Everyone has a pantry filled with items that seem perfectly fine to use. But many of those things might be expired or close to going bad without you even noticing. Checking your pantry regularly can help you avoid using spoiling food or unsafe products.
Knowing which pantry items to look out for can save you money and keep your kitchen safer. Expired foods and products can affect the taste of your meals and might even cause health issues. This article will help you spot common hidden expired items so you can clear them out.
Old Spices and Dried Herbs
You might not think about it, but old spices and dried herbs lose their flavor over time. Even if they don’t go bad, they won’t make your food taste good anymore.
Check the dates or smell them. If the scent is weak or off, it’s time to toss them. Fresh spices give your meals more flavor and make cooking more fun.
Expired Baking Powder and Baking Soda
If your baking powder is past six months to a year, it might not work well. You can test it by stirring some in hot water—it should fizz.
Baking soda lasts longer, about 18 months to two years. Even if it’s old, you can use it for cleaning if it’s lost some power for baking. Using expired baking powder or soda might give you flat baked goods. It’s best to check before you bake.
Canned Goods Past Their Use-By
You can usually eat canned goods past their use-by date if the can looks fine. No dents, rust, or swelling means the food inside is often still safe.
However, canned tomatoes don’t last as long because their acid breaks down the can over time. It’s smart to use old canned food in soups or stews to mix flavors and reduce risks.
Flour That Expired Last Year
If your flour expired last year, it might still be safe but probably won’t bake well. It can lose its taste and texture, making your recipes less tasty.
Check for any changes like a weird smell, color, or lumps. If it looks off or smells bad, it’s best to toss it. Otherwise, use it quickly to avoid problems.
Dry Pasta Forgotten in the Back
You might find dried pasta hiding way in the back of your pantry. It can last a long time if unopened, usually up to two years from when you bought it.
Even opened pasta can be good for about a year if stored properly. Just check for any weird smells or bugs before cooking it.
Nuts That Turned Rancid
You might not notice when your nuts go rancid because they can look fine. But if they taste bitter or smell off, it’s time to toss them.
Nuts with more oil, like walnuts and pecans, go bad faster. Storing them in the fridge can help keep them fresh longer. If your nuts are past their expiration date by a lot, they likely aren’t safe to eat anymore.
Maple Syrup Bottles Left Too Long
If you leave maple syrup in the pantry after opening, it might grow mold. You can still use it if you remove any mold, but be careful.
To keep it fresh longer, store it in the fridge once opened. Unopened, it can last a year in your pantry. Freezing makes it last even longer.
Unused Cooking Oils
You might have cooking oils in your pantry that have been sitting for a long time. Oils like olive or vegetable oil can go rancid after 6 to 12 months.
Even if the bottle looks fine, the oil inside could taste sour or smell off. It’s best to toss any oil you haven’t used in a while to keep your food fresh.
Expired Pancake Mix
If you find expired pancake mix in your pantry, it’s usually okay to use it as long as it’s been stored dry and sealed. The taste might not be as good, but it’s safe to eat.
Check for any signs of mold or a strange smell before using it. If it looks and smells fine, go ahead and make breakfast.
Condiments Past Expiration
You might not realize it, but condiments like mayonnaise, salad dressings, and sauces can go bad after their expiration date. Sometimes they look fine, but they may smell off or separate, which means they’re no longer safe to eat.
If you spot mold or a weird smell, it’s best to toss them. Don’t take chances with creamy or sugary condiments once they pass their date.