Expert says chocolate must not be stored in the fridge for 'disgusting' reason

When you get home from a food shop, you either put items in the fridge or the cupboard - but there's some items that you should never put in the fridge with one expert advising against placing chocolate in there.

So to put an end to the debacle, Joshua Houston, Food Storage Expert at Household Quotes has warned against refrigerating chocolate. So to put an end to the debacle, Joshua Houston, Food Storage Expert at Household Quotes has revealed why this is - so you best get your chocolate out now.

Do not refrigerate chocolate

Refrigerating your chocolate is bad for "several reasons" according to the expert. This is because chocolate can easily absorb flavours from other foods in your fridge and if you chill your sweet treats, they may not taste as good, and can in fact become tasteless. Discolouring is another big problem that occurs when moisture in a fridge results in 'sugar bloom', which is where sugar rises to the surface.

Where should you store chocolate?

Many of us are guilty of popping our chocolate in the fridge, fearing it might melt. But actually, a dry cupboard is a far better choice as moisture can spoil the taste over time. The sweet spot for storing chocolate is between 12C and 18C - any hotter and you risk a chocolaty mess in your kitchen.

If you've opened your chocolate and miraculously have some left (how is that possible?), then pop it in an airtight wrapper or container. This will shield your chocolate from moisture and external smells that could ruin its flavour.

The expert further recommends ensuing that chocolate is kept away from direct light as not only can it cause 'sugar bloom' but melting is a factor. Bloomed chocolate is still safe to eat, but it won't look as appealing and might taste slightly different.

Joshua Houston, Food Storage Expert at Household Quotes: ''The fridge or cupboard debate when it comes to chocolate has gone on for years. This should hopefully settle some of the passionate arguments, so commiserations to the fridge storers.

"However, ultimately how you store your chocolate is up to you. Some people enjoy cold chocolate more than room temperature. Just make sure it is correctly wrapped if it is already open."