If you’re worried that your food is expired and might be toxic, that’s not always the case for all foods. Companies use the terms “use by” or “best before” to inform the consumer of when a product’s quality is optimal, which doesn’t mean it’s no longer safe for consumption. Most foods can be used past their indicated shelf life if stored correctly. Here are 15 foods you don’t need to throw away after their expiration date.
Canned Vegetables
Anything canned is known to last a long time. So, the next time you clear out your pantry, be sure not to toss away your canned vegetables just because they’re past their “expiration date.” These can serve you up to two years beyond the listed date. Provided it’s properly stored and in good condition, it’s always safe to consume unless you see signs of spoilage. Rust, dents, leakage, and swelling in cans are signs that it’s time to throw them away.
Peanuts
Thanks to their high unsaturated fat content, peanuts can be a healthy addition to your diet, helping with cholesterol levels. The shelf life of these foods depends on how well you store them. If kept in the fridge, they can last up to 2 years, and the “best by” date doesn’t always matter unless there are signs of spoilage. Just keep them in an airtight container, and be sure to shell them so they can last longer.
Honey
Honey is one of the foods you should never worry will go bad or be unsafe to consume past its expiration date. A combination of low pH, high sugar levels, and naturally released hydrogen peroxide inhibits bacterial growth. Don’t toss it away because it has thickened or become crystalline – just put it in warm water to return it to its original state. This food substance can be edible even a few years past its “best by” date.
Eggs
Eggs often stay in the fridge for a long time, especially if you live solo, and you may not always keep track of their “sell by” date. But you have nothing to worry about, as they are safe to consume after their expiration date. Keep them refrigerated, and they’ll be safe for consumption for up to 5 weeks, or even a year if kept in a freezer.
Cheese
Cheese, particularly hard or aged cheese, is often edible past its expiration date, so you don’t need to toss it away. You can refrigerate soft cheeses for several weeks; hard cheeses last up to four months. Having mold doesn’t necessarily mean it’s completely spoiled – simply remove the affected part and enjoy the rest.
Dry Rice & Pasta
If you are used to purchasing your rice and pasta in bulk, you may not know when they expire. The good news is – it’s nothing to stress about. Dried pasta can last two years or longer if thoroughly kept in airtight storage containers. Dried rice has a shelf life of up to five years. Consider investing in oxygen absorbers to extend the shelf life of your rice and pasta.
Coffee
While the aroma and taste will likely reduce, coffee will be safe to consume past its “best by” date, especially if it’s unopened. How long the freshness of coffee lasts depends on the packaging, storage method, and the presence of any additional ingredients, like creamer. You might not know this, but an unopened, well-packaged instant coffee can last up to 20 years. 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič/Unsplash
Sour Cream
Sour cream adds flavor and texture to various dishes, including baked goods, soups, and stews. Appropriately stored in a refrigerator, it can stay safe for consumption for up to three weeks after the date printed on the package. However, like other dairy products, it’s essential to be cautious. If you smell an off odor or notice a change in color or texture, it’s probably best to discard it.
Bread
Unless your bread smells odd, moldy, or has changed texture, you can consume it well past its “expiration date.” Bread stored at room temperature often lasts three days to a week. Refrigeration usually extends shelf life by 3-5 days, but ensure the bread is sealed correctly and that you don’t see any moisture in the packaging.
Spices & Condiments
Spices and condiments past their prime are generally safe to consume. Of course, they may lose some of their flavor over time. There is no need to replace or throw them away solely because they are past their expiration dates. When properly stored, the shelf life of many condiments, including mayonnaise, butter, and vinegar, can be as long as a year.
Biscuits
Unopened packets of biscuits kept correctly in a cool, dry space can remain edible even six months after their “best use by” dates. Freezing biscuits can also lengthen their shelf life, as long as they are stored in an airtight container. Look out for signs of spoilage, like mold or a soggy texture.
Cakes and Cake Mixes
Unopened commercial cakes that are not packed with fresh ingredients, such as whipped cream, can last several days after expiration. Trust your senses; if the cake tastes off, shows mold, or has a weird smell, don’t consume it. Similarly, cake mixes can last past their “best by” dates unless they show signs of spoilage. A dry cake mix will be safe for up to 18 months.
Chocolate
How long your chocolate will last depends on the type and storage methods. Dark chocolate lasts the longest (up to two years) when kept at room temperature in a pantry or another cool, dry place, thanks to its high cocoa content. It might not be at its highest quality past the “best by” date, but it will be safe to consume.
Yogurt
Like the rest of the foods in this list, the “best-by” dates on yogurt indicate when its flavor and texture are at their peak. It remains safe to consume unless it smells sour, develops mold, or tastes yeasty. In that case, it’s best to discard it. If properly refrigerated, yogurt can last up to three weeks past the indicated date.
Milk
As long as you refrigerate your milk at the right temperature and it’s pasteurized, it will stay fresh past its “best by” date. Unopened milk can be edible for up to a week past the indicated date, while opened milk will last a few days after the date. Never consume it if it tastes sour or has an unusual appearance, and avoid leaving it out of the fridge for too long.
