How to Store Gummy Edibles for Maximum Freshness and Flavor
Anyone who loves gummies loves them for their chewy softness. But if you store them in the wrong way, the next thing you know, you're biting into a fossilized gummy.
In this article, we'll share all of our favorite tips and recommendations for storing gummy edibles and other cannabis products so they stay just like you bought them! We'll cover:
- Different ways to store cannabis edibles and concentrates
- How things like temperature, light, and humidity affect marijuana goods and the THC and other cannabinoids in them
- How glass, plastic, and silicone containers compare
- The best containers for cannabis gummies
And more! So let's get started.
How to Store Edibles and Concentrates
There are lots of options when it comes to storing edibles and concentrates, but a lot depends on your edible and the amount you have.
If you're storing chocolate, brownies, or a cookie you can use parchment paper or an old-fashioned paper bag. You avoid direct sunlight and potential contaminants, and you can pop your things into the fridge to avoid temperature changes as needed.
For concentrates or gummies that are on the sticky side, and even for cannabis flower, airtight glass jars such as mason jars are about the most popular choice. You can also line glass containers with wax paper.
This attractive option allows you to frequently examine the quality of your gummies without exposing them to humidity, insects, dust, or any other contamination, which further helps preserve their flavor, potency, and texture over time.
(If you're worried about breaking glass jars, you can buy plastic jars now too.)
For gummies that are dry enough and concentrate that is more solid like shatter, some people use cellophane or ziploc bags to store gummies and other food items that can spoil. However, these kinds of items might require refrigeration to avoid mold and mildew.
No matter what container you choose, keeping your gummies stored correctly will ensure maximum freshness and flavor for many months or even years down the line.
Keep Gummies Fresh with Cool Temperatures
When it comes to storing edibles for maximum freshness and flavor, one of the key components is ensuring an ideal temperature. In particular, store gummies in places that stay cool and dark.
One of the simplest ways to ensure your gummies remain fresh is by keeping them in a spot that’s between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. A pantry or cabinet in your kitchen or even a kitchen counter can be suitable options as long as the conditions are relatively cool and there are no wild temperature fluctuations.
Why does this matter? At temperatures that are too high, cannabinoids begin to degrade. Direct, hot sunlight can also have this effect.
This is why your CBD oils and high-end cannabis extracts and compounds usually come in dark glass or plastic. They need protection from sunlight so all of those nice terpenes and cannabinoids won't go to waste and will go towards some amazing effects!
Some people store edibles like chocolates in the refrigerator or freezer, but others are reluctant to do so, since, especially for gummies, there can be a change in texture that a lot of people mind. While refrigerator storage has been seen to make many types of candy harden, freezing temperatures may lead to sticky-textured results no one wants from gummies.
What do the "experts" say?
The FDA recommends that cannabis edibles, including gummies, be stored in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. A 2017 study found that storing cannabis edibles in a temperature-controlled environment between 15°C - 21°C (60°F - 70°F) helped maintain their quality and safety. A 2018 study suggested that the optimal storage conditions for cannabinoid edibles were low temperatures near 10°C (50°F) and low relative humidity below 55%.
Best Container Options
Really, a lot depends on what you're storing, but for most edibles, think airtight. The primary benefit of airtight glass containers is that they’re designed to keep humidity levels stable and your edible products safe from pests and bacteria.
Another product to consider is an air tight plastic jar; these are often cheaper and shatter proof.
For pastries, cookies, and foods that are consumed quickly, you can use wax paper and a paper bag so they can breathe and don't get too sticky.
Keep drinks, cannabutter, and anything that can spoil in a refrigerator. (But remember, always label everything and put it where kids can't reach!)
Keep Gummies Away From Heat and Light Sources
Store gummy edibles away from any heat and light sources in order to maximize their flavors and freshness. Exposure to extreme temperatures, hot or cold, not only affects the chewy texture of gummy candies but also can alter the taste.
Too much heat or light can even dissolve the sweet or sour coatings that are commonly found on gummies. Sun exposure, as well as bright indoor lighting, can also cause fading and discoloration of these popular snack items.
The most optimal way to store gummy edibles is in an airtight container kept in a cool and dark place. Heat will cause the products to break down faster due to their natural ingredients, like gelatin, sugar, glucose, corn syrup etc. Keeping the snacks at room temperature will provide an ideal environment and can greatly extend the shelf life of many different varieties of gummies.
Best Containers For Storing Gummies
So, at the end of the day, what's the best choice? There is no one best container for every type of gummy or situation, and there are lots of ways to keep gummies fresh and flavorful, at least for a while.
First consider the benefits and drawbacks of each option in relation to your goals. For example, if you know you'll be consuming all of your gummies within a few days or a week, you might prioritize texture. You can keep them at room temperature in a breathable container.
But if you need to take steps to keep them fresher for longer, you'll need to store them differently. Focus on an airtight container and maybe find a spot in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions and Explanations
How long can gummy edibles remain viable when stored?
Gummy edibles can remain viable for up to one year if they are stored correctly. To maximize freshness, it's important to store gummies in an airtight container at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. Keeping the container sealed will help prevent moisture from entering and spoiling the edibles.
Additionally, humidity should also be monitored, ideally kept between 40% to 60%. Keeping the gummies in a cool, dry place will help them remain viable longer when compared to leaving them in a humid environment where they can spoil much faster. In some cases, refrigeration may even be required in areas of extreme humidity.
And remember, it is always best to check the expiration date listed on your gummy packaging before eating them; it may have been longer than you remember.
Which methods should I avoid when storing gummy edibles?
When it comes to storing gummy edibles, there are a few methods one should avoid:
Never store edibles in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this will cause them to melt and spoil. Humidity is also an enemy of gummy edibles since it can make them sticky, soft, and less flavorful.
Finally, if you store the edibles in airtight containers unfrozen for too long, you might get an off-taste due to oxygen depletion. Open them up to "breathe" occasionally in a cool, dark space.
And remember, wherever you store any cannabis products, including CBD oil or tinctures, clearly label them, and keep them out of reach of children.
Final Thoughts
What is the ultimate right answer to the best bet for storing edibles with little to no loss? With so many factors in play, there really is no one best storage method.
That's great news. You probably have a few great options to keep your gummies like when you bought them.
We hope this guide with storage rules and information has been useful! Cannabis edibles aren't cheap, but for those of us that buy them, they're the experience we really want.
Follow these guidelines on storage materials and best practices, and your gummies will stay delicious and potent for much longer.
Written by Diet Smoke Staff Writers
The staff writers for Diet Smoke have been researching and writing about premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products for more than 3 years. The team has a keen understanding of the topic, remain current on all FDA and industry news, and use their expertise to generate engaging and informative content to help educate consumers on Diet Smoke’s products. Each article is fact-checked and includes sources to scientific data to ensure readers receive the most up-to-date and accurate information possible.
Reviewed By Colby Wohlleb
Colby Wohlleb, editor of Diet Smoke, reviews and approves all content before releasing it for posting on the Diet Smoke website. As a tireless advocate for the benefits of premium hemp-derived THC and CBD products, Colby ensures that all content is accurate, engaging, and informative. He also works directly with a trusted source to ensure the purity of the products we sell and performs rigorous lab testing to ensure that Diet Smoke’s products are of the highest quality and safety standards.