The Facts

• While only limited data on the expiration of chocolate and chocolate chips is available, chocolate will indeed pass its prime. Whether or not chocolate chips actually expire is debatable. Chocolate confection companies may or may not place expiration dates on their chocolate. Companies that do place expiration dates or codes on their labels are conscientious of quality control, and possible punitive litigation. The key to chocolate chips, like any other food, is freshness. Chocolate can stale or "bloom" after time. While staleness is the result of time, blooming can occur under adverse conditions. Blooming is the separation of cocoa butter from the chocolate; it is rarely a symptom of age, and is often caused by environmental elements and storage conditions. Temperature changes can cause the cocoa butter to separate from the chocolate and leave a milky white discoloration on the surface of the chocolate--which is often mistaken for mold. Because chocolate has a low water content, it is almost virtually impossible to mold unless exposed to moisture. Chocolate that does not contain milk by-products has a longer shelf life than chocolate that does. Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips are best if used after 18 to 24 months from the date of purchase. Milk chocolate chips have a shorter shelf life because. However, many of these chocolates are made with powdered milk and not actual milk. For the best answer to the conundrum of chocolate chip storage, use semi-sweet or bittersweet chips within 18 months of purchase, and milk chocolate chips within a year of purchase.
  
  

The Legends

• There are many horror stories about finding worms or mold on chocolate-based products, but chocolate chips don't seem to be included in the accusations. Most often, these stories of worms and pests, or bacterial mold, are contributed to other ingredients mixed in with the chocolate, or moisture getting to the product.
  
  

Storage

• Some suggest freezing or refrigerating chocolate chips for a longer shelf life. Others recommend against it. For best results, store you chocolate chips in a cool, dry place that's between 60 and 68 degrees F. The refrigerator and freezer will increase the shelf life of chocolate chips, but may also introduce crystal ice formations or moisture to the chocolate if not sealed properly; the cold may also compromise the taste of the chocolate.