Should You Put Chocolate in the Fridge? (2024)

Should You Put Chocolate in the Fridge?

20 Apr 2020

Summer

Although we don’t usually complain about summer, it seems to be the No.1 enemy of chocolate, so should we store our chocolate in the fridge to protect it?

As the sun shines a little brighter and temperatures heat up, summertime seems to lift everyone’s spirits. However, for chocoholics, summer is the antagonist of their favourite treat; the hot conditions mean any chocolate bars are prone to melt, changing a snappable treat into a melted mess.

To avoid this problem, some may store their chocolate in the fridge so that they can enjoy both summer and chocolate at the same time. However, storing chocolate in the fridge can actually alter the chocolate bar as well; can chocolate-lovers ever win in the summer?

The taste of chocolate

Although you might think storing chocolate in the fridge only alters its texture, refrigerating chocolate can actually impact its taste as well. As cocoa butter absorbs flavours and odours, you could find yourself munching on a chocolate bar which tastes like last-night’s leftovers. Cold temperatures also prevent your chocolate bar from releasing more subtle flavours, meaning you don’t quite get all the nuanced notes of cocoa.

The chocolate texture

Another reason why chocolate shouldn’t normally be stored in the fridge is because it alters its texture: whilst, in the summer, chocolate can melt down to a sticky gloop, putting it in the fridge places it on the other end of the texture spectrum.

Leading food safety expert Belinda Stuart-Moonlight states that chocolate shouldn’t be refrigerated, as it leads to a ‘sugar bloom’. This happens when chocolate is chilled and then exposed to warmer temperatures – the condensation on the surface dissolves some of the sugar which re-crystallises, leaving you with a chocolate which is grainy and has a white surface layer. Any creamy, silky textures which you would have otherwise enjoyed are lost, leaving you with a brittle chocolate bar.

How can you save your chocolate?

So far it seems, in the summer, chocolate fans are damned if they do, and damned if they don’t; the choice between melted, squishy chocolate or hard, granular chocolate doesn’t seem like an easy decision.

However, there are ways to protect your chocolate from the heat of summer. Considering that, for best results, chocolate should be stored in a temperature between 10C-20C, look for any cooler, shady parts of the house to store it in: a basem*nt would be a good option. However, if the whole house seems to be warming up and there doesn’t seem to be another option, you can store your chocolate in the fridge, although you need to take a few precautions to ensure the quality of your chocolate isn’t lost.

Store your chocolate in an airtight container to ensure any unsavoury flavours don’t permeate your chocolate, altering its taste. To ward off the dull flavour and a brittle texture that refrigerating chocolate results in, take your chocolate out of the fridge roughly 30 minutes before eating, although make sure you don’t leave it directly in the sunlight. This ensures your chocolate has time to warm up to the room temperature without becoming a melted mess.

Does this apply to all chocolate?

Although we’ve been warning you against storing your chocolate bars in the fridge, there are times when refrigerating chocolate is a necessity. This is if you want to get creative in the kitchen and use chocolate as a decoration for your baked goods. Whatever design you opt for, you’ll want to melt it down and refrigerate it on a sheet of baking parchment if the ambient temperature is higher than 30C – remember, in the summer, chocolate is much more likely to remain a liquid form at room temperature.

To keep the quality of your chocolate high, you’ll need to temper your chocolate to ensure that it doesn’t become dull and crumbly in the fridge. Whilst this might appear technical, tempering your chocolate is a relatively easy process, and it can be made easier by using chocolate which melts evenly and smoothly. We suggest using chocolate drops – their miniature size means your chocolate melts effortlessly.

Now you know the best way to store your chocolate in the summer, you’ll want to find the best type of chocolate to enjoy in warmer conditions. Whether you opt for fruity chocolates, or a chocolate which is for adults-only, treat yourself to chocolate, whatever the weather.

chocolate storagechocolate temperingsummer chocolateSummerTags:

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Should You Put Chocolate in the Fridge? (2024)

FAQs

Should You Put Chocolate in the Fridge? ›

Do not refrigerate chocolate. Whether you only eat gourmet truffles or consume any chocolate put in front of you, please don't store chocolate in the fridge. This is because chocolate easily absorbs the odors of whatever items it is placed near to in a fridge, which can have a detrimental effect on its flavor.

Is it okay to keep chocolate in the fridge? ›

Moisture in the fridge can also lead to “sugar bloom,” meaning the sugar rises to the surface and discolors the chocolate (which has no effect on flavor, but doesn't look too appealing). So instead of the fridge: Store it in a cool, dry place.

