Most people love to enjoy jello as a lunchtime snack or dessert, but at what point does jello get to the point where it is no longer alright to eat? Nobody wants to eat spoiled jello or expired jello, which is why it is important to know exactly how long you have to eat it before it goes off.
If you have had some jello in your fridge for quite a while, then you might be wondering if it has gone bad, or how to tell if it has. This is something that we are going to inform you about in this article, so you can be sure that you aren’t eating gone off jello.
How Long Does Jello Last For?
Just like almost any other food, jello is a food that can go bad. It contains high amounts of water, which means that it will inevitably go bad after some time. More often than not, the jello that you have prepared yourself will last for around 7 to 10 days in the refrigerator. However, pre-packaged jello or prepared pudding that is completely sealed is going to last for longer.
When these pre-packaged jello cups have been left at room temperature, as long as the packaging says that this is how they are to be stored, they can last for up to around 3 to 4 months. If this jello is supposed to be refrigerated, and it is still completely sealed, then you can expect it to last for around a year, or sometimes even longer.
When it comes to storing jello, you should always make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and check the expiry date to find out how long they can be kept for. You should also keep in mind that as soon as the jello has been opened, the shelf life will be lowered to around a week.
Dry jello mix that has not been opened will pretty much last indefinitely if it has been stored correctly and at room temperature. Once the packaging has been opened, this powder will last for around 3 months. So, if you have only used half a packet, for example, you will still have plenty of time to make your way through the rest of it.
What is the Best Way to Store Jello?
The best way to store jello is at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on the type of jello that it is. You will be able to find the exact storage instructions on the packaging if you are unsure. Jello should always be kept out of direct sunlight and away from any sources of heat or water.
You should always check the label to find out if your premade jello needs to be refrigerated, and once any jello cups have been opened, they should be covered in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator. You should always keep any jello that you have prepared yourself in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to protect it from air and moisture.
Dry jello mixture (gelatin powder) should always be stored at room temperature, and kept away from any light, heat, or moisture. You should check that the package is tightly sealed to avoid any exposure to unwanted moisture. Refrigerating the dry mixture will not extend the shelf life, and it can cause it to spoil due to the increased levels of humidity.
Can Jello Be Frozen? - Freezing Jello
It is never recommended to freeze jello, as this will break up the bonds that hold the gelatin molecules together, causing it to separate once it has been defrosted. You will be left with a lumpy mixture that is not at all appetizing. If you are trying to speed up the setting process of the jello, you can add cold water after you have mixed in the boiling water. Frozen jello is just yucky
Alternatively, you could put the jello in the freezer for around half an hour before you put it in the refrigerator. However, you should never completely freeze the jello. If you are going to do this, make sure that you are using a container that is suitable for this purpose.
How to Tell if Jello Has Gone Bad
You will be able to tell that jello has gone bad with ease. If it is powdered jello, the pre packaged jello or pudding mix will have gone clumpy, or in some cases, it will solidify completely. If this is the case, you should avoid this mixture.
Jello that you have prepared will start to break down over time, and it will start to separate once it goes bad. If you notice any pools of liquid on the surface of the jello, throw it away. If you notice a bad smell or sour taste, or any signs of mold, you will need to dispose of the jello and avoid eating it.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
