8 Pantry Items That Do, In Fact, Have Expiration Dates
July 17, 2019
source: purposedrivenmotherhood.blogspot.com
I don’t know about you, but my pantry is somewhat of a disaster. With all of those deep shelves, I don’t even know what half of the stuff in my pantry is. Since pantry items can be hard to keep track of, and because they’re also all dry goods, you probably aren’t in the habit of checking expiration dates and tossing items that have gone bad. However, even dry goods have an expiration date – here’s what you need to know.
1. Baking Powder
Many of us have had the same container of baking powder in our pantries for years. However, baking powder is only good for an average of nine to 12 months. You can check whether or not your baking powder is still good by adding a spoonful of it to some hot water. If the solution fizzes, you can keep the baking soda for a little bit longer.
2. Honey
Although honey can last for a long time, the variety sitting in your pantry is most likely fake. The majority of honey sold in the United States is synthetic. So if you want to eat the real good stuff, make sure you’re buying it from a farmer’s market or natural, local supplier.
3. Ground Spices
You may think that ground spices never go bad, but they can seriously lose their flavor over time. The majority of spices are only good for one to two years, so make sure you read the fine print and check out those expiration dates.
4. Tea
While tea won’t necessarily go bad, it will lose a great deal of flavor if not stored in an airtight container or bag. If you have loose teabags hanging around your pantry, it’s best to toss them (or better yet, compost them!).
5. Brown Sugar
Brown sugar can become dried out and clumpy in a matter of about four months. However, placing a clay disk in your brown sugar bag and sealing it up properly will help prolong its shelf life.
6. Onions
If you store onions in a cool, dark, and dry place (aka your pantry), they can stay good for up to three months. If they start turning soggy, brown, or sprouting anything, they’re no longer good.
7. Peanut Butter
As long as they’re sealed properly, the majority of peanut butters are good for up to a year. If it starts to smell or taste funky, it’s time to throw it out.
8. Chocolate
When sealed properly, most chocolate is good for up to a year. However, if you take a whiff and it no longer smells like chocolate, it’s gone bad.