Does chocolate go bad if not refrigerated? ›

Proper storage is key to preserving the quality and flavor of chocolate. Chocolate should be stored in a cool, dry place away from the presence of sunlight and strong odors. A temperature range of 60–70°F (15–21°C) is optimal for maintaining chocolate's texture and taste.

What is the best way to store good chocolate? ›

The best place to store chocolate is in a cool, dry, and dark environment, like a pantry or cupboard. You'll want to store it away from heat, moisture, and light. Chocolate thrives at room temperature and low humidity levels, ideally between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and less than 55 percent humidity.

Should chocolate be cold or room temperature? ›

Chocolate should always be stored in a slightly cool, dry, dark place such as a cupboard or pantry at temperatures less than 21C (69.8F) to ensure the quality isn't compromised,” the company confirmed.

Why doesn't chocolate need to be refrigerated? ›

If chocolate is stored in a refrigerator, the humidity inside can lead to 'sugar bloom,' where sugar crystals rise to the surface, affecting the chocolate's smooth finish.

Should chocolate be cooled in the fridge? ›

If time is not an issue, leave it to set at room temperature, as this gives the best chance of perfect results. If you're pressed for time, placing chocolate in the fridge can reduce the hardening time by half. Alternatively, you can use a freezer, but be sure not to leave the chocolate in there for an extended period.

Does chocolate taste different in the fridge? ›

As cocoa butter absorbs flavours and odours, you could find yourself munching on a chocolate bar which tastes like last-night's leftovers. Cold temperatures also prevent your chocolate bar from releasing more subtle flavours, meaning you don't quite get all the nuanced notes of cocoa.

Can I eat a 2 year old chocolate bar? ›

Dark chocolate, with its higher cacao content, can be good to eat for as long as three years past the best before. Due to their high milk contents, milk and white chocolates might not last as long as dark, but their longevity is still nothing to sniff at — you can expect to get another 8 months or so out of it.

Will chocolate melt after taking out from fridge? ›

At what point will chocolate start to soften and then melt? Chocolate starts to soften at 85 degrees Fahrenheit and melt at 93 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal chocolate storage temperature is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels at less than 55 percent.

Where is the best place to store your chocolate? ›

The perfect place to store your chocolate is in a dry, cool, and dark place. Ideally, the temperature should be consistently around 15°C to 18°C (59°F – 64°F). The relative humidity needs to be below 55%. If kept in these conditions, the state of chocolate can stay unchanged for months, sometimes even years.

What needs to be avoided when storing chocolate? ›

Dark chocolate – has the longest shelf life of all types of chocolate and can last up to two years if stored in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing dark chocolate in the refrigerator, as condensation can cause the chocolate to spoil or bloom (turn white).

Should I put chocolate covered strawberries in the fridge or freezer? ›

If you're planning on saving your chocolate covered strawberries for more than one day, yep, they'll need to be refrigerated. Unfortunately, this means that they will sweat a little bit. To minimize sweating, place a couple sheets of paper towels into the bottom of an airtight container.

Why do people put chocolate in the fridge? ›

The purpose of chilling chocolate would be to keep it fresh and avoid poor taste and quality. Lettuce and dairy products are some common foods that may need refrigeration to stay fresh, but vegan chocolate bars and chocolate discs for baking require a different storage method to keep them tasty and enjoyable.

Is it okay to refrigerate chocolate? ›

Do not refrigerate chocolate. Whether you only eat gourmet truffles or consume any chocolate put in front of you, please don't store chocolate in the fridge. This is because chocolate easily absorbs the odors of whatever items it is placed near to in a fridge, which can have a detrimental effect on its flavor.

Is it better to keep chocolate in the fridge or pantry? ›

“Chocolate should always be stored in a slightly cool, dry, dark place such as cupboard or pantry at temperatures less than 21 degress to ensure quality isn't compromised.”

Can chocolate go Mouldy in the fridge? ›

While chocolate doesn't go bad, there are a few aesthetic and flavor culprits you want to guard against. Heat and moisture alter the appearance and texture of chocolate, but they don't corrupt its flavor.

Will chocolate melt after taking out from the fridge? ›

At what point will chocolate start to soften and then melt? Chocolate starts to soften at 85 degrees Fahrenheit and melt at 93 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal chocolate storage temperature is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels at less than 55 percent.

How long can you keep chocolate before it goes bad? ›

If unopened and stored properly, dark chocolate lasts 2 years (from the day it was made). If opened, but still stored properly, the rule of thumb is one year. As for milk and white chocolate bars, the time available is cut in half. One year if unopened and stored properly, and 6-8 months if opened and stored properly.

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