Are you excited to make homemade candies and treats for Halloween this year? There's nothing quite like the joy of whipping up your own delicious, spooky goodies and sharing them with costumed kids at your door. While creating these sweet confections can be a lot of fun, keeping them fresh and safe for the big night is a different challenge. Homemade candies, if not stored correctly, can lose their texture, flavor, and quality due to moisture, light, and oxygen exposure. Luckily, there are effective storage methods that can help you keep your candies in perfect condition before and after Halloween.

Common Issues with Homemade Candies

Even the best homemade candies can encounter issues that affect their quality. Let’s take a look at the most common problems:

1. Moisture and Humidity

Moisture is the enemy of sugar candies. When candies absorb too much moisture, they become sticky and lose their firmness. Excess moisture can also cause sugar crystallization, leading to a grainy texture. This is especially common in humid environments where candies quickly become soft and sticky.

2. Light and Oxygen

While light might not seem like a threat to your candies, it can actually degrade their color, flavor, and texture over time. Oxygen, on the other hand, accelerates the process of oxidation, which causes candies to lose their freshness and taste. Exposure to air also increases the risk of your treats developing off-flavors, making them unappetizing.

3. Microorganisms

Sugar-based foods are particularly attractive to microorganisms, which can cause spoilage. Without proper storage, these sweet treats can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.

Oxygen Absorbers

The Best Packaging Solutions for Homemade Candies

To keep your Halloween treats fresh, you need to store them properly. Here are the best storage methods to ensure your homemade candies stay delicious until Halloween:

1. Use Mylar Bags

Mylar bags are one of the best food storage solutions available. They are designed to block out light, air, and moisture, providing a protective barrier that keeps your candies safe for an extended period. These bags are durable, resealable, and can keep your homemade candies fresh for weeks—even months—if stored properly.

2. Use Oxygen Absorbers

Oxygen is a key factor in candy spoilage, as it leads to oxidation and mold growth. By using food-safe oxygen absorbers inside your Mylar bags or airtight containers, you can eliminate oxygen from the environment, significantly extending the shelf life of your treats. Oxygen absorbers are ideal for maintaining the flavor, color, and texture of your candies over time.

3. Include Silica Gel Packets

Moisture is another factor that can ruin the quality of your homemade candies. Placing silica gel packets inside your candy storage containers helps absorb excess moisture and keeps your candies dry and fresh. These packets are food-safe and effective at preventing moisture from causing your treats to become sticky and unappealing.

How to Properly Store Your Halloween Candies

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your Halloween candies remain in excellent condition:

1. Prepare Your Candy for Storage: Once your candies are cooled and ready, place them in a clean, dry container or directly into Mylar bags. Ensure that the candies are not exposed to moisture during the transfer.
2. Add Oxygen Absorbers and Silica Gel Packets: If you’re using Mylar bags, drop in a food-safe oxygen absorber to remove any oxygen that could spoil the candies. Additionally, include a silica gel packet to absorb any moisture inside the packaging.
3.Seal the Bags or Containers: If you’re using Mylar bags, seal them using a heat sealer to ensure the best protection. For airtight containers, close them tightly and store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
4. Check for Proper Storage Conditions: Store your candies in a pantry or cupboard where they won’t be exposed to fluctuating temperatures or humidity. Keep the bags or containers sealed until you’re ready to enjoy or give out the treats.

 

Conclusion

Using food-safe oxygen absorbers, Mylar bags, and silica gel packets is the best way to store homemade Halloween candies. These storage solutions protect your candies from moisture, light, and oxygen, ensuring they stay fresh, flavorful, and safe to eat long after they’re made. With these storage methods, you can prepare your Halloween treats in advance and have them ready to hand out, all while keeping them in perfect condition.

Make sure to grab your food storage essentials from Wallaby! Our high-quality Mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, and other storage solutions will help you preserve your candies, snacks, and pantry items with ease.

Visit Wallaby’s store today and get ready for a delicious Halloween!