Do Smarties Go Bad? (Shelf Life, Storage, Expiration)

 ( Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we earn commissions from qualifying purchases at NO additional cost to the customer.)

Smarties are small, hard candies that are round in shape and come in different colors.

Actually, Smarties are sugar-coated chocolate confectionery in different colors.

They are popular with children as well as adults.

It is usually enjoyed as a sweet treat or a topping for cakes and other desserts.

Smarties are a type of hard candy having a long shelf life.

However, do Smarties go bad?

The simple answer is, yes smarties can go bad.

But it would take a long time as they have preservatives in them and they contain sugar.

Food with salt and sugar is inclined to last longer than say starches and proteins.

Let’s get to know in detail about Smarties shelf life and storage.

What are Smarties? What are They Made up Of?

Before we get to know about Smarties, let’s first differentiate the two Smarties that exist in the market.

One is the UK version and another is the US version of Smarties.

Smarties consumed in Europe, ones that resemble M&M’s.

These are color-varied and sugar-coated chocolate spheres that have been produced since 1937.

It is originally manufactured by H.I. Rowntree & Company but is presently produced by Nestlé.

Another variety of Smarties is more popular in the USA which we are going to discuss here.

They are candy rolls that come in different flavors such as orange cream, pineapple, cherry, strawberry, grape, and orange.

These Smarties are one of the most iconic candies popular among kids for decades.

Smarties candies are made up of the ingredients such as dextrose, citric acid, calcium stearate, natural and artificial flavors, and colors such as red 40, yellow 5, yellow 6, and blue 2.

Do Smarties Go Bad?

Yes, smarties can go bad.

If they are stored in a dry place, they will remain fresh and edible for a long time.

The preservatives and sugar in them help them to last longer.

Food with salt and sugar tends to last longer than say starches and proteins.

Smarties are typically packaged in a way that helps to protect them from moisture and other elements that could cause them to go bad.

If you stored them properly in a dry place, they should remain fresh and edible for a long time.

However, over time, the smarties candies may lose little flavor or become slightly stale.

This is more likely to happen if the Smarties are exposed directly to heat, moisture, or light.

So, it is best to store Smarties in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight which helps them stay fresh for as long as possible and won’t get bad sooner.

Do Smarties Expire? What Happens When You Eat Expired Smarties?

There is not any “Expiration Date” on Smarties but they come with a “Best By” date.

It is unlikely that Smarties will expire but they may lose some of their flavor and texture over a period of time, especially if they are exposed directly to heat or moisture.

It is really difficult to give a specific expiration date for Smarties, as it will depend on how they are stored and the conditions these candies are exposed to.

These candies can lose the quality of flavor.

But can you really eat that expired Smarties?

If you have a Smarties package that is passed the expiration date but has been stored properly, it is likely still safe to eat.

However, if the package is damaged or open, or if the Smarties have a strange smell or taste, it is best to discard them.

If the flavor, texture, and taste are intact while eating them, it won’t harm you.

But we don’t recommend consuming expired Smarties candy.

Are Smarties Gluten-free?

If you are wondering, are smarties Gluten-free?

Then the answer is- Yes Smarties are gluten-free.

According to the Smarties website, “Smarties® and our entire line of products are free from most known allergens. All products are free of milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soy. Smarties® are gluten-free and vegan!’’

Yes, Smarties candies are gluten-free, and they are safe to consume on a gluten-free diet.

So, you can enjoy Smarties candies without worrying about consuming gluten.

However, it’s always a good practice to check the label of any food product to make sure it meets your dietary needs and restrictions.

Are Smarties Vegan?

Yes, Smarties are vegan.

They are made from all plant-based ingredients.

Therefore, Smarties do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, which makes them suitable for vegans to eat.

You should always check the label of any food product to assure it meets your dietary needs and restrictions.

According to the Smarties website, “Smarties® ingredients contain no animal products, making them a tasty and cruelty-free choice for anyone looking for delicious vegan candy.”

So, Smarties are vegan and you can safely consume this candy while sticking true to your vegan diet.

Are Smarties Halal?

Halal means food made with ingredients that are permissible to eat according to Islamic dietary laws.

This means that they should be prepared and produced according to the guidelines set by halal laws.

They should not contain any ingredients that are prohibited by these laws.

However, it’s always a good idea to check the label of any food product to make sure it meets your dietary needs and restrictions.

But Smarties are not certified as Halal. So, Smarties are not Halal.