The shelf life of gummies is about 12-18 months. But this depends on their ingredients and how they are stored.

Now, you probably clicked this article because you found an old pack of gummies in your drawer and are wondering if they're safe to eat?

They look fine and smell okay, but that's just half the picture. Gummies are food, and like all food, they do go bad.

Ahead, let's talk about how to tell if gummies have spoiled and when it's time to toss them.

Do Gummies Go Bad?

The short answer is yes. Gummies, whether they're candy or vitamins, can go bad. That's why they come with expiration or best-before dates, though how you store them matters just as much.

Over time, gummies can dry out, harden, lose flavor, or even grow mold, especially if not properly stored. Exposure to heat, moisture, or air can speed up that decline.

Since gummies are made from gelatin, they have a low melting point for most foods around 90-95°F. Because of this, it doesn't take much to ruin them. Leave a bag open in a warm room and prepare for a sticky mess. 

Vitamin gummies have their own problem. They might still taste perfectly fine, but those nutrients could break down long before the gummies themselves go visibly bad. What's left is essentially just expensive candy.

An old pack of gummies that "looks fine" doesn't mean "safe to eat." In this case, "When in doubt, just throw it out" is the best advice.

Why Do Gummies Expire?

Gummies go bad for a few reasons.

First, they contain ingredients like gelatin, sweetener, pectin (a thickener), and flavorings. All can break down over time due to exposure to moisture, oxidation, heat or microbial growth.

Gummy bears absorb moisture from the air, making gummies stickier or softer. In some cases, moisture can even lead to microbial growth. Exposure to heat can weaken its structure, while oxygen may cause flavors and other ingredients to degrade. 

Another issue is moisture. If any gets into the packaging, it can lead to the growth of mold or bacteria.

If they're vitamin gummies, the nutrients can also degrade and lose their potency as they sit on the shelf.

What Is the Shelf Life of Gummies?

Generally, gummies are good for about 12 to 18 months from the manufacturing date. That goes for both candy and vitamin types.

However, that shelf life depends heavily on how they're stored. To make them fresh for as long as possible:

• Store in a cool, dry place.

• Keep the lid or packaging tightly sealed.

• Avoid humidity and direct sunlight.

And always check the expiration date. It's a reliable way to know if the gummies are still safe and effective.

Gummies don't necessarily go bad the day after, but that date helps ensure you're getting the quality you expect.

How to Tell if Gummies Have Expired

Not sure if your gummies are still good? Here are some signs that your gummies might be expired:

• Too hard, sticky, or crumbly

• Dull or uneven coloring

• Dark spots

• Sour or off odor

• Fuzzy growth or mold

• Weird taste

But even if they don't look terrible, expired vitamin gummies might not deliver any nutrients. What seems fine on the outside might not be doing much for you anymore.

People Also Ask

What Happens if You Eat Expired Gummies?

Eating expired gummies probably won't hurt you right away, but they're not going to taste as great.

If they're vitamin gummies, the nutrients have probably broken down, so you're mostly just eating sugar. And if they've spoiled, you could end up with an upset stomach.

If you have any doubt about the gummies, its better to avoid eating them.

Can You Get Sick From Eating Expired Gummy Bears?

It can happen. Most expired gummies just dry out or get tough, but if there's mold or a funky smell, bacteria could be involved. If anything seems off, it's best to play it safe and throw it away.

Conclusion

In short, gummies don’t last forever. While most are good for 12 to 18 months, how they are stored plays a big role in how long they stay fresh. If your gummies are sticky, hard, smell weird, or show signs of mold, it’s time to toss them. And with vitamin gummies, even if they look fine, the nutrients may already be gone. When in doubt, it’s better to skip the risk and grab a fresh pack instead.