Many people throw away perfectly good food just because it’s past the printed expiration date. Howerver, those dates are often about quality—not safety. In fact, the USDA states that except for infant formula, expiration dates are not required and don’t necessarily mean the food is bad. Here are 20 foods you can safely consume after their expiration date, as long as they look, smell, and taste fine.
1. Eggs
Refrigerated eggs can stay good for 3–5 weeks past the sell-by date. Do the “float test”—if they sink in water, they’re still fresh.
2. Milk
Milk can be safe up to a week past its date if kept cold. Spoiled milk smells sour and has a thick texture.
3. Yogurt
Unopened yogurt lasts 1–3 weeks past the date. A little liquid separation is normal—just stir it in.
4. Hard Cheese
Hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan can last weeks beyond their date. Mold on the surface can be cut off.
5. Butter
If refrigerated, butter can last 1–2 months past the date. Store it in the freezer to extend life even longer.
6. Bread
If there’s no mold, bread can be eaten past its date. Store it in the fridge or freezer to slow spoilage.
7. Canned Foods
Low-acid canned goods (like beans or vegetables) can last years beyond their printed date if the can is intact.
8. Pasta
Dry pasta has a shelf life of 1–2 years past the expiration date. Just keep it sealed and dry.
9. Rice
White rice can last indefinitely if stored properly. Brown rice has more oils and may spoil sooner, but still safe months after expiration.
10. Cereal
Cereal may lose crunch but is safe to eat months after the expiration date if kept in a dry, airtight container.
11. Peanut Butter
Unopened peanut butter can last up to a year past the date. Opened jars can last months if refrigerated.
12. Frozen Foods
Freezing stops bacterial growth. Frozen meals or vegetables are safe long after expiration, though taste and texture may decline.
13. Chocolate
Chocolate with a white coating (called “bloom”) is still safe. It may not look perfect but is still edible.
14. Chips and Crackers
They may lose crispness but are safe to eat past their date if not stale or moldy.
15. Honey
Honey never really spoils. It might crystallize over time—just warm it gently to return it to liquid form.
16. Mustard and Ketchup
These condiments can last months beyond their date due to high acidity and preservatives.
17. Vinegar
Vinegar is self-preserving and can last indefinitely. Any cloudiness is harmless.
18. Pickles
Due to their high salt and vinegar content, pickles last months past expiration if refrigerated.
19. Soy Sauce
Unopened soy sauce lasts for years. Even opened, it can stay good for months if stored properly.
20. Dried Beans and Lentils
They may take longer to cook as they age, but they don’t spoil easily and can be used years past their date.
Final Tips:
Always examine food for signs of spoilage—such as an off smell, strange texture, or visible mold. When in doubt, don’t chew it. But keep in mind, “best by,” “sell by,” and “use by” dates are mostly about peak quality, not food safety.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always use good judgment and proper food safety practices.
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