Postcards
Happy Holidays
$5
Made on equipment shared with milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame.
Temperature
Store between 60–70°F (15–21°C). The sweet spot is around 65°F. Below 60°F you risk condensation when chocolate warms back up; above 75°F it starts to soften and bloom. Avoid the refrigerator for everyday storage — it introduces moisture and absorbs odors. (Freezing or refrigerating is acceptable for long-term storage of bars or bonbons, but only if tightly wrapped and brought back to room temperature slowly inside the wrapping to prevent condensation.)
Humidity
Keep below 50% relative humidity. Humidity causes sugar bloom (sugar crystals dissolve and recrystallize on the surface, leaving a grainy white film).
Light
Store in a dark place. Light degrades cocoa butter and accelerates rancidity, especially in milk and white chocolate.
Air and odor
Keep tightly sealed. Chocolate readily absorbs surrounding odors — onions, garlic, coffee, spices, perfume. Original packaging is usually best; if reusing containers, airtight is critical.
Shelf life (approximate, when stored properly)
Dark chocolate: 1–2 years. Milk chocolate: 6–12 months. White chocolate: 6–9 months. Filled chocolates and truffles with cream/ganache: 2–4 weeks (these are the fragile ones — fresh dairy fillings don't keep). Bonbons with shelf-stable fillings (caramel, praline, nut butter): 2–3 months.