Using chocolate past its expiration date is generally not recommended. However, Abuelita chocolate may still be safe to consume for some time after the printed date depending on how it was stored. Here are some quick answers about using Abuelita chocolate after the expiration date:
What does the expiration date mean on Abuelita chocolate?
The expiration date printed on Abuelita chocolate packages indicates the date until which the manufacturer guarantees the best flavor and texture quality. It does not necessarily mean the chocolate will be unsafe to eat after that date.
Can you eat Abuelita chocolate after the expiration date?
You can most likely safely eat Abuelita chocolate for several months past the printed expiration date. The quality and taste will slowly deteriorate over time but the chocolate itself will still be edible.
How long is Abuelita chocolate still good after expiration?
If stored properly in a cool, dry place, unopened Abuelita chocolate can typically last 6-12 months past its printed expiration date before experiencing major flavor and texture changes. Opened packages will go stale quicker.
What are signs Abuelita chocolate has gone bad?
Signs that open Abuelita chocolate has spoiled and is no longer safe to eat include mold growth, an unpleasant rancid or bitter smell, visible discoloration, and separation of cocoa solids. Throw away chocolate immediately if you notice these changes.
Can expired Abuelita chocolate make you sick?
Eating rancid or moldy chocolate that is past its prime can potentially cause stomach upset, however chocolate rarely harbors dangerous bacteria growth. Discard Abuelita chocolate if you notice signs it has spoiled for best quality and safety.
How to store Abuelita chocolate to extend shelf life?
To help Abuelita chocolate bars and discs last as long as possible, store them in a cool place between 60-70°F. Keep chocolate tightly sealed in original packaging or in airtight containers. Avoid temperature fluctuations and humidity. Refrigeration can extend shelf life but may affect texture.
Can you freeze Abuelita chocolate?
Freezing is not recommended for store-bought Abuelita chocolate. The temperature fluctuations of freezing and thawing will cause sugar bloom on the surface and a grainy, crumbly texture. However, homemade ganache or chocolate sauces freeze well.
Conclusion
While it is ideal to enjoy Abuelita chocolate before the printed expiration date for peak freshness and flavor, most unopened bars stay safe and edible for many months afterwards if stored properly in a cool, dry place. Signs of spoilage like mold, smell, discoloration, or texture changes mean chocolate should be discarded. With careful storage, Abuelita chocolate can often last over a year past its expiration date.
What is Abuelita chocolate?
Abuelita is a brand of traditional Mexican chocolate tablets made from a mixture of ground roasted cacao beans, sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes vanilla. The chocolate has a coarse, grainy texture and rich, spicy-sweet flavor. It is sold in circular tablet shapes and can be used for making hot chocolate or for baking.
Key features of Abuelita chocolate:
- Made from ground cacao beans and sugar
- Has a distinctive cinnamon flavor
- Grainy, coarse texture
- Sold in discs or tablet shapes
- Brand has been made in Mexico since 1945
- Used for hot chocolate or baking
Origin and history
The Abuelita brand was first created in 1945 by the Mexican company Productos de Maiz. The name translates to “Little Grandmother” in Spanish, referencing traditional homemade chocolate recipes. The chocolate tablets were an instant hit, and Abuelita became one of the most popular chocolate brands in Mexico.
Over the next decades, Abuelita expanded across Latin America and into the US. It became known as a staple ingredient for making chocolate caliente, a traditional thick Mexican hot chocolate drink. In 1999, Nestlé acquired the brand.
Today, Abuelita is widely available both in Mexico and internationally. It continues gaining popularity outside Latin communities for its nostalgic, comforting flavor profile. The familiar packaging depicting a grandmother remains a cultural icon of Mexican cuisine.
Taste and uses
Abuelita chocolate has a coarse, crumbly texture due to its production process of grinding sugar and cacao beans together. The taste is sweet with notes of cinnamon and vanilla. It has a richer, more rustic chocolate flavor than many commercial chocolate bars.
This chocolate is commonly used to prepare hot chocolate drinks by melting tablets in heated milk. It also lends its distinctive spiced taste in Mexican desserts like champurrado pudding, chocolate tamales, and hot chocolate pie. The chocolate can be used for baking as well.
Common uses for Abuelita chocolate:
- Mexican hot chocolate
- Champurrado (hot chocolate pudding)
- Mole sauces and stews
- Chocolate tamales
- Chocolate cakes, cookies, and brownies
- Flan, pudding, and custards
- Ice cream, milkshakes
Ingredients
Abuelita chocolate tablets contain:
- Sugar
- Ground cacao beans
- Cinnamon
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla extract
- Emulsifiers like soy lecithin
The main ingredients are sugar and cacao solids made from roasted, ground cacao beans. Cinnamon adds Abuelita’s signature flavor, while cornstarch is used as a thickening agent. Natural vanilla extract is also sometimes included.
Compared to most baking chocolate, Abuelita has higher sugar content and added cinnamon flavoring. It generally contains about 30-35% cacao solids while unsweetened baking chocolate is almost entirely cacao.
