If you’ve ever cleaned out your pantry, you’ve probably come across a can of beans, a bag of rice, or a box of pasta with a date that’s already passed. Most people assume that means it’s time to throw it away, but that isn’t always the case.
Many pantry staples can stay safe to eat well beyond their printed best-by dates, especially when stored properly. The key is knowing the difference between food that’s past its peak quality and food that’s no longer safe to eat.
According to the USDA, most food date labels reflect quality rather than safety, with a few important exceptions. Before tossing perfectly usable food, take a closer look at these 10 pantry staples.
1. White rice
Uncooked white rice can remain usable for years beyond its best-by date when kept dry and protected from insects. Store it in an airtight container in a cool pantry, and discard it if you notice moisture, mold, pests, or an unusual smell.
2. Dried beans
Dried beans can remain safe well beyond their printed dates if they’re stored properly. However, older beans often take much longer to soften and may never develop the texture you’re used to, even after extended cooking.
3. Dried pasta
An unopened box of plain dried pasta may still be perfectly usable after its best-by date. As long as it’s dry, free of insects, and shows no signs of spoilage, the printed date alone isn’t a reason to throw it away.
4. Canned vegetables
Commercially canned vegetables such as corn, carrots, and green beans can remain safe beyond their best-by dates when the cans are undamaged and properly stored. Avoid cans that bulge, leak, rust badly, or are deeply dented, especially around the seams.
5. Canned soups
That forgotten can of soup in the back of your pantry might still be usable after its best-by date. Check the container carefully, and remember that ingredients may lose flavor or nutritional quality over time.
6. Honey
Pure honey has an exceptionally long shelf life when stored in a tightly sealed container. It may crystallize or become cloudy over time, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it has spoiled.
7. White sugar
White granulated sugar can last for years when kept dry and protected from contamination. Even if it forms hard clumps, it may still be usable, as long as there’s no moisture damage, mold, or evidence of pests.
8. Salt
Pure salt doesn’t spoil under normal storage conditions, making it one of the most dependable pantry staples. It may clump if exposed to moisture, but that alone doesn’t mean it’s unsafe. Seasoned salts and salt blends may lose flavor or quality sooner.
Related: 17 Everyday Problems a Little Salt Might Help You Solve
9. Cornstarch
Cornstarch can remain usable long after its best-by date when stored in a dry, airtight container. If it develops an unusual smell, becomes damp, or shows signs of contamination, replace it.
Related: 12 Unexpected Uses for Cornstarch Around the Home
10. Rolled oats
Rolled oats may remain usable beyond their printed date, particularly when kept in a sealed container away from heat and moisture. Because oats contain natural fats, they can eventually go rancid, so watch for any stale, bitter, or unpleasant smell.
