There is a woman on TikTok — @totesma_gotes — who posts recipes where she uses products that are picked up from neighborhood pantry clean outs and publicized on Facebook Marketplace, in community groups, et cetera. Frequently, the products are way past the expiration date, yet she still uses them. What expired food products are okay to use after their expiration date? How far after the date is it still considered safe to eat?
What’s the difference between the expiration date and the use-by date?
An expiration date, by definition, is a set date that determines when a product should no longer be used. This term is viewed as both a safety and quality measure in many industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and even hair and skincare. At the grocery store, you’ll commonly see a variety of food items with labels such as “use-by” and “best if used by” which tells you the time frame of the item’s peak freshness. There’s also “sell-by,” which stores use to determine how long to display an item for sale in order to manage inventory. The date listed might look like an expiration date, but these labels actually have nothing to do with the safety of the item; instead, consider them a reminder. Your food is giving you a heads-up to either use it by the date or start preparing to get it stored before it actually spoils.
How long does expired food last and is it safe?
The two main factors that determine food spoilage are whether the item was opened, and if and how it was stored. The good news is yes, many foods are still safe to eat after they are past the printed date, but this will vary depending on the item. For example, commercially-baked bread should be consumed within three to five days for best quality; but, if stored in the refrigerator, it’s likely to stale quicker. If you were to freeze the bread directly after buying it or before use-by date, it could last up to an additional three months. Cakes and muffins have a shelf life of seven to 10 days (if refrigerated after opening), while pastries and danishes up to 14 months. Additionally, snacks such as potato chips and popcorn will last one to two weeks after opening.
Canned goods are often what you think of when deciding to keep or discard items. These items are “shelf stable,” meaning they can be stored safely at room temperature. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, canned meats, vegetables, and most soups have a shelf life of two to five years, while canned fruits, juices, and vinegar-based foods last 12 to 18 months. This is why canned goods are among the top requested items for food donation. Most pantries will even allow you to donate expired cans within their restrictions.
As for poultry, seafood, dairy, and fresh produce, eating past the date is risky, as these items spoil the fastest. When deciding whether or not these foods are safe to consume, feel for mushy texture and look for discoloration. Do a smell check before drinking days-old milk. For any opened meat or seafood you’d like to save, check the use-by dates. If there’s time, wrap them airtight and put them the the freezer. Don’t forget opened condiments should also be refrigerated after opening, even maple syrup and peanut butter. The only exception is baby food and baby formula, which should never be used or even opened once the use-by date has passed.
Should I buy marked-down foods about to expire from the grocery store?
Grocery stores know that shoppers tend to avoid buying food close to their sell-by date. To prevent food waste and clear out excess inventory, they will markdown items as a way to get your attention. You could also see BOGO deals, or special promotions requiring you to buy a limit for a specific price. As long as you plan on using the item within a few days after opening, go for it. It’s fairly safe, and goods will still be fresh. Check the bakery and meat section. If you’re cooking or attending a gathering the same day, you could potentially save some money. Wednesday mornings are the best time for shopping —, weekly specials and deals have just started and there’s fewer crowds.
Another elephant in the room that must be addressed: overbuying. The country has a huge problem when it comes to food waste with 30% to 40% of food going into landfills each year. Is it wrong to have a pantry full of goods? Not at all —, you should have some stored away in case of emergencies. If you’re stockpiling just for the sake of quantity, really ask yourself why you need it before buying.
What’s the worst that could happen?
It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to eating foods after the date. However, even if an item is at its freshest, improper storage can be just as bad and risk illness regardless. If you’ve ever accidentally left your takeout sitting on the counter several hours, tossing it back in the fridge won’t make it better. Consider if the item is already opened, and look for signs of spoilage such as swelling, leakiness, mold, rust, or smells. Foodborne illness is serious; in the U.S. alone, millions of people are affected each year by food poisoning. The improper cooking of meat and dairy can spread bacteria that causes E. coli, salmonella, Hepatitis A, and Campylobacteriosis.
The best way to avoid the concern of expiration is to use up the foods you have and take precautions. Go through your kitchen and spend some time reviewing labels. Stay updated with the latest news updates on any recalls. If you’re still uncomfortable, contact your local food pantry for questions and try donating to help someone in need.