Expert: Carol Schlitt - 10/28/2009

Question
i am starting a small candy business , how do i add shelf life to chocolates and toffee ? how long are they normally good for ? what type of preservative do i add ?

Answer
Hi Kelly,

Congratulations on your new candy business!

Chocolate, when handled properly, has a shelf life of about 1 year. The ideal temperature for storing chocolate is between 54°F and 68°F (12° and 20°C). At higher temperatures, the chocolate will soften and will lose its gloss. When you add other ingredients to chocolate, the shelf life is lowered to the shelf life of the product you put inside the chocolate.  For example, adding cream will lower the shelf life to about 2 weeks.

Toffee, if stored in air-tight container, should remain fresh for several weeks.  Refrigeration will increase the shelf life but can also affect the texture as moisture can make it less crispy.

As far as adding a preservative to extend the shelf life of chocolates, I have heard of adding potasium sorbate to chocolates, especially filled chocolates like truffles, but I do not have any experience with this product. I suggest you experiment with your chocolates in different temperature environments to determine your product shelf life.

Also, you may want to check out the following website for more information on starting a chocolate business: http://www.onestopcandle.com/chocolate/chocolateinstr.php

Good luck with your business.

Carol