Many of us live by the dates printed on our food packaging. We toss out food the day it hits its “Best Before” date, fearing it has suddenly become unsafe to eat. This caution, while well-intentioned, is a major contributor to household food waste and unnecessary spending. It’s crucial to understand that most of these dates are about peak quality, not safety. With proper storage, many foods are perfectly safe and delicious long past the date on the label. Here are 10 common foods that often last much longer than you think.
1. Canned Goods
Canned goods are the king of shelf stability. As long as the can is not severely dented, bulging, or rusted, its contents can remain safe to eat for years past the “Best Before” date. The date indicates when the quality (taste, texture, nutritional value) might begin to decline slightly. Highly acidic foods like canned tomatoes might degrade faster, but low-acid foods like canned beans or corn can last for a very long time.
2. Dried Pasta and White Rice
Dried pasta and white rice are pantry staples that are virtually immortal if kept dry and free from pests. They are so low in moisture that they don’t support bacterial growth. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry, and they will easily last for many years beyond their printed quality date without any noticeable change. Brown rice, however, has oils that can go rancid over time.
3. Honey
Honey is a remarkable food. Due to its low water content and high acidity, it is naturally antimicrobial and essentially never spoils. Archaeologists have even found edible honey in ancient Egyptian tombs. Over time, honey may crystallize or change color, but this is not a sign of spoilage. You can easily re-liquefy crystallized honey by placing the jar in a bowl of warm water.
4. Salt
Pure salt (sodium chloride) is a mineral. It has been used as a preservative for thousands of years because it doesn’t support microbial life. It will never spoil or expire. The “Best Before” date on a container of salt is usually there for commercial reasons or because other ingredients (like iodine in iodized salt or anti-caking agents) might degrade slightly over many years, though the salt itself remains stable.
5. Pure Vanilla Extract
Real vanilla extract, because of its high alcohol content, acts as a preservative for itself. It has an indefinite shelf life and, like a fine wine, may even develop a more complex flavor over time if stored properly in a cool, dark place. The “Best Before” date on the bottle is largely for inventory purposes. Imitation vanilla, with less alcohol, may not last as long.
6. Hard Cheeses (Unopened)
Hard cheeses like Parmesan, aged cheddar, or Pecorino are low in moisture. If a small amount of surface mold develops on a large, hard block, it is generally safe to cut off the moldy spot (with about an inch margin) and consume the rest. Unopened, a block of hard cheese can last for weeks or even months past its “Best Before” date if stored properly in the refrigerator.
7. Eggs
While eggs have a “Sell By” or “Best By” date, they are often still good for several weeks beyond that if they have been continuously refrigerated. A simple way to test an egg’s freshness is the float test. Place an egg in a bowl of water. A fresh egg will sink to the bottom. An older egg will stand on its end or float, as the air cell inside grows larger over time. Floating eggs should be discarded.
8. Shelf-Stable Milk (UHT)
Unopened shelf-stable milk, sold in aseptic cartons (like Parmalat), has been treated with ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing to kill bacteria. It can last for months past its “Best Before” date if the package remains unopened and stored at room temperature. Once opened, however, it must be refrigerated and consumed within about a week, just like fresh milk.
9. Frozen Foods
Frozen foods can remain safe indefinitely as long as they are kept continuously frozen at 0°F (-18°C) or below. The “Best Before” date on frozen vegetables, fruits, or meats is an indicator of quality. Over very long periods, they might develop freezer burn, which affects texture and flavor, but the food itself does not become unsafe. Freezing is a state of suspended animation.
10. Plain White Sugar
Like salt, pure sugar has an indefinite shelf life because its low moisture content prevents the growth of bacteria and mold. The main challenge with storing sugar is preventing it from hardening into solid clumps due to moisture exposure. Storing it in an airtight container will keep it usable forever. The date on the package is for stock rotation, not spoilage.
Trust Your Senses, Not Just the Date
Understanding that most expiration dates are about quality, not safety, is key to reducing food waste and saving money. For many shelf-stable foods, the date on the label is a very conservative suggestion. Learn to trust your senses. Look for signs of spoilage like mold, discoloration, or bulging cans. Smell for off-odors. If a food looks, smells, and (for a tiny taste test) tastes fine, it’s likely safe to eat, regardless of the “Best Before” date. This mindful approach helps you get the full value out of the food you buy.
Which foods do you comfortably eat past their “Best Before” dates? What are your best tips for storing pantry staples to maximize their shelf life? Share your knowledge below.
Read More
The Myth of Expiry Dates—and What Grocers Don’t Want You to Know
Understanding Expiry Dates at Big-Box Retailers: 6 Things Shoppers Should Watch For
The post 10 Foods That Last Longer Than the Expiration Date Says appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.
