We all have a mental grocery list of the staple items we buy on every shopping trip. Without thinking, we will grab a new carton of eggs or a bottle of ketchup, assuming we are running low. However, this kind of autopilot shopping is a major source of food waste and unnecessary spending. Many common refrigerator items last much longer than we think. By taking just a few seconds to check what you already have, you can avoid buying duplicates of these seven surprisingly long-lasting fridge items.
1. Eggs
Many people throw out their eggs as soon as the date on the carton has passed. However, the “Sell By” date on an egg carton is a guideline for the store, not a strict expiration date for you. When properly refrigerated, eggs can remain fresh and safe to eat for three to five weeks after this date. You can easily check an egg’s freshness by placing it in a bowl of water; a fresh egg will sink, while an old one will float.
2. Condiments
Condiments like ketchup, mustard, and relish have a very long shelf life, even after they have been opened. The high vinegar and salt content in these products acts as a natural preservative that keeps them safe for months. Before you automatically grab a new bottle of ketchup, you should check the back of your fridge; you probably have one that is still perfectly good.
3. Jams and Jellies
A jar of jam or jelly is another item that lasts for a very long time in the refrigerator. The high sugar content is a powerful preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria. As long as you do not see any visible mold, an open jar of jam will be safe and tasty for at least six months to a year, so you likely do not need to buy a new one.
4. Pickles and Olives
Pickles and olives are preserved in a salty, acidic brine, which is one of the oldest and most effective preservation methods in the world. An open jar of pickles or olives will easily last for a year or more in the refrigerator without any loss of quality. There is rarely a need to buy a new jar until the old one is empty.
5. Salad Dressings
Most commercially produced salad dressings, especially the vinegar-based ones, can last for several months in the fridge after being opened. The vinegar, salt, and other preservatives in the dressing keep it from spoiling quickly. You should always check to see if you have a half-used bottle in your fridge door before you add a new one to your shopping list.
6. Hard Cheeses
While soft cheeses can spoil quickly, hard, aged cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, and Pecorino are very durable. If a small amount of mold grows on the surface of a hard cheese, it is perfectly safe to simply cut that part off and continue to use the rest of the block. A large block of Parmesan can last for months, so you should check your cheese drawer before you restock.
7. Butter and Margarine
A stick of butter or a tub of margarine will last for a surprisingly long time in the refrigerator. The high fat content and low water content make it difficult for bacteria to grow. Butter can last for several months, and margarine can last even longer. It is always worth checking to see how many sticks you have left before you buy more.
The Power of the Pantry Check
The simple habit of doing a quick “pantry check” of your refrigerator and cupboards before you go to the store is one of the most effective ways to save money and reduce food waste. It breaks the cycle of autopilot shopping and forces you to be more mindful of what you already have. This small step can prevent you from buying a duplicate of an item you did not even need.
What’s the one item that you are always surprised to find you already have in your fridge? What are your best tips for avoiding duplicate purchases? Let us know!
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