We’ve all been guilty of taking a second glance at that carton of milk or jar of peanut butter, wondering if it’s still okay to eat past its expiry date.
While some foods may be safe to consume after their best-before date, there are certain items where eating them past that time can really put your health at risk.
From spoiled dairy to tainted meats, consuming expired foods could lead to foodborne illnesses or digestive upset, but also to some more serious problems.
That’s why in this article, we’ll walk through 13 foods that should never be eaten after their expiry date, and why keeping an eye on freshness matters for your health and safety.
1. Meat and Poultry
Once meat or poultry has passed its expiry date, the risk of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria skyrockets.
These pathogens can cause severe illness and spread quickly if the meat isn’t stored correctly. When meat spoils, it starts to lose its color and develop an unpleasant smell.
Always store these products in the fridge or freezer, and consume them before their expiry date to avoid any health risks.
2. Dairy Products
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are high-risk foods when it comes to expiry dates. Eating spoiled dairy can lead to foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria such as Listeria or Salmonella, which thrive in improperly stored products.
Even if a carton of milk still smells okay, it might be too late, so it is better safe than sorry if you know what I mean. Also, always check for mold, off smells, or curdling.
Finally, dairy should always be kept refrigerated and consumed as quickly as possible!
3. Eggs
Eggs might look perfectly fine on the outside, but consuming them after their expiry date can be a risky business. The longer eggs sit past their best-before date, the greater the chance of spoilage.
If eggs float in water (instead of sinking), it’s a surefire sign they’ve gone bad. To avoid illness, check them regularly and store them in the fridge.
Don’t be tempted to eat them past their expiry!
4. Canned Foods
Canned goods are incredibly convenient, but once past their expiry date, they can quickly become a health hazard.
The most concerning issue is a potentially deadly botulism bacteria, which can easily develop in canned foods when their seals are broken. A bulging can, rust, or a dent can also indicate a risk of contamination.
To avoid these dangers, always inspect cans thoroughly before use and discard anything past its expiry or with visible damage.
5. Fresh Fish
Fresh fish is healthy and delicious, but once it’s past its expiry date, it’s not only unappetizing but can also be dangerous. Fish is highly perishable and can host bacteria like Vibrio or Listeria if not consumed within the recommended time frame.
If your fish smells fishy (and not in the fresh, ocean breeze way) or has an off texture, it is better to toss it than to get in huge danger later.
6. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
While fresh fruits and veggies are essential to a balanced diet, they aren’t meant to last forever. Once past their expiry date, they can begin to mold or ferment, which makes them unsafe to eat.
Fruits, especially ones with high water content like berries and melons, can spoil quickly after their prime. Also, keep an eye out for discoloration, mushiness, or an unpleasant smell.
Some fruits, like apples, can last a bit longer, but be sure to check for any signs of rot.
7. Prepared Salads and Deli Meats
If you have pre-packaged salads or deli meats sitting in your fridge, check their expiry dates carefully. Once opened, these items are prone to bacteria growth, especially Listeria, which thrives in refrigerated environments.
Slimy lettuce or smelly deli meat is a clear indication that they’ve passed their safe window. Don’t risk it—toss them out if they’ve gone past their expiry or if they seem off in any way.
It is always better to satisfy your health first rather than your taste buds.
8. Opened Bottles of Juice
When it comes to juice, expiry dates are particularly important. Once opened, juices like orange or apple can start to ferment and spoil quickly.
While they may not develop harmful bacteria as quickly as dairy, their taste and texture will degrade leading to an unpleasant experience. So, if you notice bubbles or a sour smell, discard the juice immediately.
And remember, it’s always safer to consume juices within a week or so of opening, even if they haven’t reached their expiry date.
9. Yogurt
Although yogurt is a fermented food, it doesn’t mean it’s safe to eat forever. Once it’s past its expiry date, yogurt can develop mold, spoil, or grow bacteria, especially if it hasn’t been stored properly.
A sour smell, liquid separation, or visible mold are clear signs that yogurt has gone bad. Always check the expiration date on yogurt and consume it within a reasonable time frame for both safety and taste.
10. Processed Cheese
Processed cheese products like cheese slices or spreads have a longer shelf life than natural cheeses, but they can still go bad after their expiry date.
After a while, they’ll develop off smells and may even grow mold. They might not always look spoiled, but consuming them past their expiry could lead to stomach upset or even food poisoning.
That is why I would recommend you to always inspect processed cheese for any changes in smell, texture, or appearance before eating.
11. Soft Drinks
While soft drinks might not seem as risky as meats or dairy, they lose their quality over time. After the expiry date, sodas can lose their fizz and become flat or stale. Even if the drink is still safe to consume, the taste will be significantly compromised.
If a can or bottle is damaged or leaking, discard it immediately. If you want to enjoy the best taste and freshness, drink soft drinks long before their expiry date.
12. Bread and Bakery Products
Bread and bakery products are mostly delicious fresh out of the oven, but unfortunately, they don’t stay fresh for long.
After their expiry date, bread can become moldy or dry, making it unpleasant to eat. So, if your bread has visible mold or smells off, it’s definitely time to toss it.
Store bakery products properly in an airtight container to extend their shelf life, and freeze any extras you can’t finish quickly if you don’t want any of them to end up in the trash.
13. Nuts and Seeds
Last but not least are nuts and seeds. These delicious snacks are packed with healthy fats, but those fats can go rancid quickly past their expiry date.
When nuts or seeds are past their prime, they develop a bitter taste and unpleasant odor and that is the best way to know it. Rancid nuts can also upset your stomach, but it is better to avoid that if possible.
To keep them fresh longer, store nuts and seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. If they smell bitter or taste off, do not think for a second but throw them out immediately.