Keep in mind that shelf stability refers to the food safety of the product, not its quality. One of my friends used to work at a candy factory, and the differen

Keep in mind that shelf stability refers to the food safety of the product, not its quality. One of my friends used to work at a candy factory, and the difference between freshly made gummy bears and the ones picked at retail (that have been sitting in a warehouse and on shelves for a few months) is very large. One of them is filled to the brim with flavor, while the other one is much less flavorful and drier. They're both edible and safe to eat, mind you, but it was much better to get fresh ones. Or not eat candy at all.