Chocolate covered pretzels are a delicious snack that combines the salty crunch of pretzels with the sweet taste of chocolate. However, because they contain two very different components, chocolate covered pretzels need to be stored properly to maintain freshness and prevent the chocolate from melting.
Should chocolate covered pretzels be refrigerated or stored at room temperature?
The best way to store chocolate covered pretzels is in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Refrigerating chocolate covered pretzels is not recommended for a few reasons:
- The cold temperature of the refrigerator can cause the chocolate coating to crack, bloom, or lose its glossy sheen.
- Condensation can form when refrigerated chocolate covered pretzels are taken out, making the pretzels soggy.
- The pretzels can lose their crispness and become stale if stored in the fridge too long.
Storing chocolate covered pretzels at room temperature around 65°F to 75°F allows the chocolate coating to remain intact and the pretzels to stay crispy. Just make sure they are not stored anywhere hot, like near a stove or in direct sunlight, which can cause the chocolate to melt.
Should chocolate covered pretzels be stored in an airtight container?
Yes, chocolate covered pretzels should always be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. An airtight container prevents moisture from getting in and making the pretzels soggy. It also keeps the pretzels fresh by preventing staleness.
Good airtight container options include:
- Plastic food storage containers
- Glass jars or tins
- Resealable plastic bags
- Vacuum sealed bags
Make sure to press out any excess air before sealing the container to prolong freshness. Only leave chocolate covered pretzels in an open bowl if you plan to eat them within a day or two.
How long do chocolate covered pretzels last stored properly?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, chocolate covered pretzels can last:
- 2 to 3 weeks – This is when they will taste freshest and the chocolate will still have a nice sheen.
- Up to 2 months – The chocolate may start to bloom or dull slightly and the pretzels may lose a bit of their crunch, but chocolate covered pretzels will still be edible after 2 months.
However, for best quality and texture, try to eat chocolate covered pretzels within a few weeks of purchasing or making them.
How can you tell if chocolate covered pretzels have gone bad?
Watch for these signs that chocolate covered pretzels may have spoiled and should be thrown out:
- The chocolate coating looks white, dusty, dried out, or cracked.
- The pretzels are very soft instead of crisp.
- There is visible mold growth on either the chocolate or the pretzels.
- The chocolate smells rancid instead of sweet.
As long as the chocolate still looks glossy and the pretzels are still crunchy, chocolate covered pretzels that have been properly stored should be safe to eat. But use your best judgment and discard any that seem far past their prime.
Can chocolate covered pretzels be frozen?
Freezing is not the best storage method for chocolate covered pretzels. The frozen temperature and moisture can negatively affect both components:
- The chocolate coating may crack, melt, become grainy in texture, lose its sheen, and pick up frozen odors.
- The pretzels can become soggy once thawed.
However, if eating within 2 to 3 months, chocolate covered pretzels can be placed in an airtight freezer bag or container. Allow to thaw completely at room temperature before consuming to prevent condensation.
Tips for keeping chocolate covered pretzels fresh longer
Follow these tips for maximizing the shelf life of your chocolate covered pretzels:
- Use pretzels that are very crisp and dry. Avoid soft pretzels or they will get soggy.
- Use high quality chocolate that is specially formulated for dipping. Compound chocolate coatings last longer than real chocolate.
- Store chocolate covered pretzels with oxygen absorber packets to help maintain freshness.
- Layer between sheets of wax or parchment paper before storing to prevent sticking.
- Keep stored chocolate covered pretzels away from light, heat, and humidity.
- Seal the storage container tightly and press out excess air.
- Keep an eye on expiration or best by dates.
How to revive stale chocolate covered pretzels
If your chocolate covered pretzels have been stored for too long and lose their perfect texture, try reviving them with these tips:
- Crisp up pretzels – Place briefly in a 300°F oven for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Smooth chocolate surface – Let stale chocolate covered pretzels sit at room temperature overnight so the chocolate softens, then gently smooth over the surface with your fingers.
- Add secondary coating – Dip stale chocolate covered pretzels in melted chocolate, yogurt coating, coconut, crushed nuts, etc. to disguise the original coating.
- Use as a recipe ingredient – Chop chocolate covered pretzels and add to cookie dough, ice cream, granola bars, etc. The other ingredients will mask staleness.
However, if the chocolate covered pretzels taste bad or are moldy, it’s safest to discard them.
Conclusion
By keeping chocolate covered pretzels stored properly in an airtight container at cool room temperature, they can stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 to 3 months. Monitor for signs of spoilage, avoid freezing, and consume within a few weeks for ultimate taste and texture. With the right storage and handling, you can enjoy this sweet and salty treat without the chocolate melting or the pretzels getting soggy.