Have you ever made a meal and realized that some of the food in your fridge or pantry is past its expiration date? If you’re like most people, your first instinct is to throw them away.
However, expiration dates are not always accurate, and many foods remain safe to eat long after their estimated date. We have compiled the 15 foods to consume without risk.
-
Bread :
Bread is one of the most consumed foods in the world, but it is also one of the most prone to spoiling quickly. However, bread can be safely eaten several days after its expiration date. The main thing is to make sure that it is stored in a cool and dry place. If your bread starts to get moldy, it’s time to throw it away.
-
Eggs:
Eggs are another common staple, and they can also last longer than you think. Unrefrigerated eggs will only keep for about two weeks, but if refrigerated they can last up to five weeks. However, pregnant women and young children should avoid eating raw eggs.
-
Fruit:
Although the shelf life of the fruit depends on the type of fruit, most will keep for at least a few days after their expiration date. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons can last up to 2 weeks, while harder fruits like apples and pears can last up to 4 weeks.
-
Cheese :
Cheese can also last much longer than its expiration date, especially if it’s a hard cheese like cheddar or Parmesan. Hard cheeses can last up to 6 weeks past their expiration date, while softer cheeses like mozzarella only last one to two weeks.
-
Yogurt:
Yogurt usually only keeps for about a week after the expiration date, but you can often extend its shelf life by freezing it. Frozen yogurt will keep for up to two months in the freezer.
-
Salmon :
Raw fish usually does not keep very long. But cooked fish is safe to eat several days after its best before date. As long as it is stored properly in the fridge (ideally at 5 degrees Celsius or below).
-
Rice :
Cooked rice can also be stored in the refrigerator and eaten several days later. As long as it is stored at 5 degrees Celsius or below. However, it is important not to reheat the rice more than once, as this increases the risk of food poisoning due to bacterial overgrowth.
-
Canned goods:
If a canned product is past its expiration date, it is important to inspect the can before consuming it. If the box is damaged or swollen, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it away. Otherwise, taste the food by smell. If the smell is bad, don’t eat it. If everything looks and smells normal, it is safe to consume. Preserves generally have a shelf life of 2 to 5 years.
-
Seasonings :
In most cases, you can continue to consume the seasonings after their expiration date without any problem. Things to keep in mind though: First, if the seasoning has been stored in an unrefrigerated environment, it may no longer be edible. Then, if it has changed color or consistency, it may also be spoiled. Lastly, if you notice mold inside the bottle, you should throw it away immediately.
-
Legumes:
Legumes can still be eaten for a long time. For months or even years after their expiration date. As long as they have been properly stored in a cool, dry place. Legumes remain fresh and edible.
-
The spices :
Most spices can be used long after their expiration date. In fact, many of them don’t really start to lose their flavor until after 2-3 years. However, it is always best to use spices within 1-2 years of their expiration date for the best flavor. If you’re not sure if a spice is still good, take a smell test. If it smells dull or musty, it’s probably time to throw it out. Also be sure to check the color of the spice. If it has paled significantly, it may no longer be potent.
-
The butter :
The answer depends on several factors. Including how butter is stored and what kind of butter it is. As a general rule of thumb, you can safely consume butter up to a month past the expiration date if it is stored properly. However, salted butter keeps a little longer than unsalted butter.
-
The cookies :
As a general rule, you can eat cookies up to two weeks after their expiration date. After that, they can start to lose their flavor or go rancid.
-
Ketchup :
Despite the sauce’s ingredients and storage methods, tomato sauce is generally safe to eat for up to six months after its expiration date. In fact, tomato sauce is a very acidic food, which contributes to its conservation and prevents the proliferation of harmful bacteria. However, it is important to note that once the tomato sauce is opened, it should be used within a month. After that, the sauce must be thrown away.
-
Dry fruits:
It depends on the fruit. Dried apricots, for example, can be stored for up to six months after their expiration date. While dried figs only keep for three to four weeks. In general, however, most dried fruits will keep for at least a month after their best before date.
Some foods never go bad.
There are foods that never go bad, such as honey, salt and vinegar. Honey is a natural preservative and will keep intact indefinitely if stored in a cool, dark place. Salt is also a natural preservative and can be used to salt meat and fish. Vinegar is another food that does not expire, and can be used for both cooking and cleaning. Stored properly, these three foods never go bad.
* HealthKey strives to convey health knowledge in a language accessible to all. In NO EVENT can the information provided replace the opinion of a health professional.
tags
expired food Date of Expiry expiration date definition eat expired food eat yogurt 3 months
Well Being3 months ago
