If you manufacture, sell, or store infused products, one question matters more than most: how long do edibles last in the package? Edibles generally stay fresh for 6 to 24+ months in airtight packaging. Shelf life depends on ingredients, moisture content, and storage conditions.

Overview

There are many variables that dictate the shelf life of edibles: the type of product being stored, the ingredients, the level of moisture in the finished product, the storage including temperature, humidity, and the method of packaging.

Edibles are very sensitive to heat, oxygen, humidity, and light. When exposed to these elements, the active ingredients in edibles begin to break down, the taste/texture of the product change, and, ultimately, the product will not last as long. The right packaging is critical to extending the shelf life of edibles, while poor packaging can shorten that shelf life by a multiplicative factor in a matter of months.

Edibles can last 6 to 24+ months or longer when sealed in airtight, high barrier packaging like Mylar bags and stored in a cool, dry place. Actual shelf life depends on moisture levels, ingredients, and storage conditions.

Below outlines the shelf life of edibles by product type and package type to show a complete list of what will ultimately affect the shelf life.

What Factors Affect the Shelf Life of Edibles?

Before going into timelines of shelf lives, understanding how edibles expire helps provide insight into why the shelf life is as it is.

1. Oxygen (O2) Exposure
Oxygen exposure causes oxidation, which chemically will slowly decrease the potency and alter the overall effectiveness of the edible. The longer that O2 is in contact with the active compounds in edibles, the faster they will break down.

2. Moisture
Too much moisture in an edible increases the risk of mold and bacterial contamination to the product. Moisture creates a good environment for both to thrive, particularly for soft/moist breads.

3. Temperature
Higher than normal heat will speed up the rate of chemical breakdown of food products. Even if gummies have been made properly, those stored in temperatures above 70 degrees will lose both potency and texture faster than those stored at lower temperatures.

4. Light
Light, and more specifically UV light, will break down sensitive compounds in edibles, and also cause the printed packaging to fade.

5. Packaging Barrier Strength
The two measurements of oxygen transmission rate and moisture vapor transmission rate of the packaging keep the edible safe from the oxygen/moisture outside the packaging, and when combined will together help extend the shelf life of the packaged edible.

How Long Do Different Types of Edibles Last?

The shelf life of edible products is unpredictable. The shelf life numbers that follow represent barely conservative retail guidelines, but many products will continue to be stable after these timelines, assuming they are produced to the highest of standards, properly tested for stability, and stored in very high-quality barrier packaging like custom mylar bags.

1, Gummies

Labeled Shelf life: 6 to 12 months
Potential stability period: 12 to 18+ months

Because of their low water activity and high sugar content (60% or more), gummies are very shelf stable. When sealed in custom mylar bags using heat seals that block O2, moisture, and light provides a much longer shelf life for gummies in terms of their ability to retain their texture and strength compared to traditional plastic packaging.

The two most important components are consistent cool storage and low moisture levels.

2. Chocolate Based Edibles

Labeled Shelf life: 6 to 12 months
Potential stability period: 12 to 18 months

Chocolate based products do not really spoil; rather they are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. For example, "fat bloom" can affect appearance but does not impact the safety or effectiveness of the product. When packaged in foil lined or metallized custom mylar bags and cooled to below 70°F, chocolate products remain stable longer than what is expected.

The temperature of the product dictates the biggest variable contributing to a product remaining usable.

3. Shelf Stable Bars And Confections

Labeled shelf life: 3 to 9 months
Potential stability range: 9 to 15+ months

Snack food type products composed of low moisture levels and placed in airtight sealable mylar pouches can provide extended stability; however, the amount of oxygen exposure during sealing has a significant effect on the shelf life of the product.

4. Baked Goods

Labeled shelf life: 1 to 2 weeks at room temperature
Potential stability range: Several months depending on packaging

Due to higher moisture content, baked type products are also perishable; however, long term shelf and use can easily be achieved by vacuum sealing the products with oxygen removal and freezing the products.

