Quick Answer
Lollipops can expire for a few different reasons. The main factors that can cause lollipops to go bad are temperature, humidity, and exposure to air. Lollipops containing dairy ingredients like milk or cream can also spoil after a shorter period. With proper storage, though, most lollipops can last 12-24 months at room temperature. Keeping lollipops in a cool, dry place can extend their shelf life even longer. Some signs that a lollipop may be expired include changes in texture, flavor, or aroma. Mold growth is also an obvious indicator that a lollipop has spoiled.
How Long Do Lollipops Last?
The shelf life of lollipops depends on a variety of factors:
Ingredients
Lollipops made with dairy products like milk or cream tend to have a shorter shelf life. The proteins and fat in dairy can go rancid over time. Plain sugar lollipops keep longer.
Temperature
Heat can melt lollipops or speed up chemical changes in the candy. Storing lollipops around or above room temperature shortens their shelf life. Refrigeration can extend it.
Humidity
Exposure to moisture causes hard candy like lollipops to lose their crunch. They may become sticky or start to dissolve. Proper storage in an airtight container protects against humidity.
Air Exposure
Oxygen in the air interacts with ingredients in the lollipop over time, leading to staleness. Vacuum sealing or opaque wrapping prevents air exposure.
Preservatives
Some lollipops contain preservatives that enhance their shelf life. Common preservatives used in candies include sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and phosphoric acid.
How to Tell if Lollipops Are Bad
Here are some signs that indicate your lollipops have gone bad:
– Change in texture – Lollipops may harden, soften, become sticky, or develop a powdery coating if old.
– Color change – Bright colors may fade or dull over time.
– Flavor change – Lollipops lose their sweetness and start to taste bland or stale.
– Off odors – Rancid, musty, or moldy smells mean lollipops are spoiled.
– White spots – Sugar bloom is harmless but indicates improper storage.
– Mold growth – Fuzzy or discolored spots signal lollipops have spoiled.
– Insects – Bugs inside packaging are a clear warning sign.
How to Store Lollipops
You can maximize the shelf life of lollipops by storing them properly:
– Keep in a cool, dry place around 60-75°F. Avoid temperature extremes.
– Store in an airtight glass, plastic, or metal container. This prevents air exposure and humidity.
– Wrap individually in plastic wrap or wax paper if not pre-packaged.
– Avoid direct sunlight which can melt candy or fade colors.
– Refrigeration can extend shelf life but may impart a refrigerator taste.
– Freeze for long term storage up to one year. Allow to thaw completely before eating.
– Discard any lollipops that show signs of damage or expiration.
Do Lollipops Expire? Examples by Brand
Dum Dums
Dum Dums lollipops have a shelf life of 2 years from the production date if stored properly. The date stamp on the Dum Dums packaging indicates the production date, not the expiration date. After opening an individual Dum Dums wrapper, the pops are best consumed within a few days.
Tootsie Pops
Unopened Tootsie Pops last around 18-24 months at room temperature. The Tootsie Roll center may harden over time. Opened Tootsie Pops have a shorter shelf life of just a few months due to air exposure.
Charms Blow Pops
Blow Pops have a shelf life of 5-6 months. The gum center has a shorter expiration date than the hard candy shell. Blow Pops tend to get sticky, hard, or stale quite quickly after being opened.
Jolly Ranchers
Jolly Rancher lollipops can last 12-24 months sealed in their original packaging. Once unwrapped, the shelf life decreases to just a couple months. The candy becomes stiff and loses flavor over time.
Life Savers
Sealed, Life Saver lollipops typically stay fresh for about 1 year at room temperature. Opened lollipops expire quicker within 3-6 months. Humidity causes them to soften and stick together.
Ring Pops
Ring Pops have a shelf life of 5-6 months in the wrapper. The lollipop rings harden over time. Opened, Ring Pops last only a month or two before becoming brittle. Refrigeration can extend their shelf life.
Lollipop Guild
The Lollipop Guild brand lollipops made by Candy Favorites have a 2 year shelf life unopened. Their organic fruit and cream flavored pops have a shorter 1 year expiration. Opened lollipops are best eaten within a few weeks.
Can Expired Lollipops Make You Sick?
Eating an expired lollipop is unlikely to cause serious illness in most cases. However, the texture and taste will be compromised. Mold growth would be the biggest concern with spoiled lollipops. Some potential risks include:
– Upset stomach – Rancid fats or flavors may cause nausea or diarrhea.
– Allergic reaction – Oxidation can change proteins causing allergies.
– Mold exposure – Eating moldy candy could trigger respiratory issues.
– Contamination – Bacteria growth is possible if moisture is present.
While not necessarily dangerous, expired candy is certainly not as delicious or satisfying. When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard old lollipops rather than eating them. With proper storage, keeping uneaten pops fresh for future enjoyment is easy to accomplish.
Conclusion
Most lollipops have a shelf life of at least 12 months when stored properly in cool, dry conditions. Dairy-based and organic lollipops tend to expire faster. Exposure to heat, humidity, and air can accelerate the decline in texture and flavor. While not necessarily hazardous, eating an expired lollipop provides a less than optimal experience. Checking for signs of mold, moisture damage, or staleness allows you to determine if your lollipops are still good. With a few simple storage precautions, lollipop lovers can keep their stash of sweets tasting great long beyond the expiration date on the package.