Of course, candy canes will last for a shorter period of time if they are not stored properly. But, like many other products, candy canes may have a sell by date or use by date which is simply the last date by which a manufacturer will vouch for a product's quality, not its safety. Because of this distinction, you may safely eat your candy cane after the use by date has expired. Packages can be found on the store shelf for just pennies after Christmas - pick some up this year and hang them on your tree next Christmas - they'll still be good. And if you see some gobstoppers or fireballs in the clearance be sure to pick them up too as they will last well beyond next Christmas.

How to tell if Candy Canes are bad, rotten or spoiled?

Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.

Do candy canes expire? They become softer and less desirable over time. You can't tell how old a candy cane is just by looking, this is one you really have to sink you teeth into... the best way to tell if a candy cane is good is to try and bite it! If your teeth sink in, the candy cane is not at its best - it will not be harmful, but you will have to chew it instead of traditional licking. A better alternative, if you have strong fingernails, is to try sticking your fingernail into the cane - if you leave an impression, you are also better off leaving the candy cane.

There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled foods so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your foods before their shelf life has expired!

How to store Candy Canes to extend their shelf life?

Store candy canes in a cool, dry place at a constant temperature. If you should stick them in the basement for next years tree, be sure and place them into a plastic container first.

Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste.

Interesting facts about Candy Canes:

How long are Candy Canes good for when prepared in a dish?

How long do candy canes last? That depends. How long does chocolate last? In general, candy canes last only as long as the quickest expiring ingredient it is mixed with.

What are our shelf life resources?

In determining how long Candy Canes lasts, our content incorporates research from multiple resources, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Food & Drug Administration. In addition, we scoured the web for informative articles and reports related to food safety, food storage and the shelf life of Candy Canes.

*An important note about expiration dates...

Although the Candy Canes shelf life information on Eat By Date is generally reliable, please remember that individual cases will vary and that our advice should only be taken as an opinion and not a replacement for your health care professional. Please eat responsibly!