Crunch Control: How to Keep Brittle Perfectly Crisp in Summer Heat & Humidity

Don’t let the Heat win.

There’s nothing sadder than opening a bag of brittle, expecting that perfect snap—and getting a soft, chewy slump instead. As temps rise and humidity creeps in, even the best brittle can fall victim to its natural enemy: moisture.

But don’t worry. With some science and a few simple tricks, you can protect your brittle all summer long. Whether stashing it in your pantry, prepping for a picnic, or shipping a gift across the country, here's how to keep every bite crisp, clean, and crave-worthy.

The Science: Why Moisture Is the Enemy of Crunch

Brittle is a sugar-based confection and sugar is hygroscopic—which means it absorbs water from the air. On a humid day, that sticky, invisible moisture can sneak in and start dissolving the sugar crystals, turning crisp brittle into something soft, gummy, or grainy.

Once the surface absorbs enough humidity:

• The structure weakens

• The snap disappears

• The shelf life plummets
  

This is especially true in summer when high relative humidity (RH) levels are common in kitchens, warehouses, and shipping environments.

Crunch-Control Storage Tips

Here’s how to fight back and preserve that signature snap, no matter the season.

1. Use an Airtight Container

Glass jars with rubber seals, metal tins with tight lids, or heavy-duty plastic containers all work well. Avoid flimsy plastic bags or twist-top snack containers—they’re no match for summer air.

Pro Tip: If you're transferring brittle from its original bag, do it quickly and reseal immediately.

2. Add a Food-Safe Desiccant Pack

Tuck a silica gel or clay desiccant pack inside the tin or jar. These small packets absorb excess moisture and help create a dry microclimate around your brittle.

Make sure they’re labeled “food-safe” and are not in direct contact with the brittle itself.

3. Pantry vs. Fridge: Choose Wisely

• Cool, dry pantry? Perfect.
  

• Steamy kitchen counter near a window? Nope.
  

If your kitchen runs hot and humid, you can store brittle in the refrigerator, but only if it’s well-sealed. Otherwise, condensation may form when you take it out, defeating the purpose.

Refrigerator tip: If refrigerating, let the container sit at room temp (still sealed) for 15–30 minutes before opening. That prevents condensation from forming on the brittle surface.

4. Avoid Repeated Opening

Each time you open the container, moisture enters. If you’re not eating the whole batch, take out what you need and seal it again quickly.

5. Shipping Brittle in Summer? Line & Insulate.

If you're sending brittle in a gift box or mailer:

• Choose insulated packaging (like foil bubble mailers)
  

• Add a desiccant pack
  

• Wrap brittle in plastic before adding crinkle paper or other box filler
  

If you're local and delivering by hand, keep it in a cooler bag for extra insurance.

Humidity Cheat Sheet: Brittle Shelf Life by RH Level

Quick DIY: Is Your Brittle Still Fresh?

Not sure if your brittle’s still got the goods? Try this simple test:

Snap-Test vs. Bend-Test

• Snap-Test: Take a shard and break it cleanly in half. If it snaps loudly and breaks clean, you’re golden.
  

• Bend-Test: If it bends before it breaks or feels tacky, it’s absorbed moisture and lost some of its crunch.
  

Still, tastes good? Don’t toss it! Use it as a mix-in for popcorn, ice cream, or a sticky glaze for grilled meats.

Bonus Tip: Refreshing Soft Brittle

If your brittle has gone a little soft but isn’t sticky or spoiled, you can give it a quick oven refresh:

1. Preheat oven to 225°F (107°C)
   

2. Spread the brittle on a parchment-lined tray
   

3. Warm for 5–7 minutes (watch closely!)
   

4. Let cool completely before sealing
   

It won’t be like new, but it’ll be crispier than before.

How We Pack for Summer Success

At Brittle-Brittle, we seal every bag to protect freshness. We also use resealable bags and include desiccant when needed, depending on the destination.

Summer heat? Bring it on.
We’re crunch-ready.

Final Crunch

Heat and humidity don’t have to ruin your brittle experience. With just a few tweaks—airtight tins, dry environments, desiccants—you can enjoy that perfect snap even on the muggiest summer day.

Because brittle that bends is a bummer. But brittle that snaps like a dream? That’s magic.

Shop now at Brittle-Brittle.com