An expired food does not necessarily mean a toxic food. It is necessary to make the difference between the best before date (DLC) and the expiration date (DLUO) in other words the mention “to consume preferably before…”.
The best before date generally concerns fresh products such as meat, fish… and must generally be respected.
The DLUO is an indication of the freshness of these products, which means that, after this date, food loses its freshness, crispness, taste … but can be consumed safely.
So here is the anti food waste list to know which foods you can eat even after their expiration date:
CHEESE
Cheese can be eaten up to two weeks after its expiration date. Check for odour, taste and mould.
PASTA AND RICE
Pasta and rice can be eaten up to one year after the Best Before Date, provided they are kept dry in airtight glass jars.
BREAD
If it has not gone mouldy, bread can still be eaten. You can make toast or breadcrumbs to keep it longer.
YAOURT
Stored in the refrigerator, yogurt can be consumed 1 to 2 weeks after its expiration date, as long as it does not have an unpleasant odor, the pot is intact (not pierced or swollen) and does not have mold on the surface.
CHIPS
Already rich in preservatives, chips can be kept for several months after their expiration date. But frankly, who will be able to keep a packet of chips for that long?
CHOCOLATE
Consumed after its expiration date, chocolate becomes less tasty. It is therefore recommended to use it in desserts.
FROZEN FOODS
If they are kept in good conditions (-18°c) and there is no break in the cold chain, frozen foods and dishes can be kept for a long time after the expiration date.
HONEY
Honey never expires! It can be stored for hundreds of years, so don’t think about getting rid of it!
BREAKFAST COOKIES AND CEREALS
To keep them longer and prevent them from going soft, place cookies and cereals in airtight boxes with a sheet of paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture.
SOFT DRINKS
High in chemicals, additives and preservatives, soft drinks can be consumed 4 to 9 months after their expiration date.
CANNED FOODS
If the can is not swollen or dented and is kept in a dry place then it can be consumed 1 year or more after its expiration date.
MAYONNAISE, MUSTARD AND JAMS
Stored in the refrigerator, these products, even if opened, can be used several months after their expiration date.
As a general rule, always check the smell, color, presence of mold and taste of the food. If in doubt, throw the food away or put it in the compost bin if possible.
