Food expiration dates may leave you afraid that the food will go bad and make you sick if you eat it after that date. However, many foods are still perfectly safe to consume long after their printed expiration date.

The expiration dates on food products are set by manufacturers and don’t necessarily mean the food is no longer good to eat. Here are 30 common foods that are safe to eat after their expiration date:.

Canned Vegetables and Fruits

Many canned vegetables and fruits can still be consumed months or even years after their expiration date. Canned foods are stored in airtight containers, which means bacteria cannot grow inside.

However, make sure to check the cans for any visible signs of damage such as corrosion or rust, as this may indicate that the food inside may be contaminated. If the can looks fine, the food inside should be safe to eat.

Dried Beans and Lentils

Dried beans and lentils can last for years in their dry form if stored properly. Place them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Make sure to check them before cooking if they have any signs of mold, unusual smells, or insect damage. If they look and smell fine, they should be safe to consume.

Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan and cheddar, can last for a long time if stored properly. They can still be consumed even if they have mold on the surface. Mold only grows on the surface of hard cheese, and it does not penetrate the inside.

However, it’s best to cut off any moldy parts before consuming the cheese.

Cookies

Cookies can be consumed for weeks after the expiration date. While they may lose their freshness and become softer, they are still safe to eat.

Cookies with fillings or frosting may not be safe to eat after the expiration date, so it’s best to check for any signs of mold or unusual odors before consuming them.

Pasta

Pasta can be kept for years if stored in a cool, dry place. However, if it is stored in a humid area, it can become clumpy and unappetizing.

Pasta cooked from dry can last for up to a week in the refrigerator and up to six months in the freezer, making it a great food to have on hand.

White Rice

White rice is a staple in many households and can last for years if stored properly. The expiration date on the package refers to its quality, not its safety. White rice can become dry and lose its flavor after some time, but it’s still safe to consume.

Crackers

Like cookies, crackers can be consumed after their expiration date, although they may lose their freshness and become softer over time. As with any packaged food, check for any signs of mold or unusual odors before consuming them.

Cereal

Cereal can be consumed for weeks after the expiration date. While it may lose its freshness, it’s still safe to eat. If the cereal is stored in a humid area, it may become stale or develop an unusual odor.

Chocolate

Dark chocolate can last for years if stored in a cool, dry place. Milk chocolate has a shorter shelf life due to the milk content, but it can still last for several months after the expiration date.

Chocolate is safe to consume even if it develops a white film on the surface, known as “chocolate bloom.”.

Bread

Bread can develop green or white mold after its expiration date, but it can still be safe to eat if the mold is only on the surface. Simply cut off the moldy part before consuming the rest.

It’s important to note that bread that has a strong smell or looks slimy or discolored should be discarded.

Spices

Spices can last for years if stored properly. While they may lose some of their flavor over time, they are still safe to consume. Storing spices in a cool, dark place in an airtight container can help them last longer.

Canned Meat and Fish

Like canned vegetables and fruits, canned meat and fish can still be consumed months or even years after the expiration date. Check the can for any visible signs of damage, such as corrosion or rust.

If it looks fine, the food inside should be safe to eat.

Frozen Meat and Fish

Frozen meat and fish can last for months or even years if stored at 0°F (-18°C) or below and remain frozen the whole time. The expiration date on the packaging refers to the quality of the product, not its safety.

If the meat or fish looks discolored, slimy, or has an unusual odor, it should be discarded.

Chips

Chips can be consumed after their expiration date, although they may lose their freshness and become softer over time. Check for any signs of mold or unusual odors before consuming them.

Shelf-Stable Milk Alternatives

Shelf-stable milk alternatives, such as soy milk, almond milk, and oat milk, can last for months if stored in a cool, dry place. However, they may lose their freshness and flavor over time.

Make sure to check for any signs of mold or off odors before consuming them.

Nuts

Nuts can last for months or even years if stored properly in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. They may lose their flavor and texture over time, but they are still safe to eat.

However, make sure to check for any signs of mold or off odors before consuming them.

Instant Noodles

Instant noodles can last for months or even years if stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. While they may lose their flavor over time, they are still safe to eat.

It’s important to note that instant noodles contain high amounts of sodium, so it’s best to consume them in moderation.

Salad Dressings and Condiments

Salad dressings and condiments, such as ketchup and mustard, can last for years if stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. While they may lose their freshness and flavor over time, they are still safe to consume.

It’s important to check the bottles for any signs of mold or discoloration before using them.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit can last for months or even years if stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. They are still safe to consume even if they become slightly hard over time.

However, make sure to check for any signs of mold or off odors before eating them.

Bouillon Cubes

Bouillon cubes can last for years if stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. They are still safe to consume even if they become discolored or hard. However, make sure to check for any signs of mold or off odors before using them.

Energy Bars

Energy bars can last for weeks or even months after their expiration date. While they may lose their freshness and become softer over time, they are still safe to eat. Check for any signs of mold or off odors before consuming them.

Tea

Tea bags can have a long shelf life if stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Even if they are past their expiration date, they are still safe to use. However, they may lose some of their flavor and aroma over time.

Frozen Vegetables and Fruits

Frozen vegetables and fruits can last for months or even years if stored at 0°F (-18°C) or below and remain frozen the whole time. The expiration date on the packaging refers to the quality of the product, not its safety.

If the vegetables or fruits look discolored, slimy, or have an unusual odor, they should be discarded.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter can last for months or even years if stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. The oils may separate over time, but it can still be safe to consume. Simply stir the peanut butter to blend the oils together.

Check for any signs of mold or off odors before using it.

Popcorn Kernels

Popcorn kernels can last for years if stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. They may lose some of their popping power over time, but they are still safe to use. Check for any signs of mold or off odors before using them.

Coffee

Whole coffee beans and ground coffee can last for months if stored properly in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Even if they are past their expiration date, they are still safe to use. However, the flavor and aroma may diminish over time.

Hot Sauce

Hot sauce can last for years if stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. While it may lose its spiciness and become less flavorful over time, it is still safe to consume. Check for any signs of mold or discoloration before using it.

Canned Soups

Like canned vegetables and fruits, canned soups can still be consumed months or even years after the expiration date. Check the can for any visible signs of damage, such as corrosion or rust. If it looks fine, the food inside should be safe to eat.

Conclusion

The expiration dates on food products are not always an indication of food safety. Many foods can still be eaten even if they are past their expiration date if stored and handled properly.

Always check the food for any signs of damage, mold, or unusual odors before consuming it. By knowing which foods are safe to eat after their expiration date, you can reduce food waste while still enjoying your favorite foods.