Hot chocolate can be left out for around 2 hours before it starts to go bad.
However if the hot chocolate contains milk the hot chocolate can start to spoil within an hour or less depending on the room temperature.
It's best to refrigerate any leftover hot chocolate if not drinking or serving it within an hour or so.
You should store hot chocolate powder in a cool and dry place and in a sealed container to prevent moisture and contaminants
The packets of hot chocolate powder can be stored in the pantry and kept away from moisture.
If you have canned hot chocolate powder it can remain stored in the container it came in with the lid but kept away from moisture.
It is okay to drink expired hot chocolate as long as the hot chocolate has not actually spoiled or grown any mold in the hot chocolate.
Hot chocolate can and does go bad eventually.
Hot Chocolate in powder form will last for up to 2 years before it starts to go bad.
Although as long as the hot chocolate powder remains sealed and no moisture gets into the hot chocolate powder it will remain safe to consume well past the 2 years.
But the longer the hot chocolate powder goes expired the less tasty it becomes.
So it's best to use the hot chocolate within a few years of purchasing it.
Once made the hot chocolate will last for a couple of days in the refrigerator.
If you make hot chocolate it will last for around 2 to 3 hours at room temperature unless you add milk and then it will start to spoil within an hour or less.
Always refrigerate any leftover made hot chocolate if not drinking it within a few hours.
When stored correctly, hot chocolate powder can last up to two years before its flavor and consistency begin to be altered.
Hot chocolate or cocoa powder is very unlikely to ever give you food poisoning when it goes bad or expires.
However, the bad or expired cocoa powder might give you an upset stomach if it's gone rancid.
To check if the hot chocolate powder has gone rancid just give it a good sniff to smell it.
If the hot chocolate powder doesn't smell unpleasant, feel damp or have signs of mold, it's usually fine to consume, even years after the expiry date.