We’ve all been guilty of tossing out food when its expiration date passes, but did you know that not everything that’s “expired” is actually unsafe to eat? Some common pantry staples can last long beyond their date, and discarding them is a waste of both food and money. In fact, millions of pounds of perfectly safe food are thrown away every year, all because of misunderstood labels. Here’sthree foods that can be consumed months after their listed “use by” date, and offer tips on how to check if they’re still good to eat.
What’s the Deal with Expiration Dates?
Before we dive into which foods are still good, let’s first take a moment to understand the different labels you’ll often see on food packages. You’ve probably come across ‘Use By Date’, ‘Best Before Date’, or ‘Expiration Date’, but do you know what they actually mean?
Use By Date, is typically found on perishable foods like meat, fish, or dairy products. This is a hard and fast date, meaning you really don’t want to eat these products after the specified date because they could be unsafe.
On the other hand, Best Before Date, is all about quality rather than safety. After this date, the food might lose some of its freshness or flavor, but it’s usually still perfectly fine to eat.
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Canned Goods: The Food That Lasts Forever
Canned foods are known for their long shelf life, and for good reason. When food is canned, it’s sealed in an airtight container and heated to kill bacteria, so it can last for years. Even if a can has passed its “best before” date, it’s still probably fine to eat as long as the can isn’t damaged.
The key is to check the can. If it’s not bulging, rusting, or leaking, it’s likely safe. Once you open it, give it a smell and check for any weird textures.
Honey: The Never-Expiring Wonder Food
Honey is one of the most amazing foods when it comes to longevity. Because of its high sugar content and low moisture, it doesn’t spoil. Even if the “best before” date has passed, it’s still good to go.
Honey might change in color or texture (it can crystallize), but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. If it crystallizes, just heat it up a little to make it liquid again. As long as it doesn’t smell funky or show signs of fermentation, it’s still perfectly safe.
Pasta, Rice, and Dried Beans: Your Pantry Lifesavers
Pasta, rice, and dried beans are pretty much the kings of long-lasting food. These foods have very little moisture, which means there’s less chance for bacteria or mold to grow. As long as they’re stored properly, they can last long after their “best before” date.
For example, white rice can last for decades if stored well. Dried pasta and beans are the same, just make sure they’ve been kept in a cool, dry place. Before you cook them, give them a quick check for moisture or pests.
