As the festive lights dim and sweet boxes stack up in households, many people simply store leftover homemade and market-bought sweets in the refrigerator to avoid wastage. However, health experts caution that improper storage can not only spoil the taste and texture of these delicacies but may also pose serious health risks. From milk-based sweets like rasgullas and gulab jamuns to dry mithai such as barfis and laddoos, each dessert demands different storage conditions. Ignoring these can lead to bacterial growth, loss of moisture and flavour, and in some cases, contamination. (News18 Kannada)
One of the most common mistakes households make is placing sweets in the refrigerator in their original market boxes. These boxes are not airtight and allow cold, dry air to circulate inside. As a result, moisture from the sweets evaporates, leaving them dry, grainy and tasteless. Over time, exposure to air may also speed up spoilage. (News18 Kannada)
Food safety specialists recommend transferring leftover sweets to clean, airtight glass or high-quality plastic containers. When sealed properly, these containers help preserve moisture and flavour, keeping most sweets fresh for up to 8-10 days. To go a step further, experts suggest lining the base of the container with aluminium foil or parchment paper and placing another layer on top of the sweets. This technique creates a protective barrier that prevents sweets from sticking to the container and helps maintain texture. (News18 Kannada)
Before sealing the lid completely, gently press the top, leave a small gap to let excess air escape, and then close it firmly. This simple ‘de-air’ technique reduces the presence of air inside the container, slowing down oxidation and preserving freshness. (News18 Kannada)
While freezing might seem like a good solution for long-term storage, it is important to follow the right method. Milk-based sweets such as rasgullas and gulab jamuns should always be stored in their sugar syrup to prevent them from drying out. Sudden freezing without syrup can turn them chewy or rubbery. (News18 Kannada)
Another frequent error is storing all types of sweets together. Mixing dry sweets with those soaked in syrup leads to moisture imbalance, alters flavours and can cause cross-contamination. Experts advise storing each type of sweet separately to retain its original taste and prevent spoilage. (News18 Kannada)
Improperly stored sweets can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, particularly those containing milk, khoya or paneer. Consuming such sweets after several days may lead to stomach infections, food poisoning or allergic reactions. (News18 Kannada)
With a little care – using airtight containers, foil or parchment lining, de-airing, and storing items separately – leftover festive sweets can stay delicious and safe to eat for several days. (Disclaimer: This report is based on publicly available information and expert inputs. News18 does not endorse any specific claim or method and is not responsible for any consequences arising from its use.) (News18 Kannada)
