As a conscientious shopper, you always check the expiration date on your food before consuming it. However, sometimes you might find yourself with leftovers or food items that are approaching their expiration date.

This can be a cause for concern, and you might wonder if those foods are still safe to eat.

The good news is that not all food becomes harmful after expiration. Some foods can still be consumable past their expiration date without causing any harm.

In this article, we will explore 15 such foods that won’t make you sick past their expiration date.

1. Honey

Raw honey has antibacterial properties that make it an excellent preservative. It can last indefinitely if stored in an airtight container. Granulated honey can last for years, and even when it crystallizes, it will still be safe to consume.

2. Vinegar

Vinegar is acidic, which means it can last for a long time without going bad. White vinegar can last up to two years past the printed expiration date. Balsamic vinegar has a longer shelf life, and its flavor improves with age.

3. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce has a high salt content, which acts as a preservative. It can last for several years when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

4. Hard Cheese

Hard cheese has a low moisture content, which makes it less prone to bacterial growth. It can last for several months past the expiration date when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

5. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate has a long shelf life, and it can last for several years past its expiration date if stored in a cool, dry place.

6. Rice

Rice has a low moisture content, which makes it less susceptible to bacterial growth. It can last for years when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

7. Canned Goods

Canned goods can last for several years past their printed expiration date if they are stored in a cool, dry place. However, you should always check the cans for signs of damage or bulging before consuming them.

8. Dried Beans and Legumes

Dried beans and legumes have a long shelf life and can last for several years when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

9. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds have a high-fat content, which makes them less prone to bacterial growth. They can last for several months past their expiration date when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

10. Pasta

Pasta has a low moisture content, which makes it less susceptible to bacterial growth. It can last for years when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

11. Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices have antimicrobial properties that make them good preservatives. They can last for several years when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. However, their flavor and potency might decrease over time.

12. Tea

Tea has a long shelf life, and it can last for several years past its printed expiration date if stored in a cool, dry place. However, its flavor and potency might decrease over time.

13. Frozen Fruits and Vegetables

Frozen fruits and vegetables can last indefinitely when stored at 0°F or below. However, their quality might decrease over time, and they might lose some of their nutritional value.

14. Condiments

Condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise can last for several months past their printed expiration date if stored in the refrigerator. However, you should always check them for signs of spoilage before consuming them.

15. Pickled Foods

Pickled foods such as pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi have a long shelf life because they are preserved in vinegar or brine. They can last for several years when stored in a cool, dark place.

As you can see, many foods can still be safe to consume past their expiration date. However, it is important to note that these foods might lose their nutritional value and flavor over time.

Additionally, foods that are stored improperly or show signs of spoilage should not be consumed.