There’s nothing more frustrating than opening up the fridge or the cupboard to discover that something you recently bought has gone beyond its expiration date. Is it safe to eat? Should you toss it out? It’s always good to err on the side of caution when it comes to expired food, however there are a few food items that you don’t have to throw away! The next time you’re on the fence about tossing out an expired carton of eggs or a loaf of bread, check this list!
Meat
Frozen meat lasts 50% longer in the freezer.
Milk
Keep your milk towards the back of the fridge. Pasteurized milk kept at a lower temperature will keep 50% longer
Pasta
Pasta is a dry, hard product, meaning that it tends to keep longer than most foods. As long as it doesn’t smell strange, you can safely eat it past the expiration date.
Eggs
Here’s a useful test to see if an egg has gone bad: Put an egg in a bowl of water. If it sinks, you’re good to go! If it floats, it means that dangerous gasses have built up inside and it is no longer safe to eat.
Bread
Bread kept in the freezer will keep for a good amount of time beyond the expiration date. If you see any mold, toss it out.
Dry Goods (crackers, chips)
If the crackers or chips are stale, you can crisp them up in the toaster. If they smell strange, let your nose be your guide and throw them away.
Canned Goods
Store your canned goods in a cool, dark place. This can sometimes double the shelf life of canned goods!
Packaged Greens
There’s no need to throw away wilting lettuce, but if it’s decaying, slimy and omitting a strange odor, it’s best to throw it out. Wilting lettuce can always be revived by soaking it in ice water for a few minutes!
Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Mushy, moldy, smelly fruits and vegetables should always be thrown out. If the fruits or veggies are showing none of these signs, it’s perfectly fine to eat.
Frozen Foods
Frozen foods tend to last well beyond their expiration date. Meat will be extended by 50% of its original expiration date.
