Do Edibles Expire? How to Know if Edible Gummies Went Bad

October 31, 2024

Do Edibles and Gummies Expire?

Home Blog Do Edibles and Gummies Expire?

Maybe you've just found a package of gummies in the back of your drawer or a homemade edible hidden in your pantry. Your first thought is “Yes! What an unexpected treat!”

But your second thought is probably, “Wait. Do edible gummies expire?”

Gummies and edibles can—and do—go bad. In most cases, the risks aren’t as serious as you might have assumed, but before you dive into that expired treat, let’s review the basics. Here is everything you’ve ever wanted to know about what happens if you eat expired edibles, how long edibles are safe to eat, and how to keep your infused goodies fresh as long as possible.

Factors Affecting Edibles' Shelf Life

basket on shelf containing delta-9 thc infused edibles

How long do edible gummies take to expire? Just like everyday foods expire at different rates, so will different cannabis products and edibles, depending on how they are stored, what ingredients they contain, and how they were made.

Storage Conditions

There are a thousand and one types of edibles on the market these days, which means more than one recommendation for storage. For example, optimal conditions for a packet of Delta-9 Live Rosin Gummies will look much different than a pint of infused ice cream.

With so much diversity, you’ll want to check the original packaging for proper storage instructions. If you can’t find any specific information, it's safe to assume that most shelf-stable products, like gummies or candies, stay freshest when kept in the original packaging.

High heat, high humidity, and direct light are enemies of freshness. Not to mention, they make the ideal environment for microbes and pathogens. If you want your edibles to stay fresh, keep them in a cool, dark, and dry location for the best results.

Ingredients and Type of Edible

The type of edible also has a direct impact on its lifespan. Generally speaking, gummies and candies will last longer than baked store-bought items (like our Fudgy Delta-9 Brownies), but both types will last longer than homemade goods.

These differences largely boil down to the ingredients. Dairy and eggs, for example, have a shorter lifespan than the usual ingredients in a gummy (sugar and pectin). Purchased edibles may also contain preservatives to help increase shelf-life.

Although many people cringe about these additional ingredients, not all preservatives are bad. In fact, natural preservatives have a long history as part of safe food manufacturing processes.

Manufacturing Process

Speaking of the manufacturing process, this also plays a role in when edibles expire. While this looks different depending on what brand of edibles you get, at Hometown Hero, it means restaurant-grade equipment, Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP), and full-panel testing.

Whether it's our Delta-8 Gummies, THC Taffy, or anything else on our menu, you know it has come from a facility following the highest safety and quality standards.

Signs of Expired Edibles

If you picked up an apple only to discover it had a brown, mushy patch, chances are you wouldn’t eat it. The same goes for edibles.

Many common-sense principles you’d apply to regular food also apply to edibles and gummies. Here are a few simple ways to tell if your edible or gummy has expired.

Changes in Appearance

As you pull the infused goodie from its package, what do you see? Does it look like it did when you first bought it? Specifically, look at the color, shape, and texture.

Older products may significantly change color or texture, especially if left out in the open air. Gummies, in particular, may feel sticky or lose their shape, and chocolates may turn white as the fat solids separate in something called a fat bloom.

These changes in appearance can be unappealing but aren't necessarily dangerous. Still, you might want to think twice before diving in, as you’ll likely have a much better overall experience with a new, fresher edible.

Mold or Mildew

One of the most noticeable signs of spoilage you’ll encounter is mold or mildew. This might look like fuzzy mold patches or a scattering of spots across the surface. Mold and mildew come in a rainbow of colors, including white, black, pink, green, and gray.

Another way to inspect for mold and mildew is by smell, as they produce a telltale aroma of mustiness that is not just noticeable but unappetizing.

Even if the fuzzy spots are only on one corner of the product, mold is microscopic and has likely spread throughout. In this case, it's time to throw the edibles in the trash, as mold and mildew are unsafe to ingest.

Loss of Potency

The last sign of an expired edible is a loss of potency. Cannabinoids, and most notably THC, degrade with exposure to oxygen, light, and heat. Even for unopened packages, time is also the enemy of THC content.

Suppose you’ve inspected the edible for the visual signs of degradation and decided to eat it anyway. In that case, you still may be disappointed with the lack of effects.

Tips for Storing Edibles

best before date/expiration date printed on packaging

Edibles are best enjoyed fresh, and the number one tip for getting the most out of your chocolate bar, candy, or gummy is to follow the manufacturer's instructions on storage. But, when in doubt, here are a few more tips for keeping your infused goodies from going bad for longer.

Labeling

Before buying edibles, always check for an expiration date. Although legislation on best-before dates varies by state, not all products may have one (although all Hometown Hero products feature an expiration date). Either way, if you save your stash for later, mark the purchase and expected expiration dates to help you keep track.

Freezing & Refrigeration

Room temperature isn’t always the best environment for long-term storage. Instead, freeze edibles in airtight containers to preserve freshness—some can last up to a year this way.

If freezing is overkill, refrigerating perishable edibles like gummies, baked goods, and chocolates will also extend their shelf life, just not as long. Always use airtight containers to maintain quality and prevent odors from mixing.

Avoid Heat, Light, and Oxygen

Most importantly, to maintain the potency and freshness of your infused edibles, store them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and exposure to air. Heat and light will degrade cannabinoids, while oxygen can lead to staleness and loss of flavor. Airtight, opaque containers are ideal to protect your edibles from the elements.

What Happens if You Eat Expired Edibles?

Chances are, if you eat an expired edible, things won’t look too good. Besides the typical problems with eating expired food, you’ll also experience less potency. Even in the best storage conditions, cannabinoids eventually degrade.

For example, if you are wondering, “Do THC gummies expire?” technically, even under the best storage conditions, THC naturally degrades into CBN. That means your formerly THC-rich edible won’t be nearly as potent as it once was.

Another issue you may encounter is a gradual degradation of flavor and texture. Like any other food, over time, it just won’t be as fresh and appetizing as it used to be.

The only time eating an expired edible will have more severe effects is if the edible has actually spoiled. It would be like eating a sandwich with mold spots or a piece of fruit that has started to rot. You may even experience temporary digestive issues.

Simply put, when in doubt, throw it out.

How Long Are Edibles Good For? It's Not That Simple.

So, how long are edibles good for? The short answer is: It depends. Ingredients, manufacturing processes, and the storage environment all affect how long an edible lasts.

The good news is that, under most circumstances, expired edibles are not dangerous. Sure, they may lose potency or develop an unpleasant texture, but they won’t make you sick. However, when edibles really do go bad with visible signs of spoilage, it's time to throw them out. Check for noticeable spots of mold and mildew and that telltale unpleasant smell.

So, before you dive into that pack of gummies from who-knows-how-long ago, do yourself a favor and look it over first. And the next time you save an edible for later, you’ll know how to store it safely.

Until next time, double-check your old edibles and Mind Your Mind.

FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.