Does Halloween candy expire? How long do pumpkins last? Your most asked Halloween questions, answered

Halloween is here! If your household is anything like mine, it’s been non-stop Halloween talk since August, which we now affectionately call “Augtober.” From Halloween crafts and songs, to brain-storming costumes and spooky movies, Halloween is filled with annual traditions — but it comes with plenty of questions.

We mined the internet for answers to the most searched-for questions about Halloween. Keep reading to learn more about these common queries about the annual celebration.

Does Halloween candy expire?

Yes, Halloween candy expires. However, different types of candy can last longer than others. Over time, chocolates and candy bars lose moisture, and their taste and quality declines — even if they’re still in their packaging. Still, there are some guidelines you can follow for your Halloween haul.

Chocolate

Assuming the candy you received is fresh, chocolate with filling — like peanut butter cups or anything with caramel — can typically last for six to nine months. Milk chocolates are generally considered safe to eat for up to 10 months, and dark chocolate can usually keep for approximately two years.

It's a good idea to store these items in a cool, dark space, or they can be kept in the freezer to preserve their quality. Consider tossing chocolate if you notice a change in colour, like a white powder or any markings, or if it looks as though the texture has changed.

Chips, hard candy

Chips can typically last for six months, while hard candies like jelly beans or lollipops can last for a long time so long as they’re in their original wrapping. However, aim to eat hard candies within a year.

What can you do with leftover Halloween candy?

If you have extra Halloween candy that didn’t quite make it to trick-or-treaters or you’re saving some for yourself, check the box for an expiration or manufacturing date. This can help you determine a timeline for consumption.

Still, don’t fret if you find yourself drowning in leftover treats. The shelf life of most candies can easily be extended by throwing them into the freezer; some chocolates, like bars of Snickers, even taste better when frozen.

But if you’re not interested in having a freezer full of candy for the next several months, consider different ways to repurpose your leftovers. For one, try using various candies as ingredients in fun treats and desserts like cookie bars with M&Ms, chocolate pizza or decorated cupcakes.

Keeping those sweet treats for the Christmas and holiday season is a good idea, too. Leftover Halloween candies are great add ons for gingerbread houses, or they can be good fillers for Christmas stockings.

To get all the candy out of your home after Halloween though, consider donating your leftover trick-or-treating haul to your local charity or food bank. You can also bring the snacks to your office, where they’ll easily be scooped up by the end of your work day.

How long do pumpkins last?

Pumpkins are the belle of the Halloween ball. Although an un-carved pumpkin can last for up to 12 weeks, they don’t last long once they’ve been carved. A carved pumpkin typically lasts around three to five days depending on the weather and where they're stored. After a while, they begin to soften and rot, meaning it's important to time your pumpkin carving wisely before Halloween.

How do you make a carved pumpkin last longer?

Time isn’t on your side once your pumpkin is carved. However, there are some things you can do to help your pumpkin stay fresh for a few more days.

Storing your pumpkin in the refrigerator or in a cold, dark place can help slow down decomposition. Since pumpkins are more than 90 per cent water, some have suggested submerging your pumpkin in cold water to help restore it from looking like it’s soft. Others suggest bathing or spraying the inside of your pumpkin with a bleach solution to help kill bacteria that can grow mold.

To bathe your pumpkin in a bleach solution:

In a bucket or tub large enough for your pumpkin, mix one tablespoon of bleach per quart of water (wear gloves!). Submerge your carved pumpkin for two minutes and let it soak in the solution. After two minutes, remove the pumpkin and let it air dry.

Other ways you can keep your pumpkin looking fresh is by putting petroleum jelly or vegetable oil on any cuts or carvings to help it retain moisture. You can also try putting a silica pack in your pumpkin to absorb the moisture.

What do you do with pumpkins after Halloween?

Since un-carved pumpkins can last for anywhere from 10 to 12 weeks, you can keep using your pumpkins as fall decor. Decomposing pumpkins can be put in the compost, but there are other ways you can use your still relatively fresh pumpkins after Halloween:

• Save pumpkin seeds and leave them outside for birds or wildlife (don’t add salt or seasoning).

• The National Wildlife Foundation suggests cutting up pieces of pumpkin and leaving it in your yard for wildlife. Make sure your pumpkins aren’t painted and that you remove the candle.

• Consider donating your pumpkin to local farmers, zoos or animal shelters, all of which can use them as a seasonal treat for animals.

What does a teal pumpkin mean?

Teal pumpkins are part of the Teal Pumpkin Project, a campaign by the Food Allergy Research and Education organization to promote inclusivity for children with food allergies. A painted teal pumpkin on a doorstep means that there are non-food treats available, such as little toys or glow sticks, for kids with food allergies.

The goal of the campaign is to create an opportunity for children with food allergies to participate in trick-or-treating fun without the risk.

According to the Teal Pumpkin Project, Halloween can pose a health risk for people with food allergies. Some miniature candy bars have different ingredients from their full-size counterparts and may not have labels. Having options for children that aren’t food related can create an inclusive environment for people with food allergies, intolerances, diabetes or children with feeding tubes.

If you don’t have time to paint a pumpkin teal, the Teal Pumpkin Project has signs available that you can print and display by your front door.

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