Which Food Products Have Expiration Dates That Can Mostly Be Ignored?

People often confuse any date printed on a food product with an expiration date when, in fact, most of the time, these dates signify either a 'sell by' date or a 'best before' date. An actual expiration date indicates that the food is most likely unsafe to consume beyond that date due to microbiological contamination, a risk you should not ignore. However, certain food items do indeed have a longer shelf life and don't necessarily require immediate disposal once the printed date is past. This article delves into which food items fall into this category and why they can be safely consumed well beyond their printed dates.

Understanding 'Best Before' Dates in the UK

In the United Kingdom, products with a 'best before' date are generally considered acceptable for consumption well past this date, as long as they are properly stored. Conversely, anything with a 'use by' date should be treated with more caution, as this indicates a safety concern and should be followed. Some suppliers may also include a 'display until' date internally, which is indicative of their quality control standards. However, unless there is a 'use by' date, this is not a directive for the consumer to discard the product once the date has passed.

Dry Products That Last Decades

There are several food items that can be stored for ten years or more without significant loss in quality, provided they are kept dry and protected from direct sunlight and contaminants. These include:

Dry Ingredients

Plain flour Pasta Porridge oats Tea Coffee Sugar Salt Powdered milk

These staples can be stored in airtight containers and keep nearly indefinitely. It's worth noting that the taste of items like tea and coffee may change over time, but they won't become unsafe to consume. In the case of sugars and salts, the only concern might be crystallization or clumping, which can be easily managed.

Tinned Goods and Alcoholic Beverages

Tinned foods, including beer Bottled alcoholic beverages, including beer

Tinned goods and alcoholic beverages can be stored even longer, up to 15 to 20 years in ideal conditions. Over time, the flavors might change, but these items remain safe to consume—whisky, for instance, actually improves with age. Beer, both canned and bottled, can also develop complex flavors that some connoisseurs find more enjoyable with age.

Special Cases: Honey, Salt, and Sugar

American expiration dates often denote when the flavor of a product might change, rather than when it becomes unsafe or toxic. Honey, for example, can last indefinitely as long as it is sealed and not exposed to moisture. Salt and sugar, on the other hand, may become lumpy but do not lose their safety or efficacy.

Many consumers have consumed goods well after their 'best by' dates without any noticeable ill effects. However, it's crucial to remain vigilant about food safety and to discard items that show signs of spoilage or contamination, regardless of the printed dates.

Remember, while expiration dates are important for some items, a 'best before' or 'sell by' date doesn't necessarily mean the food is unsafe. Proper storage and common sense are key to ensuring the safety and quality of your food.