Many people throw away perfectly good food just because the printed expiration date has passed.

However, these dates often relate to quality, not safety.

In fact, the USDA states that, with the exception of infant formula, expiration dates are not required and do not necessarily mean the food is bad.

Here are 20 foods you can safely eat after their expiration date, as long as they look, smell, and taste good.

Eggs
Refrigerated eggs can stay good for 3–5 weeks after their expiration date. Do the “float test”—if they sink in water, they’re still fresh.

Milk

Milk can be safe for up to a week after its expiration date if stored at a cool temperature. Spoiled milk has a sour odor and a thick consistency.

Yogurt
Unopened yogurt will last 1 to 3 weeks after the expiration date. Slight separation of the liquid is normal—just stir.

Hard cheese
Hard cheeses like cheddar or parmesan can last for weeks after their expiration date. Mold on the surface can be trimmed off.

Butter
If stored in the refrigerator, butter can last 1 to 2 months after the expiration date. Store it in the freezer to extend its shelf life.

Bread
If there’s no mold, the bread can be eaten after the expiration date. Store it in the refrigerator or freezer to slow spoilage.

Vinegar
Vinegar is self-preserving and can last indefinitely. Any cloudiness is harmless.
Pickled cucumbers
Due to their high salt and vinegar content, pickled cucumbers last for months past their expiration date if stored in the refrigerator.

Soy sauce
Unopened soy sauce stays fresh for years. Even opened, it can stay fresh for months if stored properly.

Dried beans and lentils
They may require longer cooking as they age, but they do not spoil easily and can be used even after their expiration date.

Final tips:

Always check food for signs of spoilage, such as an unpleasant odor, strange texture, or visible mold. If in doubt, don’t chew it. However, remember that “best before,” “sell by,” and “use by” dates are primarily about quality, not food safety.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always use common sense and follow proper food safety practices.

Canned food

Low-acid canned foods (such as beans or vegetables) can last for years past their expiration date if the can is intact.
Pasta
Dry pasta has a shelf life of 1–2 years after the expiration date. Just keep it tightly closed and dry.

Rice
White rice can last indefinitely if stored properly. Brown rice has more oils and may spoil more quickly, but it’s still safe even after the expiration date.

Cereal flakes
Cereal may lose its crunchiness, but is safe to eat even several months after the expiration date if stored in a dry, airtight container.

Peanut butter
Unopened peanut butter can last up to a year past its expiration date. Opened jars can last several months if stored in the refrigerator.

Frozen food products
Freezing stops bacterial growth. Frozen meals or vegetables remain safe long after their expiration date, although their flavor and texture may deteriorate.

Chocolate
Chocolate with a white coating (called “bloom”) is still safe. It may not look perfect, but it’s still edible.

Chips and crackers
They may lose their crispness, but are safe to eat after the expiration date if they are not stale or moldy.

Honey
Honey never spoils. It can crystallize over time—it simply needs to be gently heated to return it to its liquid form.

Mustard and ketchup
These spices can last months after their expiration date due to their high acidity and preservatives.