20 Foods You Can Safely Eat After the Expiration Date
When it comes to food, most people take expiration dates very seriously — and with good reason. No one wants to risk food poisoning. But here’s the truth: many foods are still perfectly safe (and delicious) after their expiration date, depending on how they’ve been stored and what type of date label is used.
The terms “best by,” “sell by,” and “use by” are often misunderstood. In fact, most of them refer to quality, not safety. So before you throw out that yogurt or loaf of bread, read this list of 20 foods that are often still safe to eat after their expiration date.
🥫 1. Canned Goods (Low-Acid Foods)
Shelf life: 1–5 years past expiration
Items like beans, corn, soups, and tuna can last for years if stored in a cool, dry place.
Tip: Toss it if the can is bulging, rusted, or leaking.
🥣 2. Dry Pasta
Shelf life: 1–2 years past date
Dry, uncooked pasta lasts a long time. As long as it’s not exposed to moisture or bugs, it’s good to go.
🥛 3. Milk
Shelf life: 5–7 days past date (refrigerated)
Smell it. If it doesn’t smell sour and looks normal, it’s likely still fine.
Tip: Organic or UHT milk lasts even longer.
🍞 4. Bread (Without Mold)
Shelf life: 5–7 days past date at room temp; longer if frozen
If there’s no mold, it’s fine. Slightly stale? Toast it or make French toast.
🧀 5. Hard Cheese (e.g., Cheddar, Parmesan)
Shelf life: Weeks to months past date
If mold appears on hard cheese, you can cut off the moldy part and eat the rest.
🧈 6. Butter
Shelf life: 1–2 months past date (refrigerated)
Stored in the fridge, butter lasts longer than expected. Just check for sour smell or discoloration.
🍫 7. Chocolate
Shelf life: Up to 1 year past date
A white “bloom” may appear from fat separation — it’s harmless.
🍚 8. White Rice
Shelf life: Indefinitely (if stored dry and sealed)
This pantry staple lasts forever if kept away from moisture and pests.
🥫 9. Canned Tomatoes and Other High-Acid Foods
Shelf life: Up to 1 year past date
Higher acidity means shorter shelf life than low-acid canned goods but still safe well past the date if sealed and undamaged.
🧃 10. Juice (Unopened)
Shelf life: Weeks to months past date (especially shelf-stable types)
Smell and taste a small amount to check. Watch out for fizzing or sourness.
🥣 11. Cereal and Granola
Shelf life: 6–12 months past date
If kept dry and sealed, cereal may lose crunch but is still safe.
🥜 12. Peanut Butter (and Other Nut Butters)
Shelf life: Several months past date
Natural separation of oil is normal. Stir and go!
🥚 13. Eggs
Shelf life: 3–5 weeks past date (refrigerated)
Do the float test: If it sinks in water, it’s still good. If it floats, toss it.
🥛 14. Yogurt
Shelf life: 1–3 weeks past date (sealed)
Trust your nose and eyes. Slight separation is normal; stir and taste.
🥫 15. Condiments (Ketchup, Mustard, Soy Sauce)
Shelf life: Months to years past date (refrigerated)
These have preservatives that keep them safe long after the date.
🍯 16. Honey
Shelf life: Indefinitely
Honey never spoils. Crystallization? Just warm it up.
🧂 17. Salt
Shelf life: Indefinitely
It’s a natural preservative. No expiration needed unless it’s iodized (which may lose potency over time).
🌾 18. Oats
Shelf life: 1–2 years past date (sealed)
Rolled oats stay fresh if kept dry and in airtight containers.
☕ 19. Coffee (Ground or Whole Bean)
Shelf life: Months past date
Coffee may lose flavor but is still safe if it hasn’t been exposed to moisture.
🧼 20. Dry Spices and Herbs
Shelf life: 2–3 years past date
They lose potency, not safety. Taste might fade, but they won’t harm you.
⚠️ What About “Use By” vs “Best By”?
