Do the marshmallows go bad?

It can be hard to resist the marshmallows on sale at the store, and if you find a great bargain and suddenly realize you have more marshmallows than you can eat in an acceptable amount of time, you may be wondering:

Do the marshmallows go bad?

Yes, the marshmallows go bad. However, they can last between 1 and 6 months after their best before date, if stored properly. Use proper storage practices to ensure your marshmallows stay fresh, and keep an eye on the expiration date.

So whether it’s your first package of marshmallows or you have an overstock in the pantry, here’s everything you need to know about whether marshmallows go bad, how to store them, and everything in between.

How long do marshmallows last?

The duration of the marshmallows will depend on the brand of the marshmallows. Some marshmallows keep for 1-2 months, and others can last up to 6 months past their expiration date.

An unopened package of marshmallows will last longer than a bag that has been opened. Once the bag of marshmallows is opened, you should strive to eat them within a week.

Most growers say it’s best to eat the marshmallows within 3 days of opening.

This doesn’t mean the marshmallows will go bad as quickly, but they will harden and not taste as good as they should.

If you know you won’t finish the marshmallows within this time frame, follow proper storage methods or even place the marshmallows in the freezer. This will greatly extend its useful life.

Although it varies, you can enjoy your marshmallows about 1 month after the best before date. Just be sure to check if the marshmallows are going bad before you take a bite.

Do marshmallows expire?

Marshmallows do expire, although they take a long time to go bad. Each packet of marshmallows has an expiration date indicated on the packaging.

This is more of a guide to when the marshmallows will be at their best, not necessarily when they will go bad.

After this expiration date, the marshmallows can begin to lose their light and fluffy texture, and become hard and lose their flavor. However, they should still be safe to eat.

You’ll need to check for any signs that the marshmallows have gone bad, to be on the safe side.

If left for a long time, there is a chance that the marshmallows will expire and go bad. Although they can be preserved, they don’t last a lifetime, and marshmallows that are past their expiration date are best discarded.

Marshmallows can be eaten for about a month after the best before or expiration date, if left unopened. For opened marshmallows, it is best to consume them within a week of their best before or expiration date.

How to Store Marshmallows to Keep Them Fresh

Marshmallows are now made slightly differently than they were originally made. Today, marshmallows are made with a formula that includes gelatin, water, and sugar. Marshmallows have a fairly high water content, but can be kept in a cool, dark environment.

You don’t need to store the marshmallows in the fridge, even if the package is open. You do need to make sure the marshmallows stay just below room temperature, so a pantry cabinet is a good option.

If you live in a warm climate and the temperatures are quite high, then it may be worth keeping the marshmallows stored in the fridge, just to make sure they don’t melt and create a big mess.

unopened bags

For unopened bags of marshmallows, you can put them in the cupboard and leave them as they are. You just have to make sure that there are no breaks or openings in the container.

For added safety, you can place the unopened package of marshmallows in a plastic bag for added protection.

open bags

Once you’ve opened the bag of marshmallows, you’ll need to find a way to keep them sealed.

You can place a bag sealer in the open part of the package and close it, or you can pour the marshmallows into a large freezer bag or plastic container.

It is very important to store the marshmallows in an airtight container or container to keep them fresh. If you put the marshmallows in a plastic freezer bag, squeeze out any air, or the marshmallows will start to harden.

Marshmallows pick up odors from the food around them quite easily, so make sure the container you store them in is strong enough to prevent the marshmallows from picking up aromas and odors that can ruin their flavor.

If you want to keep the marshmallows in the fridge, store them in an airtight container.

Proper storage of marshmallows will keep them in their best condition for longer, and will ensure they taste wonderfully fresh when it’s time to enjoy them. Dark, cool environments are ideal for storing marshmallows.

Can marshmallows be stored in the freezer?

You might not guess it at first, but marshmallows and marshmallow fluff keep very well in the freezer . You don’t often hear about people freezing their marshmallows, but that’s because there isn’t much of a need to.

However, if you have a fairly large supply of marshmallows, you may want to store some in the freezer.

Unopened

For unopened packets of marshmallows, you can pop them in the freezer as is. No other preparation is required.

If you’re a little nervous about doing this, you can wrap the package in plastic wrap or put it in a plastic freezer bag.

Open

To freeze opened bags of marshmallows, you need to transfer them to a suitable freezer container.

It’s easy to use a plastic freezer bag, as you can squeeze out any excess air, close it tightly, and label it with the name of the contents and the date of freezing. Plastic freezer bags can also be placed flat in the freezer to save space.

