Expired Food: 10 Foods That Can Be Eaten After the Expiry Date

We’ve all been there — you’re rummaging through your pantry or fridge, about to make a meal, and you find a food item that’s past its “expiration” or “best by” date. The natural instinct is to throw it away, but before you do, consider this: many foods are still perfectly safe to eat after their expiration date. In fact, some foods can last far beyond the date stamped on the packaging, especially when stored properly.

The “expiration date” is often more of a guideline than a hard and fast rule, and in many cases, it has to do with quality rather than safety. Certain foods are perfectly edible even after the date passes, as long as they’ve been stored correctly and show no signs of spoilage.

Here are 10 foods that can still be enjoyed after their expiration date — saving you money, reducing food waste, and making sure nothing goes to waste in your kitchen!

1. Canned Goods

How Long After Expiry: 1-2 years

Canned goods like beans, vegetables, soups, and canned meats can last much longer than their “use by” dates. Cans are sealed airtight, protecting their contents from bacteria and spoilage. As long as the can is not bulging, rusted, or leaking, the food inside should still be safe. The food might lose some flavor or texture over time, but it’s typically safe to eat well past its expiration date.

Tip: Always check the can for any visible damage, rust, or dents. If the seal is intact and there’s no foul smell when you open it, it’s usually fine to eat.

2. Dry Pasta

How Long After Expiry: 1-2 years

Dry pasta, when stored in a cool, dry place, can last a lot longer than its expiration date. Pasta is a low-moisture food, which means it’s less likely to spoil or harbor bacteria. If the pasta is still sealed in its original packaging, you can safely eat it even a year or two after the printed date.

Tip: Check for any signs of discoloration or an off smell. If the pasta looks fine and smells neutral, it should still be good to cook.

3. Rice

How Long After Expiry: 1-3 years

Both white rice and brown rice can last well beyond their expiration date, though brown rice has a shorter shelf life due to its higher oil content. White rice can last for years in a sealed container, as long as it’s kept away from moisture, light, and pests. Brown rice, on the other hand, should be stored in a cool, dry place and consumed within a year or so after its date.

Tip: Store rice in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to extend its shelf life.

4. Honey

How Long After Expiry: Indefinitely

Honey is one of the few foods that actually improves with age. It has natural preservatives that prevent bacteria and mold from growing, meaning it will stay good indefinitely. Over time, honey might crystallize, but that doesn’t mean it’s gone bad. Simply warm it up in a bowl of hot water, and it’ll return to liquid form.

Tip: If honey crystallizes, just gently reheat it to restore its smooth consistency. If it smells or tastes off, discard it.

5. Cheese (Hard Varieties)

How Long After Expiry: 3-6 months

Hard cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and gouda can last for months after their “use by” dates, especially if they’ve been stored properly in the fridge. As long as there’s no mold (or if you simply cut off the moldy part on hard cheeses), they’re usually safe to eat. Soft cheeses, however, should be discarded if past their expiration date, as they spoil much faster.

Tip: When storing cheese, wrap it in wax paper or parchment paper, followed by plastic wrap, to prevent it from drying out. Always check for any mold or off smells before eating.

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