FAQs
Lack of moisture means old marshmallows don't melt properly. Instead, the dehydrated marshmallows congeal into a thick mass, says Eating Expired. When making Rice Krispies treats, always opt for fresh marshmallows.
Can you use stale marshmallows for Rice Krispies? ›
Don't use old marshmallows.
Most importantly, they don't melt nearly as well. Instead of becoming soft and gooey, they melt into a one giant blob. → Follow this tip: Save the older marshmallows for hot cocoa and s'mores, and pick up a fresh bag of marshmallows to ensure a really great batch of rice krispie treats.
Are stale marshmallows bad for you? ›
Marshmallows tend to become stickier as they age, which can be a telltale sign that they are past their prime. Despite this change in consistency, marshmallows can remain safe to eat for 6 to 8 months beyond their marked best before date, though their optimal quality may have diminished.
Why do my Rice Krispies treats taste stale? ›
Either you have added too much cereal, or you did not pack it down firmly. The marshmallow is the glue, so make sure everything is mixed together well, and it's pressed firmly into the pan. Why do my rice crispy treats taste stale? Make sure that before you start, test out your cereal to make sure it isn't stale.
Can I use stale Rice Krispies? ›
Do Rice Krispies expire? For dry goods such as cereal, the date oin the package is a rough estimate (based on no science or health guidance). Eventually your cereal will get stale, but as long as there aren't any moths or bugs living in it you can safely consume even stale cereal.
What can you use instead of marshmallows for Rice Krispie Treats? ›
The substitute breaks down like this: combine an inverted sugar (like syrup or honey) with a nut or seed butter to create a sweet adhesive for your Rice Krispy treats. Not only does this sticky mix work as a proper swap for marshmallows, but it also brings its own unique flavor to your crunchy bars.
Is eating a bag of marshmallows bad for you? ›
But these fluffy white puffs aren't very nutritious. Marshmallow ingredients usually include just sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. Even so, marshmallow calories can add up quickly if you eat more than a single serving.
What can expired marshmallows do to you? ›
While expiration dates are strict deadlines that indicate when a food item is no longer safe for eating, best-by dates are markers of taste, quality, and freshness. So while marshmallows aren't generally unsafe to eat past the date written on the pack, their quality will certainly deteriorate over time.
Why shouldn't you eat burnt marshmallows? ›
Marshmallows are composed of a majority of sugars. They are eaten alone, but sometimes are roasted over a fire to make smores. Many chemicals are found in burnt food including acrylamide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heterocyclic amines (HCAs) (Dana-Farber).
Is it OK to eat expired Rice Krispies treats? ›
Unlike perishable food items, Rice Krispies treats do not go bad. They can be stored for long periods of time without becoming unsafe to eat. However, as previously mentioned, they may become stale or lose some of their flavor over time.
Put the leftovers in an airtight container or zip-lock baggie. Choose a container that will hold all of the leftovers without leaving too much extra space for air at the top. The less air space, the longer the treats will stay fresh! Stack the treats into the container or baggie in single layers.
How to keep melted marshmallows from getting hard? ›
To avoid this, it's important to melt them slowly over a low heat. Use a larger pan than you think you'll need, as the marshmallows will expand as they warm through.
Can you use old marshmallows for Rice Krispie Treats? ›
You can but I would not recommend it. The marshmallows will clump instead of melting into a nice even goo. Stick to fresh marshmallows for your treats and save the stale ones for a cup of hot chocolate later.
Can dogs eat marshmallows? ›
Marshmallows, regardless of their sweetener content, are loaded with sugar, which should never be given to your pet. Even if your dog consumes marshmallows without artificial sweeteners, you should still be cautious as the high sugar levels can lead to an upset stomach, pancreatitis, and vomiting.
Do marshmallows go bad if not opened? ›
Marshmallows. Shelf life: An unopened bag of marshmallows can last 6-8 months in the pantry while an opened bag will last 2-4 months.
Can you still eat expired marshmallows? ›
Marshmallows last for 6-8 months beyond their "best by date", getting slightly stickier as they age. The shelf life of marshmallows depends on the best before date and how they are stored. The marshmallows base comes from mallow root sap, which was originally used as a medicine for sore throats.
How long do dried marshmallows last? ›
Once opened, the taste is good for maybe a year? Never had any taste stale. But the texture changes after 2-3 months by getting softer believe it or not. The longer you wait, the more moisture they'll absorb and the less fresh they'll seem.
What to do with sticky marshmallows? ›
It's usually pretty easy to unstick marshmallows. Just pour a little confectioners' (powdered) sugar or cornstarch into the bag, close and shake, shake, shake until the marshmallows are coated.