This is why you should NEVER keep chocolate in the fridge ...

It's a common kitchen conundrum ... Should you store chocolate in the pantry or the fridge?

However, it turns out if you favour the fridge, you should be rethinking things immediately!

Because according to chocolate expert Luke Owen Smith, it actually ruins the milky treat.

The chocolatier and owner of The Chocolate Bar in Wellington told Stuff that chocolate actually needs to be stored in a cool, dark and dry place - but definitely not in the fridge.

He says: "Extremely cold temperatures can mess with the temperature as much as hot temperatures can."

With lower temperatures making it "dull" and "doesn’t release the flavours".

"Instead, chocolate should be stored in a cool, dark cupboard, preferably at between 10 and 20 degrees Celcius — with 15 degrees being the perfect temperature," he continued.

The only time you should resort to keeping your precious chocolate in the fridge is if the temperature inside your home reaches 28 degrees - but it needs to be in an airtight container s cocoa butter absorbs flavours and odours.

Is anyone else craving chocolate now?!