If you are fruit snacks lover, chances are the question “Do Fruit Snacks Expire?” has crossed your mind. Well, you’re not alone. In fact, we have encountered this question numerous times. That’s why today we’ve decided to answer it.
Most people love the bursting flavors and heavenly tastes delivered by fruit snacks. But you will be surprised to know that only a few people look at the product expiry date before eating. Most individuals only get concerned when the taste and smell of the nibble change. Some might not even notice the changes.
That said, its important to check the expiry date of any consumable before gulping it. This way, you can prevent cases of food poisoning. But worry not! Expired fruits snacks cause no food poisoning. They will just leave a funny taste in your mouth.
In this comprehensive guide will answer the question “Do Fruit Snacks Expire?” and address any other concerns you might have. Let’s begin.
Do Fruit Snacks Go Bad?
YES! Fruits snacks expire, just like most edible products. But keep in mind, most fruit snacks lack an expiration date. Instead, they have a “best before” or “best by” date printed on the packaging.
These dates refer to fruit snacks’ quality, meaning they don’t necessarily spoil after the “best before” date. You can still enjoy the nibbles flavors past the date. That’s true, especially if you store the product properly.
Unopened fruit snacks can last between three months to one year. Once opened, they last 5 to 7 days if kept in the right conditions. Otherwise, you will notice signs of spoilage. For example, they will harden, and their taste, smell, and flavors will change.
After opening the package, ensure you finish the entire contents to avoid wastage. And if you find expired fruit snacks in your freezer. We recommend you throw them away.
How Long Do Fruit Snacks Last?
Fruit snacks stored in the right conditions can last a year after production, as long as the package remains sealed. The tight seal prevents moisture exposure, meaning the snacks stay fresh and dry throughout. Exposure to moistures and other conditions causes mold development.
When shopping for fruit snacks, pick those not exposed to direct sunlight. At home, store them in a cold and dry place, like the fridge. Maximize your fruit snacks shelf life by storing them in an environment with stable conditions.
Can You Eat Expired Fruit Snacks?
Most individuals fear they might get food poisoning from eating expired fruit snacks. But that’s not necessarily the case! Research suggest that consuming expired fruit snacks comes with no setbacks.
You only get food poisoning if the snacks contain harmful bacteria like listeria or Salmonella. But these bacteria don’t just develop after the expiry date unless the fruit snacks had the bacteria before you purchased them.
Although people dislike eating expired snacks, you will be surprised that most rarely check the product expiry date. They only notice the package has expired once they’ve consumed everything.
Fruit snacks contain elevated sugar levels and sometimes preservatives, which prevent bacteria development. Since sugar is hygroscopic (absorbs water through osmosis), it will dehydrate and kill bacteria on the fruit snacks’ surface. That explains why it is rare to get sick from eating expired treats.
Fruit snacks usually come with a grace period of approximately 3 months after the best before date. However, you will note changes in the texture and flavor of the snacks after the expiration date.
Though it’s safe to consume fruit snacks past the expiry date, be wary of snacks with molds. If you discover molds on the snacks, toss the whole batch away. Do the same if you are in doubt as well.
If the snacks show no sign of molds, but you’re not sure whether you should eat them, err on the side of caution. The general of thumb is when in doubt, toss it away. Discard candies, fruit snacks, or packaged food that smell and look different.
How to Tell if the Fruit Snacks Are Expired?
It’s heartbreaking to enter a supermarket or retail store to buy fruit snacks for a trip or vacation, only to notice they’re expired. But unfortunately, most people often find themselves in this situation. That’s why it’s imperative to identify the sign of expired fruit snacks.
First, you need to inspect the fruit snacks themselves. Focus not only on the expiry dates but also on the state of the package. Poorly handled or stored snacks can go bad even before the expiry date. Some packages might even contain leaks that allow air inside, resulting in mold development.
Another way is to conduct a visual exam. Check for molds, especially if the package has a lick. Toxins from molds can be life-threatening. Molds also trigger the production of bacteria. Exposure to these bacteria can trigger inflammation. It can also lead to kidney damage. So be wary of molds in fruit snacks.
If there are no signs of molds, taste the snacks. Good nibbles should not taste funny or stick together. If the taste is off, stop eating, and throw the snacks. Expired fruit snacks can also feel soft, weightless, and soggy. If that’s the case, check the expiry date for confirmation, then toss them away. Additionally, discard them if they have a rancid or weird smell.
Expired snacks also take a different appearance. If they have molds, they will appear faded. Sometimes, they might not have molds but still look discolored. In that case, toss them away.
How Can You Preserve Fruits Snacks?
It’s now clear that fruit snacks can expire. However, there are several steps you can take to preserve them and extend their shelf life. Below, we’ve highlighted five ways to store your fruit snacks to enjoy peak quality and flavors.
- Buy fruit snacks stored in a cool and dry place. Avoid those exposed to direct sunlight or heat. Also, avoid fruits snacks with a tempered package.
