Can you eat ‘expired’ nuts and dried fruit? (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat ‘expired’ nuts and dried fruit? ›

Once past this date, foodstuffs may still be consumed (provided the given storage instructions have been followed), as their consumption does not represent a food safety risk, although the organoleptic properties and the aspects that distinguish the food - such as taste and smell - gradually deteriorate.

If kept properly stored, dried fruits can last for several months after the expiration date. In fact, even if they are just stored in the pantry, they can last from six months to a year after the expiration date as long as the container is airtight and properly sealed after each use.

“If a nut is really oxidized, I guarantee you you're not going to get it past your mouth because it just tastes so awful,” says Schaich. But if you do, for some reason, eating the occasional spoiled nut is “no big deal,” because we have enzymes in our stomachs that can essentially incinerate the oxidation byproducts.

Nuts and dried fruit can oxidize and absorb atmospheric moisture. This is when the fruit or nut reacts with the natural gasses in our environment. This will cause the product to spoil and the taste will degrade. You will notice the oxidation process most quickly with the dried fruit.

Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the 'best by' date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor. You'll know when you open the package if the food has lost quality. Many dates on foods refer to quality, not safety.

Fruits such as dried apricots, prunes, and raisins will keep at top quality in the pantry for six months. After opening, you may wish to store them tightly sealed in the refrigerator to preserve the quality for up to six additional months or freeze them for one month.

Usually, no. Dry cake mix can hang around for 12-18 months if you store it right. There's usually an expiry or a best-by date on the box, but here's my little secret: Even after the expiration of the cake mix, it still stays at its best for about 4-5 months (whether opened or unopened).

It's important to note that while eating a small amount of rancid nuts may not immediately make you sick, it is generally not advisable as it may hamper digestion or have other harmful effects on your body in the long term [2].

In fact, they can even be put in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life of up to 6 months. But, when an unopened package of cashews is kept at room temperature, it will last about a month or two after its best-by date.

Shelf life: The shelf life of nuts past their sell by date depends on the type of nut: Almonds can last 9-12 months past their printed “sell by” date properly stored in the pantry.

How to tell if nuts have gone bad? ›

When it comes to detecting spoiled nuts, the best bet is to use your nose. As LaMarita explains, the most dominant sign is an unpleasant odor. "Rancid nuts give off an aroma—a sour, moldy, paint-like, plastic-like smell," he says.

Dried fruits are not perishable but can support mold growth, some of which can produce mycotoxins.

But things like milk, cheese, fresh vegetables, and fruit should not be eaten past their prime because they can harbor bacteria that can be dangerous to your body, This is caused by the natural breakdown of organic matter. You'll also be able to tell that these foods have gone bad based on their appearance and smell.

Dry fruits, if stored properly, have a long shelf life due to their low moisture content. However, they can still expire or go rancid over time, especially if exposed to moisture, heat, or air. Proper storage in airtight containers in a cool, dark place can extend their freshness for a considerable period.

Sell-By Date: Refers to the last day a retailer can display a product for sale; typically a food is safe to eat for 10 days after the Sell-by Date if refrigerated properly. Use-By Date: Refers to the last day a product will maintain its optimum freshness, flavor, and texture.

The general rule is that most nuts retain quality for a few months. However, this does not mean that nuts will remain in good condition for an extended period. Shelled nuts stored at room temperature are expected to last six to nine months. Non-shelled nuts will last for four to six months.

Consuming spoiled trail mix can pose health risks. Mold and bacteria are critical concerns, especially if the mix contains ingredients that trap moisture. If trail mix appears fuzzy or exhibits any discoloration, it should be discarded to prevent potential foodborne illnesses.

Typically, a package of dried soup mix will maintain its best quality for about 18 to 24 months if stored properly. The "expiration" or "best by" dates on the packaging are indicators of peak quality rather than safety, indicating that the product may still be safe to consume beyond these dates.

Sarah Schlichter, M.P.H., RDN, a registered dietitian at Bucket List Tummy, tells EatingWell, “Like most foods, protein powders can expire and have a finite shelf life, though they're longer than many other products if properly stored. Part of this is likely due to the additives, emulsifiers and ingredients.