Still Good: 10 Expired Foods You Can Safely Eat After the Expiry Date

Always store food properly to extend its life—airtight containers, cool temperatures, and dry environments help most pantry goods.

When in doubt, smell and inspect. Spoiled food often gives off a sour odor, has odd textures, or shows visible signs of spoilage like mold.

Freeze items nearing their expiry to extend usability—bread, cheese, even cooked meals can last for months in the freezer.

Variations
Consider using “expired” yogurt in baking or smoothies.

Use hard cheese in cooked recipes like pasta or casseroles even if it’s aged a bit.

Turn stale bread into croutons or breadcrumbs.

FAQ
Q: Are best-before dates the same as expiration dates?
A: No. “Best-before” relates to quality, while “expiration” is used mainly for safety on items like baby formula or medications.

Q: Can expired food make you sick?
A: If it’s visibly spoiled, smells bad, or has mold, yes. Otherwise, many “expired” foods are still safe if stored well.

Q: Should I eat canned food past the expiration date?
A: Yes, if the can is in good condition—no bulging, rust, or leaks.

Q: Is it safe to eat eggs after the sell-by date?
A: Usually, yes. Do the float test or crack it open to check the smell.

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