- Always check the “best by”, “best before” or “expiry” dates. Also, check for any leaks before purchasing them.
- Once you open the packet and have grabbed enough fruit snacks, transfer the rest in a clean, dry container. Seal the container to prevent moisture exposure. Alternatively, you can put your nibbles in a plastic bag with a zipper and keep them in a freezer.
- Always finish the open pack, and never leave the container lid open for an extended period.
- Store your treats at room temperature in a cool and dry place. Varying temperature or humidity reduces the snack’s shell life.
It’s safe to store your nibbles in the fridge or cold freezer, as long as they’re in an air-tight container or plastic bag. But remember, storing them in the freezer for an extended period can also tamper with the quality of the snacks.
Do Welch’s and Mott’s Fruit Snacks Go Bad?
This is a common question from Welch’s fruit snacks fans. However, the answer is quite the same. Like all other fruits snacks in the market, Welch’s nibbles expire after a certain period. However, their sugary nature extends their shell life. And if handled and stored properly; free from moisture and direct heat or sunlight. They can last for approximately one year after production.
Welch’s fruit snacks can also remain good for three months after expiry. Even though you can consume them, remember they might develop an off-flavor or become stale. Also, their nutritional value will degrade over time.
Like Welch’s fruit snacks, Mott’s nibbles are among the top-selling snacks in the market. They last up to 12 months after production. Obviously, that’s if they remain stored in a cool and dry place. Once opened, Mott’s fruit snacks can last between 5 and 7 days before they go bad. All you need is to store them in a freezer, and they will remain fresh until the next time you want to eat them. Another thing, you will enjoy a frozen snack.
How to Read Expiry Code on Welch’s Fruit Snack Package
Welch’s fruit snacks are among the best nibbles on the market. The manufacturer uses lot codes to display the manufacturing date. However, some people don’t know how to read lot codes. Luckily, it’s not that hard.
The lot code might be on the top or bottom side of the package. The code comprises the production date. Most times, it starts with a letter, followed by several numbers, then letters again.
The first numbers represent the production year. For instance, if the number is 21, the product got manufactured in 2021. The letters represent the production month. For example, the letter “A” stands for January, “B” for February, “C” for March, and so on. However, note that the letter “X” represents September and not “I”.
The last numbers show product production and packaging date. For example, you might buy a product with this lot code; PN21X1222. This shows that the product was delivered on the 12th of September 2021.
If you can’t find an expiration date on the fruit snacks package, look for the lot code at the top or bottom of the package. Once you have found it, check the manufacturing date of the snacks, then add 12 months. By doing so, you can determine the time left before your treats expire. This method can also help you, especially when you are planning to purchase a week’s or months’ worth of products.
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Conclusion
Like most consumables, fruit snacks expire too. But don’t worry, you won’t get food poisoning from consuming expired nibbles. As a fact, you can eat fruit snacks 3 months after their expiry date, and nothing will happen to you. However, this only applies to properly stored, unopened treats. If you’ve opened a fruit snacks package, the nibbles can stay good for only five days. Past that, toss them away for your safety.
Besides that, always check the “best before” date of fruits before purchasing them. Avoid products with leaks or looks bulged. And if you open the package and see molds, chances are the fruit snacks have gone bad. So, toss them away. The same goes for snacks that taste weird, look soft & soggy, and have a weird smell.
That brings us to the end of our guide. We hope this piece has answered your question “Do Fruit Snack Expire”. Also, we hope now you can identify expired fruit snacks, preserve your nibbles better, and read lot codes on packages.
Thank you for reading our piece, and best of luck!
FAQs
Which Is the Best Place to Buy Welch’s Fruit Snacks?
Welch’s fruit snack is a delicious treat sold by several retailers nationwide. Visit Amazon, Walmart, Costco, Target, among others, and buy these mouth-watering snacks. In addition, look for snacks in your nearest supermarkets, convenience stores, and big-box stores.
Are Fruit Snacks Healthy?
There are two types of fruit snacks in the market: Natural fruit snacks and artificial fruit snacks.
Manufacturers make natural fruit snacks from fresh fruits juice and use organic flavors. These fruit snacks contain no synthetic dyes, harmful chemicals, gelatin, or fat. Not only are these treats delicious, but they also come with Vitamin A, C, and E.
However, the same cannot be said for artificial fruit snacks. Besides the high sugar levels, they contain gelatin, fat, and preservatives, which might prove dangerous to your health.
Are There Any Special Ingredients in Fruit Snacks?
This depends on various manufacturers. A significant percentage of fruit snacks contain artificial colors, added sugar, artificial flavors, and modified cornstarch. Fruit snacks have similar ingredients to candy, such as gummy bears.
Are Homemade Fruit Snacks Better Than Manufactured Ones?
Healthwise, homemade fruits snacks are more nutritious as compared to manufactured ones. But in terms of preservation and expiry, manufactured one lasts longer than the former. So typically, some people may prefer manufactured ones more.