Edibles, like any other food product, have a shelf life and will eventually expire. The exact expiration date can vary depending on several factors, such as the ingredients used, storage conditions, and packaging used etc. It's important to store the edibles correctly to benefit from the products for as much time as possible.
Keep checking the expiry dates regularly, but don’t forget that checking the expiry dates is only the very first step. To know how long do various edibles last in the package, keep reading the blog till the end!
Wait, But Which Edibles?
Let’s have clarity on which edibles we are referring to? Edibles, as pretty much evident by the name, refer to any sort of food products, present in the form of foods or beverages, containing cannabis. These edibles are in the form of various different forms, including but not limited to:
- Brownies
- Candies
- Gummies
- Cookies
- Chocolate
- Ice Cream
- Breath Mints
- Savory Snacks
- Low Viscosity Watery Beverages
Comparison of Expiry Duration of Cannabis Edibles and Regular Foods
Cannabis edibles are present in the form of regular food delights such as brownies, cookies, chocolates, etc. So, all these cannabis edibles, like any other food item in the world, come with an expiry date eventually.
Edibles in the form of baked food items, such as brownies and cookies, are perishable food items. These edibles have the same shelf life as the regular baked food delight items. So, these edibles are most likely to reach the expiry date faster than as compared to those in the form of candies and gummies.
Therefore, you must store the cannabis edibles with the same utmost care as you would do otherwise for a regular food item. As a result, you will be able to get the perks from edibles maintained in the finest quantity for a longer duration. And enjoy while chowing down on the cannabis edibles, that too in the premium quality.
Shelf Life of Cannabis Edibles
The shelf life of various marijuana edibles varies, depending on the different ingredients used. For instance, the edibles that are rich in fats, or have eggs, or milk, have a shorter shelf life than the candies, gummies, etc. Shelf lives of different cannabis products are discussed briefly below:
- Cannabis Cookies: On average, cannabis cookies last from 1 to 2 weeks, if refrigerated.
- Cannabis Brownies: Normally, the cannabis brownies last no more than a week.
- Gummies: On average, gummies can remain fresh and potent from 6 months up to 2 years.
Visible Product Expiry Signs
The first step to identify whether an edible is no longer suitable for consumption is to simply look for the visible signs. So, always look for the visual indications like a change in color, odor, or texture of the edibles. Edibles get ruined by the mold growth also, so look for the signs of mold growth while checking if the edibles are expired or not.
Storing the Edibles the Right Way
To increase the shelf life of edibles, and to fully reap the benefits of edibles in the best quality, storing the edibles the right way is a big deal for sure. Here are some effective, easy, and smart approaches to store the edibles the right way:
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Airtight Containers
Storing the edibles in airtight containers would effectively increase the freshness, and potency of the edibles.
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Storage Conditions
Keep the edibles safe in a cool, dark, and dry place, preventing sunlight from reaching them. Unfavorable conditions like heat, sunlight, and humidity can ruin the quality.
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Freezing
The best way to store your edibles to extend the shelf life of the products is to store them in the refrigerator. Freezing the edibles significantly extends their longevity by retaining their freshness.
Most Appropriate Packaging for Edibles
Edibles must be rightly packed in suitable packaging to keep the items suitable and safe to consume for a longer duration. Some preferred packaging options to store the edibles in the right way are mentioned below:
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Child Resistant Pouches
Cannabis edibles in the form of gummies are mostly stored in child-resistant pouches with airtight zippers. This edible gummy packaging is made of highly recycled materials and has oxygen-absorbing packets, which retain the freshness of the edibles.
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Pillow Bag Packaging
Pillow bag packaging for edible packaging is made of very sturdy and durable materials. This packaging is tightly sealed from both ends, keeping the products ultra-protected and tightly enclosed. Pillow bags are mostly used for retail purposes as these can be put on shelves to persuade customers.
Proven Tips to Preserving the Edibles
Here are some additional tips that will enable you to keep edibles safe for a long time:
- Make sure to always store them in child-resistant bags.
- Keep the edibles away from other regular food items to avoid mixing and confusion.
- Label the edibles clearly to easily identify and consume the product.
- Always keep checking the expiry dates to avoid any kind of damage to your health.
Summing it Up!
The duration of shelf life of the edibles varies depending on the different ingredients used. Increasing the longevity of the edibles primarily depends on the proper storage of the edibles. If stored correctly, the edibles remain potent and fresh for the maximum time possible, allowing you to enjoy the edibles in the finest quality, and have a premium experience.
Want to know more about the storage conditions and preserving tips of the edibles? Contact us at sales@oxopackaging.com.au to get all your queries answered.