Medical experts clarify which everyday staples can be safely consumed even after the expiration date on their packaging has passed.
It’s common to have a jar or can in your pantry that’s been there since before 2020, leaving you to wonder if it’s still safe to eat. According to experts, some items remain good to consume well beyond their expiration dates. Unlike sell-by dates, which are designed for stores to manage inventory, expiration dates let consumers know when food is at its peak quality. However, these dates can often be conservative, and many foods last longer than their labels suggest.
For instance, dry pasta is generally safe to eat past its expiration date because its low water content inhibits bacterial growth. Dr. Cynthia Odogwu states that as long as it’s stored in a cool, dry place and remains unopened, it can last up to a year. Similarly, jam’s high sugar and acidity help preserve it for about six months past its expiration date, provided it’s unopened and stored correctly.
Unopened mayo is often fine for up to six months after its “best before date” thanks to its acidic nature, which kills harmful bacteria. Pasteurized milk can still be usable for up to 10 days if left unopened, as the process reduces spoilage-causing microorganisms.
Plant-based milks, often sold at room temperature, also keep well past their expiry when unopened because of their pasteurization process. Dry items like rice and beans stay usable longer due to their low moisture content, and canned foods can be safely consumed for years after expiration if the cans remain intact.
Nut butters, although they might develop stale flavors, can still be safe post-expiration as long as no mold or spoilage is evident. Always check these products for upsetting odors or tastes before using them.
