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

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

We’ve all been there—standing in front of the fridge or pantry, squinting at a date on the package and wondering, “Is this still safe to eat?” While food safety is essential, the truth is that many foods remain perfectly good well after their expiration date—and tossing them out can lead to unnecessary waste.

The key? Understanding the difference between “best before”, “use by”, and “sell by” dates, and knowing which foods can safely outlast them.

Here are 10 common foods that can often be consumed after their expiry date, as long as they’ve been stored properly and show no signs of spoilage.

🥚 1. Eggs

Shelf life: 3–5 weeks past the sell-by date (when refrigerated)

Do the float test: place the egg in a bowl of water. If it sinks and lies flat, it’s fresh. If it floats, toss it. No smell? No problem.

🧀 2. Hard Cheeses (like Cheddar or Parmesan)

Shelf life: Several weeks to months past the date

Mold on the surface? Simply cut it off. The rest is still good thanks to low moisture and aging processes.

🥣 3. Dry Pasta

Shelf life: Up to 2 years past the best-before date (unopened)

As long as it’s stored in a cool, dry place and free of bugs, pasta can outlast its date with no loss in quality.

🍫 4. Chocolate

Shelf life: 6–12 months past the date

You might notice a white coating called “bloom.” It’s just fat or sugar crystallization—not mold. The chocolate is still safe to eat.

🥛 5. Yogurt

Shelf life: 1–3 weeks past the expiry date (refrigerated)

Sniff it first. If it smells normal and doesn’t have mold or excess liquid, it’s likely still good. Stir it up and enjoy.

🥫 6. Canned Goods

Shelf life: 1–5 years past the best-by date (unopened)

Canned beans, vegetables, soups, and sauces are incredibly shelf-stable. Discard only if the can is bulging, rusted, or leaking.

🍞 7. Bread (especially frozen)

Shelf life: A few days to a week past the date, or months if frozen

Bread may go stale, but that’s not dangerous. If there’s no mold, it’s still fine to toast, bake, or make into croutons.

🌾 8. Cereal and Crackers

Shelf life: Up to 6 months past the best-before date

They might lose a bit of crunch, but if stored in airtight containers, these dry goods remain safe and edible long after their date.

🧂 9. Dried Spices

Shelf life: 2–3 years past the best-before date

Spices don’t spoil but they do lose potency. Older spices won’t make you sick—they just might not be as flavorful.