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Forget Grocery Shopping, You Can Eat These 10 Foods Well-Past The Expiration Date

Updated: Mar 2, 2018 1:47 pm
By Melissa Copelton

I REALLY don't like grocery shopping and I REALLY-REALLY don't like going grocery shopping only to have to throw out half the food because it "expired" faster than I could eat it.

I'm not a exactly a growing girl anymore, but I think I have a healthy appetite. That being said, I can only eat so quickly! This is why Europeans only buy what they NEED, by the way. Just another thing we Americans managed to screw up.

Regardless, expiration dates aren't exactly as straight-laced as they appear to be (or we're convinced they're to be). Turns out there's some definite wiggle room. So, let's wiggle, shall we?! I don't know about you, but I'd like to save some time and money!

Additionally, here are some helpful tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Services:

MORE:'Here's Why You Should Never Eat Mold Bread (So Cut Avoid 'Cutting Around It')'

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Image Via Flickr/GraemMaclean

Cheese

For How Long: Depends On The Kind

Hard cheeses, such as Monterey Jack and cheddar, are consumable for up to 10 months. For soft cheeses, such as camembert and brie, they are good for up to 10 days. Cheeses are usually safe to eat even past their expiry date – even when there’s mold. Just make sure you remove the mold before you eat the cheese—Healthy Daily

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Image Via Flickr/BarbWatson

Cereal

For How Long: Months After

As long as it is in a dry place and is stored properly, cereal can last for many months even after the expiry date.—Healthy Daily

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Image Via Flickr/MDreibelbis

Bread

For How Long: Days Past Expiration

"As long as it doesn’t smell spoiled or sour, you can eat stale bread"—Healthy Daily

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Image Via Flickr/Slgckgc

Yogurt

For How Long: Two Weeks

"You can still eat yogurt even if it’s past the due date, but this rule does not apply on every yogurt as this is only applicable to plain and yogurts that contain fruits. Anything with eggs in it, such as yogurt-based custard or dessert should go straight to the bin."—Healthy Daily

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Image Via Flickr/KoronaLacasse

Chocolate

For How Long: Two Years

"You can still eat it from one to two years. However, it will not be as tasty as it originally was, so it’s recommended to simply use it as an ingredient in baking."—Healthy Daily

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Image Via Flickr/ChristianCable

Pasta

For How Long: One Year

"Pasta does not contain water, it will not spoil easily. Store it in a dry place, ideally in an airtight glass or metal container. If you have fresh pasta that contains water, you can still consume it three weeks past its expiration date."—Healthy Daily

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Image Via Flickr/MikeHaller

Chips

For How Long: Several Months

"If you keep them in a sealed bag, they will almost be as fresh as they were when you first opened them months after their expiry."—Healthy Daily

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Image Via Bustle

Packaged Produce

For How Long: Until Not Rotten

"It’s just common sense with vegetables and fruits. Wilted greens and spotted bananas will not kill you. As long as it is not rotten, you can eat these foods."—Healthy Daily

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Image Via Flickr/StacySpensley

Condiments

For How Long: 3+ Months

"If it is unsealed, you can go over three months after expiration."—Healthy Daily

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Image Via Flickr/AdamKuban

Frozen Food

For How Long: Two Months

"Eating frozen food, including veggies, proteins, and pastries, two months after expiry will not kill you."—Healthy Daily

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