Don’t empty out that fridge just yet.
When we see that a certain food has expired, we tend to throw it at once. That’s basic food safety for most of us. However, whether you believe it or not, there are actually some food products that you can still consume even when they are also past their expiry dates.
The key here is to maintain refrigeration for the following foods:
1. Yogurt
Up to: Two weeks
Yes, you can still eat yogurt even if it’s past the due date, but this rule does not apply on every yogurt as this is only applicable to plain and yogurts that contain fruits. Anything with eggs in it, such as yogurt-based custard or dessert should go straight to the bin.
2. Chocolate
Up to: Two years
Don’t worry about that bar of chocolate you left untouched last month. You can still eat it from one to two years. However, it will not be as tasty as it originally was, so it’s recommended to simply use it as an ingredient in baking.
3. Pasta
Up to: At one year
Because pasta does not contain water, it will not spoil easily. Store it in a dry place, ideally in an airtight glass or metal container. If you have fresh pasta that contains water, you can still consume it three weeks past its expiration date.
4. Cheese
Up to: Depends on kind
Hard cheeses, such as Monterey Jack and cheddar, are consumable for up to 10 months. For soft cheeses, such as camembert and brie, they are good for up to 10 days. Cheeses are usually safe to eat even past their expiry date – even when there’s mold. Just make sure you remove the mold before you eat the cheese.
5. Bread
Up to: Days past expiration
As long as it doesn’t smell spoiled or sour, you can eat stale bread – even if there’s some mold on it.
6. Potato Chips
Up to: Months past expiration date
If you didn’t seal the bag tight, you can still enjoy the chips after a few days, but of course, they won’t be crisp anymore. However, if you keep them in a sealed bag, they will almost be as fresh as they were when you first opened them months after their expiry.
7. Condiments
Up to: Three to four months
From mayonnaise to jams to ketchups, you can just use your nose to know whether the condiment is still consumable. However, if it is unsealed, you can go over three months after expiration.
8. Frozen Food Products
Up to: Two months
Eating frozen food, including veggies, proteins, and pastries, two months after expiry will not kill you.
9. Cereal
Up to: Months after expiry
As long as it is in a dry place and is stored properly, cereal can last for many months even after the expiry date.
10. Prepackaged Vegetables and Fruits
Up to: Until not rotten
It’s just common sense with vegetables and fruits. Wilted greens and spotted bananas will not kill you. As long as it is not rotten, you can eat these foods.
Don’t just throw away those foods that say are past their sell-by date. If it is in this list, you can consume it until the specified time.
Source: Steth News
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