If there's one thing that ties every single item in a grocery store, it's the used-by date. Simply put, you can't use it past such date. But do you know that there are actually some foods that are still eatable after?
Journalist Joanna Blythman investigates more about used-by dates and what foods are safe to eat even after such dates. Writing for MailOnline, she mentions that foods that are very salty and sweet are more likely to extend their shelf life even beyond their used-by date since salt and sugar are very popular and long-standing preservatives. It's the same thing for those that have been fermented and items that may have been kept in airtight containers, which prevent moisture from building.
In fact, even those that already have molds may still be eaten, provided, of course, that you remove those parts that have turned moldy. In the case of cheeses, however, soft ones must be consumed on their used-by dates since they can really lose their flavor and become a breeding ground for bacteria by then.
But note there are conditions that have to be met before a specific food may be eaten or drunk past their used-by date. For example, milk should be pasteurized and kept at a very low temperature. Doing is can extend its life up to 50%. Nevertheless, just in case it already turns sour, you can use it to make your pancakes.
If eggs are stored at temperatures below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, they don't acquire Salmonella, and they can still be consumed within 3 to 5 weeks.
Processed food is expected to last for quite a while even if their texture may have already changed, such as crackers and chips that have become soft. This is because they already have preservatives including large amounts of salt.
Dry pasta can last for a very long time as long as it's kept in airtight containers. You can also increase the shelf life of bread for many weeks if it's stored in the freezer.