20 foods that can be eaten after the expiration date

Certainly! Here’s a well-structured and informative article for the topic:

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# 🥫 20 Foods You Can (Usually) Eat After the Expiration Date

When you see a food item in your pantry that’s past its expiration date, the natural instinct is to toss it. But not so fast — many foods are still **perfectly safe and edible** well beyond that printed date.

Contrary to popular belief, **expiration dates aren’t always about food safety**. In fact, most labels like “best by” or “sell by” are indicators of **quality, not spoilage**.

Here are **20 common foods** that can often be consumed after their expiration date — **as long as they look, smell, and taste normal**.

> ⚠️ **Important:** Always use your senses and good judgment. If something smells off, looks moldy, or has an unusual texture, discard it — regardless of the date.

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## 🥖 1. **Dry Pasta**

* **Shelf Life After Date:** 1–2 years
* If stored in a cool, dry place, dry pasta is good long after the “best by” date. Just check for any signs of bugs or moisture.

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## 🥣 2. **Cereal and Oats**

* **Shelf Life After Date:** 6–12 months
* May lose a bit of crunch but are still safe to eat if kept sealed and dry.

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## 🧂 3. **Salt**

* **Shelf Life After Date:** Indefinite
* Salt never really goes bad. It’s a natural preservative!

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## 🍯 4. **Honey**

* **Shelf Life After Date:** Indefinite
* May crystallize over time, but that’s harmless. Just warm it gently to return it to liquid form.

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## 🍚 5. **White Rice**

* **Shelf Life After Date:** Up to 2 years
* White rice lasts a long time if kept dry. (Brown rice has oils that can spoil faster.)

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## 🥫 6. **Canned Goods (Vegetables, Soups, Beans)**

* **Shelf Life After Date:** 1–5 years
* As long as the can isn’t bulging, rusted, or leaking, it’s likely safe. Nutritional quality may decrease over time.