An easy rule of thumb is to toss any remaining Halloween candy by the time Easter comes.

Nov. 1. The National Confectioners Association has sweet advice on the shelf-live and storage suggestions for all that Halloween candy.

An easy rule of thumb is to toss any remaining Halloween candy by the time Easter comes.

Specifics on longevity

Soft chocolates, like milk and white chocolate, last eight to 10 months.

Dark chocolate lasts the longest, up to two years. People might see a white coating on the dark chocolate when it’s older, which is called “bloom.” Bloom is not harmful and it’s safe to eat.

Hard candy like lollipops can last up to a year when stored at room temperature or in a cool, dry location.

Gummies last for six to nine months from the date of purchase.

Soft candies like caramel and jelly beans last six to nine months if the package has been opened and left at room temperature. If unopened, they can last up to one year.

Candy corn can last three to six months if the package is opened and stored at room temperature. If unopened, it can last for nine months.

How to store candy

Here’s tips on how to keep candy fresh and safe to eat:

—Keep all candies in their original packaging whenever possible and, once it’s opened, keep them in a sealed jar.

—The pantry is a safe place to store all the candy. If you store them in an airtight container, that’s even better.

—Freezing is a popular method to keep candies to last long. Avoid freezing candies with fruits and nuts. Toffee and truffles can be frozen for up to two months.

—Avoid mixing candies in the same jar. Some candies absorb moisture such as caramel, mints and hard candies. Others lose moisture such as fudge and creamy candies. Storing these in the same jar will cause hard candies to become sticky and lose their texture.

Pets, young children

For the safety of pets and young children, store candy on a shelf that is out of reach.

Chocolate candy is toxic to dogs, and many small candies can be a choking hazard.