17 Foods You Can Still Eat After The Expiry Date

Finding a box of crackers or a carton of eggs past their expiry date can lead to uncertainty in many households. While expiration dates are crucial indicators of a food item’s safety, there are certain products that serve more as guidelines than strict rules. So, what foods you can still eat after the expiry date?

Highlights:

• If the food looks, smells, and feels okay, it’s likely safe to eat even after the expiry date.
• Frozen foods and properly stored items can often outlast their expiration dates without compromising safety.
• Check for signs of spoilage, and consider freezing butter or yogurt to extend their shelf life.
• Regularly inspect and trim perishables like bread, salad mixes, and produce to ensure freshness.
• Stale cereal or slightly outdated cookies can find new life in baking or creative recipes, reducing unnecessary food waste.

17 Foods You Can Still Eat After the Expiry Date

Here, we’ll explore 17 foods you can still consume after the expiry date as long as you follow some precautions.

1. Eggs

Eggs often linger in our refrigerators beyond the date on the carton. To check if an egg is still fresh, perform a simple water test. If it sinks, it’s safe to eat; if it floats, it’s time to dispose of it.

2. Bread

Fresh bread may carry a “best by” date, but as long as there’s no mold, it’s generally safe to consume. Storing bread in the fridge can extend its shelf life to two weeks.

3. Butter

Freeze butter is nearing its expiry date to keep it fresh for an extended period. Ensure it’s used promptly once thawed, especially if you have a surplus.

4. Yogurt

Unopened yogurt remains safe for one to three weeks past its sell-by date if stored in the fridge. It can also be frozen for up to two months without compromising quality.

5. Dry Pasta

Dry pasta is a non-perishable item with a shelf life of around two to three years. It’s safe to use, even past the expiration date, if it doesn’t exhibit an unusual odor.

6. Salad Mixes

Bagged salad mixes, spinach, and arugula are generally safe to eat beyond the expiration date. Trim any wilted portions before use, but discard the greens if they show signs of decay.

7. Frozen Food

If properly stored, frozen foods remain safe to eat past expiration. Watch out for freezer burn, as it may affect taste but not safety.

8. Cookies, Crackers, and Chips

Stale taste aside, cookies, crackers, and chips are usually safe to eat if they don’t exhibit a bad smell or crumble excessively.

9. Chocolate

Depending on storage conditions, chocolate can last beyond its “best before” date. Pay attention to temperature, and don’t mistake sugar bloom for mold.

10. Peanut Butter

Unopened peanut butter lasts up to a year past its best-before date, and opened jars remain good for three to four months in the pantry or six to eight months in the refrigerator.

11. Cereal

Cereal can be consumed up to six months past its best-before date, but be prepared for a slightly stale flavor. Alternatively, repurpose it in baking.

12. Pickled Items

If stored properly, pickled vegetables can last one to two years past their best-before date. Discard jars with a rounded or dome-shaped lid, indicating a faulty seal.

13. Condiments (Ketchup, Mustard, Relish)

Unopened condiments can last for an extended period, with ketchup and mustard lasting up to a year past their best-before date. Refrigerate opened condiments and use them within six months.

14. Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses, like cheddar and parmesan, can be consumed after expiration, even if mold forms. Trim off moldy parts before consumption.

15. Mayonnaise

Store-bought mayonnaise remains safe for three to four months past the expiration date if stored correctly. Discard if it changes texture or color or develops an off smell.

16. Meat

Freezing fresh meat can extend its shelf life by up to 50%. Divide large packages before freezing for easier use.

17. Fresh Fruits and Veggies

Trust your senses with fresh produce. If it looks, smells, and feels okay, it’s likely safe to eat, even if the expiration date has passed.

Conclusion

While it’s crucial to be mindful of food safety, understanding which foods can still be consumed after the expiry date can help reduce unnecessary waste.

By following simple guidelines and trusting your senses, you can make informed decisions about the foods in your pantry and refrigerator.

Remember, it’s always best to err on the side of caution when in doubt.