“Expiration date” can mean different things. In many countries, a “best by” or “best before” date is about quality, not safety, and many foods can still be eaten afterward if they were stored properly. Use extra caution with foods labeled “use by,” especially meat, seafood, dairy, and ready-to-eat refrigerated foods.
Here are 20 foods that often remain safe to eat after the printed date (when stored correctly and showing no signs of spoilage):
- Dry pasta – Often lasts months or years past the date if kept dry.
- Rice – White rice can last a long time; brown rice spoils faster because of its oils.
- Dried beans and lentils – Usually safe for years, though they may take longer to cook.
- Canned vegetables – Can last years if cans are not bulging, leaking, or rusty.
- Canned beans – Often remain good well past the date.
- Canned fish – May be safe beyond the date if the can is intact.
- Cereal – Usually fine after the date if it is dry and free of insects.
- Crackers – May lose crispness but are often still edible.
- Cookies – Quality declines, but unopened packages may last beyond the date.
- Honey – Can last indefinitely if stored properly.
- Sugar – Does not spoil, though it can harden.
- Salt – Remains usable for a very long time.
- Dried spices and herbs – Usually safe but may lose flavor.
- Tea bags – Often remain safe but may lose aroma.
- Coffee (ground or whole beans) – Usually safe after the date if kept dry.
- Peanut butter – Often lasts beyond the date if stored properly.
- Unopened jam or jelly – Can often last past the date if sealed and stored correctly.
- Frozen foods – Can remain safe indefinitely if kept continuously frozen (quality may decline).
- Hard cheeses – Some hard cheeses can last beyond the date if properly stored; mold can often be trimmed from firm cheeses (not all cheeses).
- Eggs – In many places, refrigerated eggs may remain usable after the carton date; check freshness and cook thoroughly if uncertain.
Throw food away if you notice:
- Mold (especially on soft foods)
- A swollen or leaking can
- A strange smell
- Slimy texture
- Unusual color changes
- Signs of pests
For infants, pregnant people, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems, it’s safer to be more conservative with dated foods, especially refrigerated items.
