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20 Foods You Can Eat After the Expiration Date

Let’s be honest — most of us have tossed food the moment it passed the expiration date, assuming it was unsafe to eat. But here’s the truth: expiration dates often don’t mean what you think they do. In fact, many are about quality, not safety.

Terms like “sell by,” “use by,” and “best before” are more about freshness and flavor than health hazards. According to the USDA, most foods are still perfectly safe to eat after these dates — if stored properly.

Here are 20 foods you can usually eat past their expiration date (with proper care and storage):

1. Eggs

Stored in the fridge, eggs can last 3–5 weeks past their “sell by” date. Do the float test: if an egg sinks in water, it’s good. If it floats, toss it.

2. Milk

It might last up to a week after the “sell by” date if kept cold. Sniff it first — your nose knows.

3. Yogurt

Most yogurt stays fresh for 1–2 weeks past its date if unopened and refrigerated. Look for mold or an off smell.

4. Cheese

Hard cheeses (like cheddar or parmesan) can last weeks or even months past their date. Just cut off any moldy parts. Soft cheeses? Be more cautious.

5. Bread

If stored in the fridge or freezer, bread can last well beyond the printed date. Just check for mold — that’s the real dealbreaker.

6. Pasta

Dry pasta is a pantry staple that can last up to two years past its date. It won’t spoil, but it might lose flavor over time.

7. Canned Goods

Canned vegetables, beans, and soups can remain safe years beyond the expiration date if the can is intact and stored in a cool, dry place.

8. Frozen Foods

Frozen meals and veggies are safe indefinitely, though quality may decline after the listed date. Freezer burn? Just cut it off.

9. Cereal

Unopened cereal can stay fresh for months past its date. If it’s stale, toast it in the oven to bring back some crunch.

10. Chips and Crackers

If stored in an airtight container, chips and crackers can last beyond the expiration date. A quick taste test will tell you if they’re still crisp.

11. Peanut Butter

This pantry MVP is safe for several months past its date if unopened. Natural peanut butter may separate over time — just stir it.

12. Chocolate

Good news: chocolate rarely goes “bad.” A white coating (called “bloom”) is just fat or sugar separating — it’s still safe to eat.

13. Honey

Honey is basically immortal. Stored in a cool, dry place, it can last forever, even if it crystallizes (just warm it up).

14. Rice

White rice can last years past its expiration date when kept dry and sealed. Brown rice has more oils and a shorter shelf life, but it’s still good for months.

15. Vinegar

It’s acidic — which means bacteria won’t thrive. Vinegar can last indefinitely, though flavor may change over time.

16. Soy Sauce

Thanks to its salt content, soy sauce stays safe for months after opening and even longer unopened. Refrigeration helps preserve flavor.

17. Butter

Butter can last 1–3 months past its date in the fridge and longer if frozen. If it smells sour or rancid, it’s time to let it go.