What is wiggly, colorful, sweet, and flavourful? That’s right! Jello!
It is one of the most loved desserts in the world. The perfect combination for the perfect dessert.
The main ingredient which gives jello its wiggly nature is gelatin. Melissa Groves says that animal collagen makes up gelatin, which makes jello a non-vegetarian, non-vegan food item.
Other ingredients include sweeteners, food flavoring agents, and food coloring.
Usually, the sweetener is either artificial sweetener or white sugar. We rarely use brown sugar while making jello.
You can buy a pre-packaged jello or jello mix from the store and make it yourself.
The process of making jello is quite simple, and it is difficult to go wrong with the instructions.
However, a question arises; how long can this dessert last? Does jello go bad?
Eating spoiled jello cannot be good for health. It may cause food poisoning and upset your tummy.
Continue reading to find out more about the shelf life of jello and signs, which show that the jello has gone bad.
Does Jello Go Bad? How Long Does Jello Last?
Yes, jello does go bad, but unlike selling Nutella in just one, pre-made form, the duration of time jellos can last depends on whether it is prepacked or homemade or whether it is still in the form of a mix.
Kelli Foster, the Associate Food Editor of The Kitchn, says that dry powdered jello mix has a long shelf life as long as you store it in a cool and dry place.
It can stay edible for years if unopened, and you can still use it even after it goes past the “use-by” date.
Once opened, you should use the powdered jello within three months.
Homemade jello, which you prepare yourself, should be consumed within a week.
You should refrigerate it in a covered container to keep the contents fresh.
The sealed pre-packaged jello lasts for three to four months in the pantry and over a year, that is, twelve to eighteen months in the fridge.
Opened dry jello can last for an average of three to four months in the pantry. Opened and prepared jello will last for seven to ten days in the fridge.
Besides jello pudding pops that come frozen, many cooks and chefs do not recommend freezing jello for storage purposes because freezing it greatly changes the consistency of jello, and turns the wiggly dessert into sludge.
How to Tell If Jello Is Bad? Jello Shelf Life!
The same health risks associated with eating spoiled food also apply to eating spoiled jello, which is food poisoning.
To avoid this problem, you should keep in mind the shelf life of jello, and also be able to point out and discard the jello if it has gone bad.
There are some clear cut signs which show that the jello in question is expired and unsafe for consumption:
For packed powdered jello mix, the consistency of the powder is the main indicator of fresh and spoiled product.
If the powder is clumpy or not solid, the unit is most likely expired. This situation happens when you expose moisture to the powder.
For prepared jello, the collection of liquid on the surface means that the jello has gone bad. This problem happens due to the normal aging process and breaking down of the jello.
Sour smell and taste also indicate that the jello has spoiled.
Lastly, bacteria and mold growth on the jello shows that it has become unsafe and unfit for consumption.
These growths can be white or dark spots on the surface.
Conclusion
Although jello does not have a lot of health benefits, gelatin has several benefits.
Gelatin balances out meat intake, heals your gut, makes skin healthy and beautiful, protects your joints, and helps you sleep.
Although jello may not be the healthiest of all foods and consuming it in large amounts may affect your health due to its artificial ingredients, it is a harmless and delightful treat that is easy to make, buy, and store.
Just make sure you check your jello for signs of mold, sour smell or taste, and liquid on the surface before eating it.
Does Jello Go Bad? How Long Does Jello Last?
Ingredients
- Jello
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Label your container with the content and date and keep track of how much you’re using!
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
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