You can also place the marshmallows in a plastic freezer container. These offer a little more protection to the marshmallows and are reusable.

Try not to pack the marshmallows too far into the container of your choice. It’s also a good idea to freeze them on a tray first so that when you pour them into the freezer container, they don’t stick together.

This way, you can take out a few at a time without having to defrost them all.

defrost marshmallows

Defrosting marshmallows is pretty easy. As with most foods, it’s safest to thaw marshmallows in the fridge overnight or for a few hours.

This keeps them at a safe temperature and ensures they thaw slowly and evenly, preserving their quality.

Once thawed, you may have slightly sticky marshmallows. If this happens, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar or cornstarch on them. Shake them to distribute the powder and this should break up the stickiness.

After leaving them in the fridge overnight or a few hours, your marshmallows will be ready to use and eat.

How do you know if the marshmallows have gone bad?

When you open a bag of marshmallows, you smell a powdery sweet aroma, and when you take a bite, the marshmallows are sugary and sweet.

If you open a bag of marshmallows and are not met with this smell, or a bite of the marshmallow doesn’t give you that satisfying sugary taste you crave, it may be a sign that your marshmallows have gone bad, or are starting to go bad.

Marshmallows can also lose their flavor and odor if they are kept in a damp or wet environment. It is better to throw them away. You can always grab a new batch when you visit the store again.

If stored in warmer environments, the marshmallows may also melt slightly and stick together in a heap. It can be quite difficult to separate them and this leads to quite a mess.

However, this does not necessarily mean that the marshmallows have gone bad.

Extra gummy marshmallows are another sign that they have gone bad, or that they have been kept in improper storage conditions. If a marshmallow takes forever to chew, throw the whole package away.

Sweet and sugary marshmallows are like a beacon for ants and other insects. Make sure that the marshmallows are well stored so that no insects can enter to snack.

If you notice that there are small holes in the container, it’s very likely that bugs or ants have found a way into the marshmallows. It is best to throw away a package of marshmallows that has been bitten by bugs.

Proper storage of marshmallows really helps extend their shelf life and ensure they stay deliciously fresh.

Related questions:

What are marshmallows made of?

Little marshmallows, marshmallows are actually quite easy to make. They are made by mixing sugar, gelatin and water. Air is forced into the sugar, giving marshmallows their light, fluffy texture and super-sweet taste.

The sugar and gelatin are dissolved in water, and then intensely whipped to incorporate air into the mixture, and after a short shaping process, you have your marshmallows.

There are two different types of marshmallows: American-style and European-style. European marshmallows have a denser consistency and deeper flavor.

However, many people prefer the light, fluffy and sweet American marshmallows.

Marshmallows are great to make at home, and the ones you make at home can even be a mix of European and American marshmallows, so you won’t have to choose your favorite.

Does Marshmallow Fluff expire?

Marshmallow Fluff is a delicious derivative of traditionally served marshmallows and is a very popular pantry item in many homes.

You can use it to make some delicious desserts or just eat it with a spoon when you need a little treat.

Unopened marshmallow fluff can last up to 8 months if stored in the pantry, in a cool, dark environment. Once again, you will need to check the best before or expiration date on the packaging and work with that as well.

Once opened, the marshmallow fluff can last 2-4 months. You can store the marshmallow fluff in the fridge or freeze it to extend its shelf life and maintain its best quality for longer.

Again, look for any signs of spoilage before eating a dollop of marshmallow fluff that has been sitting in the cupboard too long, or is past its expiration date.

If the marshmallow mousse smells bad, looks different, or tastes strange, you should throw the jar away and go to the store to buy a new jar.

Can I use old marshmallows?

It is better not to use old marshmallows. Not only will they not have the same flavor or texture, but they may not melt as well either, which is not ideal for making s’mores and desserts.

The marshmallows will melt into one giant mass instead of a smooth, sticky melt.

How can I fix marshmallows that have stuck together?

If your marshmallows have been in warmer temperatures and have started to stick together, you can save them.

To do this, pour a little powdered sugar or cornstarch over the marshmallows. Close the bag and shake it until the powdered sugar or cornstarch has evenly coated the marshmallows.

This will keep the marshmallows from sticking together and you will be able to eat them without being too sticky.

Are marshmallows suitable for the diet?

Marshmallows are high in sugar, and one or two marshmallows a day can be fine, but more and you’ll be consuming a lot of sugar.

Foods like marshmallows are also low in nutrition, so aside from giving you a sugar boost and satisfying your sweet tooth, they don’t do you any good.