20 Foods You Should Toss Immediately After Their Expiry Date
I’ll admit it—I’ve played the “sniff and hope for the best” game with expired food more times than I’d like to admit. Some things seem totally fine past their date, while others turn into science experiments gone wrong overnight.
But here’s the truth: certain foods can go bad faster than you think, and eating them past their prime isn’t just gross—it can actually be dangerous.
From dairy that turns sketchy in a flash to pantry staples that secretly spoil, these 20 foods should be tossed immediately after their expiration date—no second guesses, no taste tests.
1. Milk
Milk might be fine a day past its date, but if it smells sour, don’t risk it! Expired milk can lead to digestive disturbances and the growth of harmful bacteria. Always check the smell and consistency before consuming.
Pour a small amount into a glass and check if it still looks creamy and smooth. If you notice any clumping or a foul smell, it’s time to toss it. Consuming spoiled milk can cause nausea and vomiting, so stay safe!
2. Yogurt
If your yogurt is past its date and smells off, toss it immediately. Expired yogurt can harbor bacteria like listeria, leading to food poisoning. Always check for any mold or unusual smell before eating.
Even if yogurt appears edible, its nutritional value decreases over time. The probiotics that make yogurt beneficial may no longer be active after expiration. A quick sniff test can save you from potential health risks.
3. Eggs
Eggs can carry salmonella, which becomes more of a risk after their expiration date. If your eggs are past their date, perform a float test—place them in water; if they float, they’re no good.
Even when eggs look fine, they can still harbor harmful bacteria. It’s critical to ensure they are cooked properly, but tossing expired ones is the safest bet.
4. Raw Chicken
This meat is a breeding ground for bacteria like salmonella and campylobacter, especially after expiry. Discard it if it smells sour or feels slimy; these are sure signs of spoilage.
Handling and storing chicken properly can prevent issues, but once expired, it’s no longer safe. Cooking doesn’t always kill all bacteria if the meat is too far gone. Avoid cross-contamination by cleaning surfaces thoroughly and cooking chicken to the right temperature.
5. Deli Meat
Ham, turkey and other deli meats can harbor listeria and other bacteria once expired. Always check for off smells or a slimy texture, which are clear indicators it’s time to toss.
These meats are often consumed cold, making it difficult to kill bacteria through cooking. Regularly check expiration dates and consume them fresh for safety. Even when stored in the fridge, deli meats can spoil quickly.
6. Fish
Fish can spoil rapidly, especially after its expiration date, leading to risks of foodborne illnesses like scombroid poisoning. Bad fish often smells overly fishy or sour.
Even if it looks okay, never consume expired fish. Cooking may not eliminate all harmful bacteria if degradation has started. Freeze any unused portions promptly to extend shelf life. When the date’s up, it’s best to let it go.
7. Soft Cheese
Brie, camembert, and other soft cheeses are susceptible to bacterial growth after expiration. Check for mold and unusual smells to avoid listeria and other harmful bacteria.
While some cheeses age gracefully, soft varieties do not. They become unsafe quickly once past their prime. Always handle them with care and store them properly. If you notice any off textures or flavors, discard immediately.
8. Ground Beef
Ground beef spoils faster than whole cuts due to its increased surface area. After expiration, bacteria like E. coli thrive, posing a health risk.
Always check for off smells, slimy texture, or discoloration. If any signs are present, discard the meat to avoid serious foodborne illnesses. Store ground beef in the coldest part of your fridge and use it quickly. Freezing can extend its life, but once it’s expired, it’s not worth the risk.
9. Ready-to-Eat Salads
Ready-to-eat salads, especially those with dressings, spoil quickly once expired. Wilted leaves and an off smell indicate bacterial growth.
Even if the salad looks edible, bacteria can multiply rapidly in these conditions. Always check the use-by date and consume promptly. Store salads in the fridge and keep them sealed. Discard if there’s doubt about freshness.
10. Canned Food
Canned foods seem indestructible, but they can become dangerous after expiration. Dented or bulging cans indicate bacterial growth, like botulism.
Check cans for any damage, and always be mindful of expiration dates. Consuming expired canned goods can lead to severe illnesses. Once opened, refrigerate contents and use them quickly. When in doubt, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
11. Bread
This staple food can mold quickly, even before the expiration date, especially in humid conditions. Eating moldy bread can cause allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
Inspect your loaf for any mold signs or off smells. Store bread in a dry area to extend its life. Freezing bread can help preserve it longer, but once expired, discard any questionable slices.
12. Juice
Juices can ferment or develop mold after their expiration, especially if not stored properly. A change in taste, smell, or appearance signals spoilage.
If juice smells off or you notice unusual sediment, it’s best to discard it. Drinking spoiled juice can lead to stomach upset. Keep juice refrigerated and sealed. Consuming it within the expiration ensures a fresh and safe drink.
13. Tofu
Tofu, rich in protein, can spoil quickly after expiration, leading to bacterial growth. It should feel firm and smell fresh; any sourness indicates spoilage.
Store tofu submerged in water and keep it refrigerated. Change the water daily to extend its shelf life. Always check the texture and smell before use. Consuming spoiled tofu can cause nausea and digestive issues.
14. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise can separate and spoil, especially after expiration. Off smells or a change in texture are clear signs it’s time to discard.
Spoiled mayonnaise risks salmonella and other bacteria, making it a potential health hazard. Always use clean utensils to prevent contamination. Store mayo in the fridge and keep it sealed. If uncertain about its freshness, it’s safer to throw it out.
15. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can turn rancid after its expiration date, leading to off flavors and smells. It’s due to oil separation and oxidation.
While it might not cause immediate harm, the taste and nutritional value degrade over time. Check for any unusual smells or textures. Keep peanut butter in a cool, dark place. Once opened, use it within a reasonable time frame.
16. Cold-Pressed Juices
Cold-pressed juices have a short shelf life and can ferment quickly after expiration. Sediment and off smells are indicators of spoilage.
Due to minimal processing, these juices are prone to bacterial growth. Consume them fresh to avoid any health risks. Keep cold-pressed juices refrigerated and sealed. Their delicate nature means they’re best enjoyed promptly after purchase.
17. Nut Milk
Nut milks like almond or cashew can spoil quickly after expiration. Separation or sour smells are signs of spoilage.
These milks lack preservatives found in dairy, making them more perishable. Always shake well and check for any changes before consuming. Nut milk should be kept in the fridge and used within a few days of opening.
18. Seafood
Seafood spoils rapidly and can pose serious health risks if consumed past its prime. Discoloration or strong odors are clear warning signs.
Expired seafood can harbor harmful bacteria, leading to food poisoning. It’s crucial to store seafood on ice and consume it quickly. Always check expiration dates and trust your senses. If it seems off, discard it.
19. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese can spoil quickly after its expiration, with bacteria like listeria being a risk. Check for sour smells or separation.
This cheese’s high moisture content makes it very perishable. Always store it in the fridge and consume it fresh. As always, if you notice any off smells or textures, get rid of it. Fresh cottage cheese is not only safer but also more enjoyable.
20. Cream
Cream can curdle and spoil rapidly once expired, leading to off flavors and textures. Sour smells are a definite sign to discard it.
Spoiled cream can cause digestive issues and ruin your recipes. Always check for proper consistency before use. Store cream in the coldest part of your fridge and consume it promptly.