Have you ever prepared a meal and realized that some of the food in your fridge or pantry has passed its expiration date? If you’re like most people, your first instinct is to throw them away.
However, best before dates aren’t always accurate, and many foods are still safe to eat long after their estimated date. We have collected the 15 foods to consume without risk.
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The bread :
Bread is one of the most consumed foods in the world, but it is also one of the most likely to spoil quickly. Nevertheless, bread can be safely eaten several days after its expiry date. The main thing is to make sure that it is stored in a cool, dry place. If your bread is starting to get moldy, it’s time to throw it away.
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Eggs:
Eggs are another common staple, and they can also last longer than you think. Unrefrigerated eggs will only keep for about two weeks, but if refrigerated they can keep for up to five weeks. Pregnant women and young children should avoid eating raw eggs, however.
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Fruit:
Although the shelf life of fruit depends on the type of fruit, most will keep for at least a few days past their best before date. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons can last up to 2 weeks, while harder fruits like apples and pears can last up to 4 weeks.
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Cheese :
Cheese can also last much longer than its expiration date, especially if it’s a hard cheese like cheddar or parmesan. Hard cheeses can last up to 6 weeks past their expiration date, while softer cheeses like mozzarella only last one to two weeks.
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Yogurt:
Yogurt usually only keeps for about a week after its best before date, but you can often extend its shelf life by freezing it. Frozen yogurt will keep for up to two months in the freezer.
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Salmon :
Raw fish usually does not keep very long. But cooked fish is safe to eat several days after its best before date. Provided it is stored properly in the refrigerator (ideally at 5 degrees Celsius or less).
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Rice :
Cooked rice can also be stored in the refrigerator and eaten several days later. Provided it is stored at or below 5 degrees Celsius. However, it is important not to reheat the rice more than once, as this increases the risk of food poisoning due to bacteria overgrowth.
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The canned goods :
If a canned product has passed its expiration date, it is important to inspect the can before consuming it. If the box is damaged or swollen, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it away. Otherwise, test the food by smell. If the smell is bad, don’t eat it. If everything looks and smells normal, it is safe to consume. Preserves generally have a shelf life of 2 to 5 years.
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Condiments :
In most cases, you can continue to consume condiments after their expiration date without any problem. However, things to keep in mind: First, if the condiment has been stored in an unrefrigerated environment, it may no longer be edible. Then, if it has changed color or consistency, it may also be spoiled. Finally, if you notice the presence of mold inside the bottle, you should throw it away immediately.
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Legumes:
Pulses can still be eaten for a long time. For months or even years past their expiration date. Provided they have been stored properly in a cool, dry place. Pulses stay fresh and edible.
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Spices :
Most spices can be used long after their expiration date. In fact, many of them don’t really start to lose their flavor until after 2 or 3 years. However, it is always best to use spices within 1-2 years of their expiration date for the best taste. If you’re not sure if a spice is still good, do a scent test. If it smells dull or musty, it’s probably time to throw it away. Also be sure to check the color of the spice. If she has paled significantly, she may not be potent anymore.
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Butter :
The answer depends on several factors. Including how the butter is stored and what kind of butter it is. As a general rule, you can safely consume butter up to a month after the expiration date if properly stored. However, salted butter keeps a little longer than unsalted butter.
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The biscuits :
As a general rule, you can eat cookies up to two weeks after their expiry date. After that, they may start to lose their flavor or become stale.
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Tomato sauce :
Despite the sauce ingredients and storage methods, in general, tomato sauce is safe to eat for up to six months after its expiration date. Indeed, tomato sauce is a very acidic food, which contributes to its conservation and prevents the proliferation of harmful bacteria. However, it is important to note that once the tomato sauce has been opened, it should be used within one month. After that, the sauce should be discarded.
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Dried fruits:
It depends on the fruit. Dried apricots, for example, can be stored for up to six months after their expiry date. While dried figs only keep for three to four weeks. In general, however, most dried fruits will keep for at least a month after their best before date.
Some foods never go bad.
There are foods that never go bad, including honey, salt, and vinegar. Honey is a natural preservative and will stay intact indefinitely if stored in a cool, dark place. Salt is also a natural preservative, and can be used to salt meats and fish. Vinegar is another food that does not expire, and can be used for both cooking and cleaning. Stored properly, these three foods never go bad.