Jan 06, 2025

Aarushi Bhadury

10 Foods That Stay Fresh Long After Their Expiration Date

​Bread​

Bread often becomes stale after its expiration date but remains safe to eat. Refrigerating or freezing extends its shelf life. Discard if mold appears. Stale bread is still great for toast or breadcrumbs, minimizing waste.

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​Canned Goods​

Most canned goods are safe indefinitely if stored properly. The USDA advises checking for dents, rust, or swelling, which indicate spoilage. Properly stored cans can last for years beyond their printed dates.

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​Chocolate​

Unopened chocolate remains safe to eat for up to two years. Once opened, dark, milk, and white chocolate are best consumed within one year. Slight discoloration (bloom) doesn't affect safety.

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​Eggs​

Refrigerated eggs are safe to eat for 3-5 weeks, according to the USDA. The sell-by date is a guideline for quality, not safety. Properly stored eggs can often be used beyond this date.

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​Frozen Foods​

Frozen food is safe to eat indefinitely as bacteria doesn't grow in freezing temperatures. However, prolonged freezing can affect quality, leading to dryness or loss of flavor. Creative cooking can revitalize older frozen items.

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​Hard/Semi-Soft Cheeses​

Unopened hard and semi-soft cheeses (like cheddar and parmesan) last six months in the fridge, and about a month after opening. Mold on hard cheese can be cut away; the rest is safe.

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​Honey​

Honey has an indefinite shelf life and never truly expires. However, it's best consumed within two years for optimal quality and flavor, as it may crystallize over time.

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​Jams and Jellies​

Unopened jams and jellies can last up to a year in the pantry. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and consumed within six months for best quality and to prevent mold.

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​Ketchup​

Unopened ketchup can last up to a year in the pantry. After opening, refrigerate and use within six months. Its high acidity helps preserve it, but quality degrades over time.

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​Marinara Sauce​

Marinara sauce's acidity helps prevent bacterial growth, extending its shelf life. Unopened jars are generally good for up to a year past the expiration date. Refrigerate and use opened jars within a few weeks.

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