The reason for the shelf life extension exceeds the expectation placed by consumers.

Most edible brand manufacturers label products with conservative expiration dates as a result of regulations and quality control practices; however, properly formulated products when stored in custom mylar bags will remain safe and shelf stable long after the manufacturer has assigned an expiration date, assuming they are stored:

1. In a cool location
2. In a dry location
3. In sealed packaging
4. In a location that is protected from light

The formulation of the product, water activity level of the product, and the quality of the packaging barrier will affect the shelf life of the product more than a general calendar date.

Do Edibles Lose Their Potency in Packaging?

Yes, but the rate at which products lose their potency will be dependent on how good the quality of the packaging you have is.

While active ingredients will still slowly degrade over time when stored properly, higher barrier, custom Mylar type packaging greatly reduces the amount of oxygen and moisture that can enter the package, further slowing any degradation of potency.

Most manufacturers will provide exp. dates of the product. They generally use stability testing and rate of packaging performance to establish an exp. date. Most manufacturers will have exp dates between 6 and 12 months.

Signs an Edible May Be Expired

Edibles should be checked for: 

- Mold
- An unusual or sour smell
- Texture change
- Too much condensation in the bag
- Color change

If you observe any of these problems in your edible, you should not consume them.

Ideal Conditions for Storing Edibles

To maintain the most time of an edible before it expires in the package:

- Store between 60 and 70°F(15-21°C)
- Keep out of direct overhead sunlight
- Avoid storage in a humid environment
- After the package is opened, seal it very tightly to protect the edible

Even the best quality packaging is insufficient protection when the edibles are exposed to extreme storage conditions.

How Custom Mylar Bags for Edibles Extend Shelf Life

The type of packaging you choose often determines how long edibles will maintain their freshness. Custom Mylar bags are the best option for maintaining the integrity of edibles during long-term storage, as well as providing retail stability.

Why Mylar Works

Most Mylar bags have several different layers of polyethylene and will often contain some combination of a foiled and non-foiled layer.

This unique combination helps to ensure that Custom Mylar bags have:

• Adequate barrier protection from oxygen
• Minimal humidity transfer
• No exposure to light
• Compatible with heat seals
• Extended freshness retention

By providing a strong oxygen barrier and low moisture transfer rate, Custom Mylar bags for edibles significantly reduce the oxidization and moisture uptake rate of edibles which leads to the major causes of degradation of food products.

View custom mylar bags for edibles.

Additional Benefits of Mylar Edible Packaging

Mylar bags provide advantages for brands in addition to extending the shelf life of edible products, including:

1. Resealable Zippers for Convenience
2. Child Resistant Features for Compliance
3. Tamper Proof Seals
4. Custom Printed Graphics
5. Light Blocking
6. Durable Construction (Shipping and Retail Display)

For companies that manufacture edible products, packaging is about more than just appearance; it is also about increasing the safety and longevity of the product to the consumer.

The thickness of the bag also plays a major role in oxygen and moisture protection. If you are unsure what thickness is ideal, read our guide on How Thick Should Mylar Bags Be for Food Storage?

"The shelf life of packaged foods is influenced by both formulation and packaging barrier properties. Oxygen transmission rate, moisture vapor transmission rate, and light exposure all play critical roles. Properly engineered flexible packaging can significantly extend product stability when matched to the product’s sensitivity." - Dr. Kit L. Yam, Food Packaging Specialist

So, How Long Do Edibles Last in Packaging?

Most edibles last 6 to 24+ months in sealed, high barrier packaging when stored in a cool, dry place. Baked goods typically last only 1 to 2 weeks at room temperature unless frozen.

The quality of the packaging is the best indicator of how long the edible will remain in the package before expiring. Edibles packaged in high barrier, airtight, and light-proof custom Mylar type material will give the longest shelf life; maintain product potency longer; and ensure continued quality of product from the moment of manufacture to its use by consumers.