Nutrition Facts for 2 tablespoons (30g) of Abuelita chocolate:
| Calories | 140 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 10mg |
| Carbohydrates | 23g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 20g |
| Protein | 1g |
Packaging and availability
Abuelita chocolate is sold in individually wrapped 1.5 ounce (42 gram) round tablets. The discs come stacked in boxes or bags of various quantities. Popular options include boxes with 10, 20 or 30 tablets.
The traditional packaging features an elderly grandmother character in a blue dress, apron, and hair bun. This classic Abuelita image is recognizable in Mexico and symbolizes homemade flavors.
In the US, Abuelita chocolate can be found in the Mexican food aisle at major grocery chains like Walmart, Kroger, and Publix. It is also available online through retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Jet. The price typically ranges between $3 to $5 per package.
Storage and expiration
Abuelita chocolate tablets are sensitive to temperature changes, humidity, and direct sunlight. For best freshness, the chocolate should be stored sealed in a cool, dry place around 60-70°F.
The manufacturer prints a recommended best by date on the packages. This expiration timeframe ranges between 9 to 24 months from the packaging date depending on the size. Under optimal storage conditions unopened Abuelita chocolate can retain peak quality and flavor around 3-6 months past its printed date. However it can still be safely consumed for longer.
Once opened, Abuelita chocolate no longer benefits from the protective sealed packaging. To maximize shelf life, re-wrap opened tablets tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Properly stored, opened chocolate will stay fresh approximately 3-4 months.
Signs that the chocolate has expired and gone bad include mold, unpleasant bitter odors, visible discoloration, sugar bloom (white powdery spots), and separation of cocoa solids. Abuelita chocolate that exhibits these degrading changes should be discarded.
Difference from baking chocolate
While Abuelita tablets look similar to unsweetened baking chocolate, there are some key differences:
| Abuelita Chocolate | Baking Chocolate |
|---|---|
| Contains added sugar | 100% cacao with no added sugar |
| Includes cinnamon and vanilla flavor | Plain chocolate flavor |
| Crumbly, coarse texture | Smooth, even texture when melted |
| Lower % cacao (around 30-40%) | Very high % cacao (80-100%) |
| Primarily used for beverages | Mainly used for baking |
While fine for some recipes, Abuelita should not be substituted directly for unsweetened baking chocolate in all applications due to its distinct flavor profile and texture.
Substitutions and conversions
Abuelita chocolate has a unique cinnamon-infused taste that is difficult to perfectly replicate. However, in a pinch, some possible substitutions include:
- Mexican baking chocolate – Similar sweetness and spiced flavors. Won’t be exactly the same but can work for drinking chocolate.
- Dark chocolate – Add 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon per ounce of chocolate. Won’t mimic the coarse texture.
- Hot cocoa mix – Use your favorite store-bought cocoa powder and add cinnamon.
You can also try making homemade Abuelita-style chocolate tablets using this easy recipe:
Homemade Abuelita Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1⁄8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Whisk together cocoa powder and sugar until uniform.
- Add cinnamon and vanilla and stir to fully combine.
- Pour mixture into chocolate molds or flat pan.
- Allow chocolate to set at room temperature before using.
For best results, store the homemade chocolate tablets sealed in the refrigerator where they will keep fresh for 2-3 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Is Abuelita chocolate gluten free?
Yes, Abuelita chocolate tablets are certified gluten-free, making them safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Can you substitute Abuelita in baking recipes?
Abuelita chocolate can generally be substituted for semi-sweet chocolate chips or powder in baking recipes, but the cinnamon flavor may come through. Reduce any spices to prevent overwhelming cinnamon taste.
Does Abuelita chocolate have to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is not required for Abuelita chocolate, but can help extend freshness, especially in warm climates. Store at cool room temperature between 60°F – 70°F for best shelf life.
Can Abuelita hot chocolate be made with water instead of milk?
Yes, you can make dairy-free Abuelita hot chocolate with water or non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk. The taste may be slightly thinner than with regular milk.
Is Abuelita chocolate keto friendly?
Abuelita chocolate has about 23g net carbs per 100g, so it is not considered keto-friendly. For keto, opt for a lower carb chocolate with at least 85% cacao.
Is Abuelita chocolate vegan?
No, traditional Abuelita contains milk products so it is not vegan. However, some vegan Abuelita-style chocolate alternatives exist, or you can make homemade tablets with no dairy.
Final thoughts
Abuelita chocolate is a nostalgic pantry staple for making classic Mexican hot chocolate and desserts. With proper cool, dry storage, the tablets can often last many months past their printed expiration date while retaining safety and good eating quality. However, chocolate that develops mold, odd smells, taste changes, or texture issues should always be discarded no matter the date.
Keep an eye out for visual cues your Abuelita chocolate has spoiled, and enjoy it before its shelf life ends for the ideal spicy-sweet cinnamon chocolate experience this beloved brand is known for.
