Few desserts remind people of their childhood quite like jello. Not only was it delicious and available in a variety of tastes, but it also jiggled in a very amusing way. A lot of adults appreciate jello as well, as it is colorful, refreshing, and delightfully sweet.
Jello is low in calories, which makes it ideal for those who are going on a diet, and it also contains collagen, which may improve bone health and reduce skin aging.
Despite that, jello is not the healthiest option around because it has a lot of sugar and not enough nutrients to offer.
While regular jello is not vegetarian-friendly as it is made with animal ingredients, you may be able to find vegetarian jello at specialized stores.
Like any other food, jello can go bad, so it’s important to keep an eye on it.
What’s the bottom line?
The dry powder mix that is used to make jello can last indefinitely past the expiration date written on the box. Once you open it, it will last around 3 to 4 months at room temperature.
When preparing jello, keep it in the fridge and consume it relatively quickly, as it will last about 7 to 10 days. If you buy pre-prepared jello, it should last between 3 and 4 months in the pantry or a kitchen cabinet after the expiration date and about 12 to 18 months if kept in the fridge.
Signs Your Jello Has Gone Bad
One of the easiest ways to ensure your jello is still good is to inspect it for mold. If you find any dark or really bright spots on the surface of the jello, it’s time to throw it out.
Another sign that indicates your jello has started to go bad is liquid pooling on top of it. This means that the liquid is starting to separate from the other ingredients.
If you detect any of these signs, throw your jello out. If you don’t detect them, but when you try the jello, you find that it has a bitter, unpleasant flavor, then it should no longer be consumed.
Though the powder that is used to make jello tends to last a very long time, if it starts to become clumpy or moldy due to contact with moisture, you will have to discard the whole package.
How To Store Jello
Since the powder that is used to make jello is dry, it is perfectly fine to store the box in the pantry or a kitchen cabinet. The mix should remain unspoiled at room temperature unless you keep it somewhere where there is direct sunlight, a lot of heat, or moisture.
Some people think that any kind of food will last longer if it’s kept in the fridge, but this is not the case for unprepared jello. When placed in the fridge, the powder can go bad due to the high humidity.
Once you open the bag and pour the amount of powder you will use, it’s important to keep the rest of it away from air and moisture, so keep its bag tightly shut or transfer the powder to a container with an airtight lid.
Prepared jello should be kept in the fridge because it will only be good for consumption for about 7 to 10 days. Make sure you place some plastic film on top of the jello or transfer it to an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing the smells of other foods you are keeping in the fridge.
If you buy pre-prepared jello that was kept in the fridge at the grocery store, make sure to also keep it in the fridge when you bring it home.
Do not freeze your jello, as it will change its consistency.
How Long Does Jello Last
After you prepare it, your jello will last from 7 to 10 days in the fridge. Do not keep it at room temperature, or it will spoil much faster. Pre-prepared jello can typically last 3 to 4 months past its expiration date if kept at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight, and from 12 to 18 months if kept in the fridge.
The dry powder mix that is used to prepare jello can last indefinitely if the box is unopened and kept at room temperature. Once you open the package of jello, its contents should still last about 3 to 4 months if not placed in the fridge, where the powder may spoil due to contact with moisture.
The Verdict On Jello
The most important thing to remember about jello is that it only needs refrigeration after it has been prepared and that refrigerating the dry powder mix may spoil it.
After opening, check the expiry date on the package, as the powder has a lifespan of roughly 3 to 4 months. Consume prepared jello within 7 to 10 days, or if you only eat small portions sporadically, purchase sealed pre-made jellos from grocery stores, which can last up to 12 to 18 months in the refrigerator.
Did you know you can use jello to make other foods? Here are some creative and delicious recipes for you to try.
