What Foods Are Safe To Eat After The Expiration Date?

Best By Products

The mention of "best before..." corresponds to a minimum durability date (DDM), formerly known as a best-before date (DLUO). Applies to products that are dry, stable, lyophilized, sterilized, frozen. This date is intended to warn the consumer that once the product no longer meets the original organoleptic criteria, the taste and nutritional qualities may be reduced. For example, the crackers may be a little less crunchy, the sweets a little drier or sticky, or a little less tasty, but in no case will there be any health risk.

Some foods can be consumed without risk to health after the MDD indicated by the manufacturer, but care must be taken to store them under good conditions.

They can be consumed up to one year after their date, but care must be taken when storing them: in a dry place, in an airtight container.

It can be consumed well past the date, as long as there is no mold of course. If it's too hard to eat like that, you can make toast, breadcrumbs, French toast, or soup croutons (with a little garlic grated on top, a real treat).

These foods can be consumed months after their date, always provided they are well preserved (dry and in a closed container).

They are very stable and will be able to be stored ... ad vitam aeternam. Even after years, these products will not be toxic!

They keep for years past their date, just check the box for rust or swelling! To optimize their storage, they should be protected from moisture in a dry place.

Soups in packets, mashed potatoes in packets, milk powder… all these products can be stored for a long time as long as their packaging is not bloated, opened or damaged.

It can be consumed up to 2 years after DDM! Be careful, the white film that may settle on it is not mold or a toxic product, it has simply lost some of its original taste.

If the cold chain is followed, they can be stored for months after their DDM. The only risk you take is a slight loss of their texture or flavor.

They are rich in additives and preservatives, allowing you to consume them between 4 and 9 months after their DDM.

If the product is not opened, it can be stored for months after the expiration date. If they are opened, they should be placed in a cool place, they are still edible, but always check their taste and whether they are moldy. On average, mayonnaise will keep for 2 to 3 months, ketchup for about 6 months, and mustard for about 1 year. On the other hand, for homemade mayonnaise, no more than 24 hours.

If unopened, these products can be consumed up to 2 months after their MDD. But if they are opened, refrigerate and consume within 4 days.

They can be eaten after DDM, but their taste can be altered, even if they are not toxic.

They ripen over time, so they can be consumed after the expiration date. Some cheeses like Roquefort or Camembert naturally contain NON-pathogenic fungi, so even after DDM they can be consumed. For hard cheeses such as Gruyere, if there is mold on the surface, it must be removed before consuming the product. But if it is present even in the core of the product, it is better to avoid consuming it.

Also read: Food, water, electricity: tips to waste less

This information is provided as an indication, if you have the slightest doubt about a food (deformed can, unpleasant smell, unusual color, lack of "pop" when opening a jar...), do not take the risk of getting sick, throw it away (or compost it if the product allows it).