As a food safety expert, I can tell you that eating chocolate past its expiration date is generally safe in terms of food poisoning, as chocolate has a relatively long shelf life due to its low moisture content and high fat content, which create an environment that is not conducive to bacterial growth. However, the quality of the chocolate may be compromised after the expiration date.

Chocolate that has passed its expiration date may exhibit changes in texture, flavor, and appearance. It might become bloomed, which is when sugar or fat crystals rise to the surface and create a white or grayish film. This is not harmful, but it can affect the taste and mouthfeel of the chocolate.

It's important to note that the "best by," "sell by," or "use by" dates on food products, including chocolate, are more about quality and less about safety. These dates are there to indicate when the manufacturer believes the product will be at its peak quality. After this date, the food may not taste as good, but it's not necessarily unsafe to eat.

However, if you notice any signs of mold, a strong off smell, or other signs of spoilage, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard the chocolate.

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Chocolate does expire �C after some time, even if it was stored properly, chocolate will go bad. ... If it looks fine, smells like chocolate and tastes fine, it's safe to eat it. If the chocolate is after its ��Best by" date and you'll notice that somethings isn't quite right, discard it.read more >>