Does Almond Bark Go Bad? Answered (2023 Updated)

Last Updated on March 6, 2023 by Lori Walker

Almond bark is the best substitute for chocolate if you have no patience for melting chocolate. In fact, you can melt it without tempering and continuous stirring.

However, a brick of almond bark is too much to use in one go. Can it be stored? Should it be consumed once opened? Does almond bark go bad? Read on to learn what our team found out.

Does Almond Bark Expire?

Like any other food product, almond bark expires. The question is, how can you tell if it’s already expired and unsafe for consumption? 

There are various factors to look at, including discoloration and bloom. 

“Fat bloom occurs when fats float to the top. It happens when the chocolate is stored at high temperature for several months.”

– Shirley O. Corriher, American Biochemist & Author

The good news is you can extend the shelf life of your almond bark simply by keeping it at the proper room temperature or storing it in the fridge for a certain number of days. 

How To Tell If It Has Gone Bad

Discoloration

Similar to any food, the discoloration of almond bark is a sign of expiration. 

If the almond bark turns gray or tan, expect its flavor to be different. This signifies that it has gone bad and is unsafe to eat. 

Find out how you can tell if your sourdough starter is dead here.

It Has Bloom

Another evident sign that it has gone bad is when it becomes unsatisfying in the eyes or when the almond bark has bloomed on the surface. [1]

This happens when the bark goes from a smooth to a sandy or bubbly-like texture.

Almond Bark Shelf Life

Room Temperature

Stored almond bark at room temperature has a shelf life of 5 days. Store it properly and keep it in a container or plastic wrap to prevent air from getting in and out. 

Refrigerated 

Refrigerated and, at the same time, well-packed almond barks can last for 2 to 3 weeks. However, it is recommended to use it within 2 weeks before it starts to change in texture.

Frozen

Almond bark lasts for about 6 months in the freezer. However, before freezing almond bark, make sure to crack it into pieces, as it won’t be easy to break once it’s frozen. 

How Long Can An Almond Bark Stay Fresh?

An unopened almond bark could last a year or beyond its expiration date if stored properly.

The freshness of almond bark depends on how it is stored. If you keep it well, it can last longer until you’re ready to use it. 

Meanwhile, opened almond bark should be put inside a sealed container or wrapped tightly and sometimes, even frozen, to keep it fresh for at least a year [2].

But how long will almond extract stay fresh?

How Long Can You Keep An Almond Bark In The Fridge?

Almond bark can be kept in the fridge for up to a year, provided it is stored properly.

Use an airtight container, tightly wrap it with plastic wrap, or seal it using a Ziploc bag to prevent it from getting contaminated or exposed to bacteria and other food in the fridge.

Is It OK To Consume Expired Almond Bark?

Expired almond bark can be eaten if it is stored properly. However, expect its taste and appearance to be far different from unexpired ones.

To be safe and for health reasons, it is better to avoid consuming expired food (yes, that includes almond bark).

How To Properly Store Almond Bark

Properly storing almond bark includes placing it in an airtight container and wrapping it tightly to prevent bacteria from growing or other food in the fridge from contaminating it.

Whether in a container or plastic wrap, almond bark should be kept in a dry place and away from sunlight – it is best to store it inside the refrigerator. 

That way, it won’t develop bloom as long as the almond bark is not placed somewhere hot before refrigerating. 

Also Read: What Function Does Flour Serve In Cookies?

FAQs

Let’s Sum It Up

An almond bark goes bad if it is not properly stored and kept. Turning gray or tan is a sign of a bad almond bark. 

A year-old almond bark is still considered fresh if it is frozen and properly stored, but it is recommended to consume an opened almond bark within 2 weeks.

When storing almond bark, wrap it tightly using cling wrap and store it in a sealed container. 

References:

1. https://www.bonappetit.com/story/what-is-chocolate-bloom
2. https://extension.usu.edu/news_sections/home_family_and_food/foodstorage