Ever curious about where your favorite snacks vanish from your pantry or freezer?
You might even have a bag of caramels sitting on your kitchen counter that you bought months ago.
But did you know that these delicious candies could actually get old and stale?
Here’s what you need to know about caramels and how to avoid eating one that has gone bad.
Do caramels go bad if they are not stored properly?
In short, no.
When you purchase caramels at the grocery store or candy aisle, they are sealed in airtight containers.
This prevents any moisture from getting inside the container, which would cause the caramel to spoil.
If the wrapper is torn, however, the contents will eventually dry out.
Even though you may think that the caramel is fine because it looks like it was just purchased a few days ago, this doesn’t mean that it is edible.
It will still taste terrible.
How long do caramels last?
Caramels can last for up to two years.
The longer they sit, the more likely they are to turn into something gross.
As soon as you open the package, there is a chance they won’t taste as good as when they were first made.
The sugar starts to break down, which creates an acidic environment that can make the caramel bitter.
How can you tell if a caramel is bad?
The first thing you should look for is mold, which indicates that the caramel has started to spoil and rot.
Next, check the wrappers.
If there is a tear, the caramel has probably been opened.
A lot of people will buy caramels that are already opened because they are easier to eat.
However, if the caramel has been opened, you’ll want to throw it away immediately.
Other signs that a caramel has gone bad include a change in color or texture.
The caramel itself may also start to smell sour.
To test the quality of a caramel, pop a piece into your mouth.
If it feels firm and tastes sweet, then it’s probably still okay to eat.
If it is soft or chewy, you should toss it out.
If the caramel crumbles, it may not be edible.
What are some signs that a caramel is going bad?
Caramel goes bad faster than most other sweets because it contains high amounts of sugar.
Sugar breaks down quickly when exposed to oxygen, so once the caramel is opened, it can only stay good for so long.
Some people say that caramels taste best when eaten within a year of being made.
Others believe that they should be thrown away after six months.
Is it safe to eat a caramel that has gone bad?
Yes, as long as you follow proper storage guidelines.
Store caramels in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from spoiling.
If you store them in the fridge, wrap the caramels tightly with plastic wrap in order to prevent exposure to air.
Place the wrapped caramels inside a resealable plastic bag before storing them.
Make sure to replace the plastic wrap every day.
When freezing caramels, be sure to remove them from their original packaging.
Wrap each caramell in aluminum foil and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or waxed paper.
Freeze the caramels for at least 12 hours before unwrapping.
To learn more about how to store food safely, read our guide to food storage tips.
For more information about caramels, see the list below.
Caramels
Dulce de leche
Mocha caramel
Salted butter caramel
Carmelized bananas
Chocolate-covered caramels
Caramel apples
Hot fudge sundae
How do you store caramels to keep them fresh?
Store caramels in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from spoiling.
Wrapped caramels placed inside a plastic bag will keep them fresher for longer.
Be sure to remove the plastic wrap every day.
What is the shelf life of caramels?
As mentioned above, caramels can last for up to two years in the fridge or freezer.
They are especially susceptible to spoiling when exposed to air, so be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, place them in a resealable bag, or freeze them.
Can caramels be frozen?
Yes, but only for a limited amount of time.
Freezing caramels causes them to lose moisture, which makes them harder and drier.
In addition, the fats in the caramel melt during the thawing process, causing them to stick together.
After thawing, be sure to place the caramel in a resealable bag and consume it within a week.
What happens if you eat a bad caramel?
If you bite into a caramel that has turned bad, there are some things you should try to avoid doing.
First, spit it out.
If you swallow it, you risk damaging your digestive tract.
Also, rinse your mouth with water to reduce the acidity level.
Finally, don’t worry too much.
Most caramels aren’t really dangerous if you follow the appropriate storage instructions.
Is it ok to eat a caramel that is a little bit hard?
Even though caramels may have lost their appeal, they are still delicious.
Just make sure you eat them slowly.
If you take too long to chew, you may end up choking.
Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 bowl
- 1 freezer
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar divided
- 6 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for garnish
- 1 cup caramel sauce homemade or store-bought
Instructions
- The first step is to make the caramel sauce. If you’re making it from scratch, heat the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it melts and turns a deep amber color.
- Be careful not to let it burn! Once it reaches that color, slowly adds the cream, constantly whisking until combined. Set the sauce aside to cool.
- Next, make the ice cream base. Combine the cream, milk, and 1/2 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the mixture until it comes to a simmer, then remove from the heat.
- Whisk together the egg yolks and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl until pale and thick. Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly. Then add the vanilla and salt, and whisk to combine.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan, and cook over low heat until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, and stir in the caramel sauce.
- Pour the mixture into a container, and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight. When you’re ready to serve, scoop the ice cream into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of salt. Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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