Stockpile Now: 10 Foods Past Their Expiration Date That Are Still Good To Eat If Stored Correctly

We talk a lot about emergency preparedness, preparation, and homesteading on this blog, and for good reason. Having food, medicine, and supplies stored correctly in case of a rainy day could mean the difference between fighting for your life, and giving your life a fighting chance. The most common question I get is how to make sure the food we store is good to eat. We can't always stay on top of the rotation of food, so what happens if it's expired?

Sell by date isn't exactly use by datePhoto byRichelleg/canva

Disclaimer: Although the information here is based on studies and professional opinions, you should always speak with a doctor, particularly if you have any underlying medical conditions that may be harmed by eating expired food. This article is not intended to be medical advice; rather, it is meant to be informative only in an emergency situation.

This is ONLY if your food/water is stored CORRECTLY.

Top 10 Foods That Are Good Past Their Expiration

Lentils and Beans in Cans

They are nature's multivitamins in a can, full of protein, fiber, and enough important nutrients to keep your body fueled no matter what it's facing. Regardless of your preference for black beans, chickpeas, or classic pintos, these will keep your metabolism going when things get hard.

Safe consumption period: five years after the date of expiration if stored correctly.

Canned beansPhoto byRichelleg

Storage advice: Keep them out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry location. Additionally, watch out for any bulges or dents, since that could cause them to spoil.

Expert advice: Save that bean liquid! It's referred to as aquafaba and can be used in baking in place of eggs.

Rice and Dry Pasta

Rice and pasta are staples in many meals, ranging from light side dishes to filling main courses. They'll also endure a week-long power outage longer than your patience will.

Safe consumption window: For pasta, up to two years after expiration, and for white rice, indefinitely if stored correctly.

Rice is good almost forever if you store it properlyPhoto byRichelleg

Tips for storing: To prevent dampness and those annoying pantry moths, store these carbohydrates in airtight containers. Add a bay leaf for added durability; it functions similarly to organic insect control, and an oxygen absorber.

Raw Honey

Because it doesn't spoil easily, this golden nectar is an absolute must. Archaeologists have discovered edible honey in Egyptian tombs, proving the durability of this tasty treat.

Honey is a great addition to any emergency first aid bag because it naturally possesses antimicrobial qualities, making it more than a food, it's a natural medicine.

Raw crystalized honeyPhoto byRichelleg

Safe window for consumption: indefinitely if stored correctly.

Storage advice: To avoid moisture absorption, keep it well sealed. It may crystalize, but it's still good. Just warm it up.

Canned Meat

When fresh meat is hard to come by, tuna, chicken, and spam could tide you over. Because they've already been cooked, you can eat them right out of the can in a pinch.

Safe consumption period: five years after the date of expiration if stored correctly.

Storage advice: Turn your inventory frequently and keep it cold. Handle these cans as you would a Tetris game: first in, first out!

Canned meatPhoto byRichelleg

Milk Powder

Powdered milk is your calcium-rich lifesaver when the dairy milk supply runs out, even if it might not taste as good as fresh milk straight from your cow. Not only is it great for drinking, but it may also be used in baking, sauce-making, and even in the preparation of crisis ice cream (yes, it exists!).

Safe consumption window: If unopened, up to ten years after the expiration date if stored correctly.

Store it in an airtight container and keep it bone dry. Moisture of any kind will ruin the milk.

Granola Bars

These little bars are ideal for moments when you want a burst of energy. They taste better and are more portable than a bag of potatoes (unless you really, really like potatoes). Tightly packed with nuts, dried fruit, and oats, they resemble a well-rounded meal in a wrapper.

Safe use period: up to six months beyond the product's expiration date if stored correctly.

Storage advice: To avoid rancidity, keep them dry and cold.

For an even longer shelf life, try making your own granola bars and vacuum-sealing them.

Peanut Butter

Nut butter, which is high in protein and good fats, is like a survival fuel jar. Plus, it makes people happy—who doesn't smile when they think of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? You could slather this stuff over pretty much anything and call it a dinner in an emergency. Furthermore, because it's high in calories, a little goes a long way if you're watching your intake.

Peanut butterPhoto byRichelleg

Safe use window: up to a year beyond the product's expiration date if unopened and stored correctly.

Storage advice: Keep jars that haven't been opened cold and dark. Natural peanut butter can be kept upside down after it has been opened to avoid oil separation.

Stranger use: You may use peanut butter as a temporary candle in a hurry. Simply insert a wick into it to light it up!

Water

Yes, theoretically speaking, water never goes bad, but those plastic bottles do break down eventually. Even so, old bottled water is preferable to no water at all in a pinch. You can survive for weeks without food but only a few days without water, making it the ultimate survival necessity. Best stored in glass, but again, if it's all you have, it's all you have.

Safe consumption period: Never expires; however, change plastic bottles every two years.

Storage advice: Stay away from heat sources and direct sunshine. Additionally, store them away from chemicals.

Bottled waterPhoto byRichelleg/canva

Pro tip: Wash or water plants with old bottled water for uses other than drinking. In a crisis, every drop matters!

Dried Fruits

These chewy sweets include a lot of fiber and vitamins, but they still resemble natural candies.

Safe use period: up to six months beyond the product's expiration date if stored correctly.

Storage advice: Keep in a dry, cool environment in airtight containers. It's time to bid them farewell if they appear to be sprouting fur.

Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses, such as Parmesan, can last for months or even years in storage when kept properly.

Safe use period: up to four months beyond the product's expiration date if stored correctly.

Hard cheeses aren't bad if there is a little moldPhoto byRichelleg

Tips for storing: Place in the coldest area of your pantry and wrap securely in wax paper. Just trim off whatever mold you find.

Cheese's longevity is correlated with its hardness. It resembles the natural preservation process.

Now, let's go over some important information before you start eating expired food:

Discoloration versus Expiration

The truth is that quality comes before safety when it comes to "Best by" dates. They're the food manufacturer's method of telling you, "Hey, eat it by this date or it won't taste as good." However, "Use by" dates? These are the ones you should be mindful of, particularly when it comes to perishables like dairy and meat.

It's comparable to the distinction between milk's "sell by" date and the time at which it begins to smell like used workout socks. One is an offer; the other is an outright rejection.

Dents in cans are a big no noPhoto byRichelleg/canva

The Sniff Examination

Give any expired food a once-over before you eat it. Does it smell or look good? Does it have a slimy feel to it?

If in doubt, discard it.

There you have it, people: a meal plan that will see you through any emergency. Keep in mind that having a well-stocked pantry is similar to having a solid insurance policy: you hope you never need it, but when you do, you'll be so glad you have it.

Bread doesn't store wellPhoto byRichelleg

Citations:

Helwig, J. (2024, June 17). Is Your Food Still Safe to Eat? Check This Food Expiration Guidelines Chart. Real Simple. https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-chart

15 Foods That Can Last Past Their Expiration Date. (2024, July 12). Prevention. https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/g42283275/15-foods-that-can-last-past-their-expiration-date/