Occasionally, you may find a hazy, white coating on your chocolate. This is called chocolate bloom. Although it may affect the taste of chocolate, it is harmless and safe to eat.
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How chocolate bloom occurs
Two things can cause chocolate bloom:
- If chocolate is exposed to high temperatures, the cocoa butter inside melts and separates from the rest of the ingredients. As a result, it settles on the surface in a hazy, white coating
- If there is an excess of moisture, it will cause the sugar in the chocolate to crystalize, which creates a white, speckled or spotted appearance on the surface of the chocolate
Product safety
Although chocolate bloom may affect the taste of the chocolate, it does not pose a health risk. Chocolate that has bloom can still be eaten or used for baking.
How to avoid chocolate bloom
You can avoid chocolate bloom by storing your chocolate in a consistently cool and dry place.