Many of us can get a bit squeamish when it comes to eating food past its printed date, but it may surprise you that food doesn't necessarily become unsafe to eat once that date passes. Use-by and sell-by dates are not mandated by the FDA, though some states do require them. They're simply there as a guide. But if you're following them 100 percent of the time, you could be throwing away perfectly good food.
Canned Foods
As long as you're storing cans at a safe temperature (generally under 75 degrees) they should be safe indefinitely, but they are at best quality within two-to-five years. If a can is bulging or rusted, throw it out. You can check specific foods here.
Frozen Food
Frozen food is safe indefinitely but its quality will start to deteriorate within a few months to a year depending on what it is. You can look up specific foods on the FoodKeeper app.
Hard Cheeses
How long this kind of cheese (such as parmigiano reggiano) lasts will depend on how you store it. It should last at least six months unopened in your fridge, and about a month after opening. If mold appears, you can use a clean knife and slice that part of the cheese off.
Eggs
Eggs are generally safe about three-to-five weeks from date of purchase, even if the printed date passes.
Bread
Bread will generally become stale past its expiration date, but it's still safe to eat. If it's moldy, toss it out. To extend its shelf life, toss it in the freezer.
Cereal
Cereal might go stale, but it's still safe to eat long after its expiration date.
Dried Pasta
Dried pasta will last for about two years (and about a year if you open the box).
Sugar
Sugar never spoils. Seriously! But for best quality, you'll want to use it within two years.
Milk
The date on milk is generally a "sell-by" date versus a "use-by" date. Generally, though, milk is safe to use for a few days after the printed date, especially if you haven't opened it yet.
Yogurt
Yes, even yogurt will last for a week or so past its expiration date once you open it.
Potato Chips
They may go stale, but unless they're discolored or moldy, chips are safe for months in the pantry.
Chocolate
Dark chocolate is safe to eat for about two years if left unopened, but after opening, it should be safe to eat for about a year. Milk and white chocolate is safe a year after buying.
Peanut Butter
Unopened processed peanut butter is still good for months beyond its printed date. Once you open it, you should use it with a few months for best quality.
Honey
You should use honey within two years for best quality, but it can remain stable way longer than that.