, we ditch the palm oil and artificial additives in favour of real British cream and wildflower honey. That means our chocolate is made fresh, kept chilled, and designed to be enjoyed in its prime, not stockpiled.
2. So, How Long Does Chocolate Stay Good For?
For ambient supermarket chocolate: up to 18 months. That’s thanks to preservatives, stabilisers, and long shelf-life ingredients. For Russell & Atwell fresh chocolate: we recommend enjoying it within 4–6 weeks of delivery, with each pouch guaranteed to arrive with at least 2 weeks of shelf life. In reality, most of our customers finish their chocolate within days!
“The texture of the inside is fabulous, really silky with a beautiful taste. Felt like I was eating something very decadent.” – Trustpilot reviewer
3. How to Store Chocolate Properly
If you want to make your chocolate last as long as possible, storage matters. For fresh chocolate:
⋅ Keep it in the fridge between 3°C and 6°C
⋅ Take it out 5–10 minutes before eating for the perfect melt-in-the-mouth texture
⋅ Keep away from strong-smelling foods (chocolate is a flavour sponge!)
To maintain freshness and flavour, always ensure resealable pouches are properly closed after each use. If storing in jars, check that the lids are tightly sealed to prevent moisture or odours from affecting the chocolate.
Our pouches are hand-packed and sealed to help retain flavour, but if you're gifting or saving chocolate, the fridge is always best.
4. Does Type of Chocolate Affect Shelf Life?
Absolutely. Here's a quick breakdown:
⋅ Milk chocolate: around 6–12 months (shorter for fresh)
⋅ Dark chocolate: can last longer due to low dairy content
⋅ White chocolate: typically has the shortest shelf life due to higher dairy and content
⋅ Fresh chocolate (like ours): 4–6 weeks in the fridge
Because our chocolate is made with real organic cream, British butter, and Dorset Sea Salt, it naturally has a shorter shelf life. And honestly? That’s exactly how we like it.
5. What Happens If You Eat Old Chocolate?
Chocolate doesn’t really expire like meat or dairy, but its quality absolutely deteriorates. You might notice:
⋅ A grey or white coating (this is "bloom" and happens when fats or sugars rise to the surface)
While eating old chocolate won’t make you ill, it won't deliver the creamy, melt-in-the-mouth experience that makes Russell & Atwell so special.
6. Can You Freeze Chocolate to Make It Last Longer?
Technically yes, but here’s why we don’t advise it:
⋅ Freezing can disrupt the structure of the chocolate, causing blooming or separation
⋅ It can dull the taste and change the mouthfeel
Our chocolates are designed to be a moment of indulgence—not a long-term pantry item.
Freezing chocolate is not typically recommended, but if needed, it can be done with care to preserve quality. Ensure the chocolate is tightly wrapped in foil or stored in a resealable freezer-safe bag, then placed inside an airtight container to protect it from moisture and odours. It can be kept frozen for up to six months. When you're ready to use it, move the chocolate to the fridge for several hours before bringing it to room temperature, still wrapped, to avoid condensation forming on the surface.
Food Standards Agency advice on food freezing
7. Is Fresh Chocolate Worth It If It Doesn’t Last As Long?
In a word: absolutely.
We believe chocolate should be fresh, flavourful and feel special. We use:
⋅ Wildflower honey (a natural preservative)
And the result? Real, rich flavour that’s worlds away from waxy, long-life chocolate.
“Utterly delicious, and wonderful quality. Worth every penny.” – Lisa, Trustpilot
“Bought the big bundle with all the flavours—these chocolates are unlike anything else.” – Verified customer
Shop our fresh chocolate bestsellers
Final Tips to Keep Your Chocolate Delicious
Here are our top freshness tips:
⋅ Always store fresh chocolate in the fridge
⋅ Eat within 4 weeks of delivery
⋅ Keep sealed to lock in moisture and flavour
⋅ Avoid freezing unless absolutely necessary
⋅ Choose dark chocolate if you want a slightly longer shelf life
Fresh chocolate is an experience—and it’s one best enjoyed the way it was intended: fresh, cool, and utterly melt-in-the-mouth.
Still Wondering How Long Chocolate Stays Good? Let Us Show You.
Thousands of customers have already made the switch to fresh. Our chocolates are hand-crafted in small batches, shipped chilled, and taste just as luxurious as they sound.
Follow our latest drops, flavours and behind-the-scenes moments:
Taste the difference — order your fresh chocolate today!