Expired Food: 10 Foods That Can Be Eaten After the Expiry Date

Food expiration dates are often seen as strict guidelines that warn us when to toss out products to avoid potential health risks. However, these dates are not always definitive, and in many cases, food may still be safe to consume well after the marked expiration. Understanding how to handle expired food properly can save money, reduce waste, and help you better manage your food inventory.

This article will discuss 10 types of food that are typically safe to eat after their expiry date. We’ll also provide a detailed step-by-step method for assessing whether these foods are still consumable.

1. Eggs

Eggs have a surprisingly long shelf life, even after the expiration date. The freshness of an egg can be tested with the “water test.”

Method to Check Freshness:

  1. Fill a bowl with cold water.
  2. Gently place your eggs in the water.
  3. Observe the egg’s behavior:
    • Sinks and lays flat on the bottom: Fresh.
    • Sinks but stands upright: Still safe, but should be used soon.
    • Floats to the top: Spoiled and should be discarded.

Eggs typically last about 3–5 weeks after the expiration date, as long as they are stored properly in the fridge.

2. Canned Goods

Canned foods like beans, vegetables, and soups can last years beyond their expiration dates as long as the can is intact and there’s no sign of damage.

Method to Check Freshness:

  1. Inspect the can for dents, rust, or bulges. If the can is damaged, discard it.
  2. Open the can and check the contents for any signs of mold, unusual odor, or discoloration.
  3. If everything looks and smells fine, it’s safe to consume, even if it’s past the expiration date.

Canned goods are often good for up to 1–2 years after the expiration date when stored in a cool, dry place.

3. Pasta and Rice

Both pasta and rice have an extremely long shelf life, often lasting years after their expiration date when stored in a dry, cool environment.

Method to Check Freshness:

  1. Inspect the packaging for any holes, tears, or signs of pests.
  2. Smell the pasta or rice to check for a rancid or musty odor.
  3. Cook a small amount to taste. If it cooks normally and has a regular flavor, it’s safe to consume.

Pasta and rice can last 2–3 years beyond the expiry date without significant degradation in quality.

4. Hard Cheese

Cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, and Gouda tend to last long after their expiration dates, as long as they are stored properly.

Method to Check Freshness:

  1. Inspect the cheese for mold growth. If it’s a hard cheese, you can cut off the moldy part (1–2 inches) and eat the rest.
  2. Smell the cheese. If it doesn’t have an off-putting odor, it’s generally safe to eat.
  3. Taste a small portion. If it tastes normal, it’s good to go.

Hard cheeses can last for 2–4 weeks after the expiry date, especially when stored in the fridge.

5. Honey

Honey is one of the few foods that don’t expire. Due to its natural preservatives, such as low moisture content and high acidity, honey can last indefinitely.

Method to Check Freshness:

  1. Inspect the honey for any crystallization. Crystallized honey is still safe to eat, though it may be less fluid.
  2. If your honey has crystallized, simply place the jar in warm water to liquefy it.
  3. Smell and taste the honey. If it’s still sweet and doesn’t have an off odor, it’s safe to consume.

Honey can last for decades, even centuries, beyond its “best before” date.

6. Frozen Foods

Frozen foods are typically safe to eat long after their expiration dates, as long as they’ve been kept at a consistent freezing temperature. However, their texture and flavor may degrade over time.

Method to Check Freshness:

  1. Inspect frozen foods for freezer burn (indicated by white, dry spots). Although not dangerous, freezer burn can affect the texture and flavor.
  2. Smell the food after defrosting. If it doesn’t have an unpleasant odor and looks fine, it’s safe to eat.
  3. Cook and taste a small portion. If it tastes normal, it’s good to go.

Frozen foods can last anywhere from 6 months to several years beyond the expiration date, depending on the type of food and how well it was stored.

7. Coffee

Ground coffee or coffee beans don’t technically expire, though their flavor may decline over time. A proper seal helps prevent oxidation, which keeps the coffee flavorful.

Method to Check Freshness:

  1. Smell the coffee. If it smells stale or rancid, it may have lost its flavor but is still safe to drink.
  2. Brew a cup and taste it. If the flavor is flat or off, you may not enjoy it, but it won’t harm you.

Coffee typically retains its best flavor for 1–3 months past the expiry date when stored in a cool, dark place.

8. Dry Lentils and Beans

Dry lentils and beans can last for a long time past their expiration date. Though they may take longer to cook, they are usually still safe to eat.

Method to Check Freshness:

  1. Inspect the lentils or beans for any signs of mold, insects, or unusual discoloration.
  2. Cook a small amount. If they take longer to cook than usual or taste stale, they might be older but still edible.

Dry lentils and beans last 1–2 years beyond the expiry date when stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.

9. Crackers and Chips

Crackers and chips can be eaten past their expiration date as long as they’ve been stored properly. They may lose their crispness over time but are safe to eat.

Method to Check Freshness:

  1. Check for any signs of mold or unusual odor. If the food smells rancid, discard it.
  2. Taste a small portion. If it tastes stale but not off, it’s fine to eat.

These foods can last 6–12 months past their expiration date when stored in a cool, dry area in an airtight container.

10. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is stable and can last months past its expiration date. The oils in peanut butter may separate over time, but this doesn’t mean it’s gone bad.

Method to Check Freshness:

  1. Stir the peanut butter if the oils have separated. This is common and does not indicate spoilage.
  2. Smell the peanut butter. If it has a rancid odor, discard it.
  3. Taste a small portion. If it tastes normal, it’s still safe to consume.

Peanut butter can last up to 6 months beyond the expiration date, especially if it has been refrigerated.

How to Safely Handle Expired Foods

Even with the knowledge that some expired foods can be safely eaten, it’s essential to follow a few general safety precautions:

  1. Proper Storage: Ensure that expired food has been stored properly (e.g., in a cool, dry place or refrigerated) to slow down spoilage.
  2. Visual Inspection: Always visually inspect food before consumption, looking for any signs of mold, discoloration, or unusual texture.
  3. Smell Test: If in doubt, trust your nose. A rancid or sour smell is usually a sign of spoilage.
  4. Taste a Small Portion: If food passes the visual and smell tests, tasting a small amount can help confirm whether it’s still safe to eat.
  5. Err on the Side of Caution: If you’re ever unsure, it’s better to discard food than risk foodborne illness.

Conclusion

While expiration dates on food products serve as guidelines to ensure quality and safety, they don’t always mean that food is no longer safe to eat. With a little knowledge and careful inspection, you can safely enjoy many foods well beyond their expiry dates. By following the step-by-step methods outlined in this article, you can confidently make use of these foods without wasting them and even save money in the process!