Community Chat

[Pearlee]

I agree that was too old to eat, but for future reference, a "best by" date isn't the same thing as an expiration date.  I definitely eat foods past a "best by" date.

[Moonchilde]

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@chrystaltree wrote:

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@jaxs mom wrote:

Dates on packages are complicated. There are ones that are basically pull by dates for stores, such as on milk. It doesn't mean the milk is bad after that date. They just can't legally sell it. Most expiration dates on packaged foods aren't required by law and are there to encourage you to throw away items and buy new ones. Best buy dates generally mean that the flavor could be reduced after the date. So will the dry milk powder, sugar and flavoring in instant pudding make you sick 5 years later, no I don't think it will. Will it taste good? I don't know, you'd have to taste it and see. 

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        There's nothing complicated about 5 years old...lol   The chances of some ****** that's that ancient making someone sick is rather high and since pudding is cheaper than dirt.  Why risk it?   That it won't taste good when it's that old is pretty much a no brainer.

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Such a charming way to express what is, after all, simple disagreement. And completely unnecessary.

[Shorty2U]

I wouldnt have eaten it, so you did the right thing.

But I just wanted to add, my husband has often eaten outdated things (from a year ago not 5), and leftovers past 5 days and has never gotten sick! (If Id eat it Id probably get sick). So I have become viligant about checking foods and using them. If they werent used and are outdated I now toss them before he gets his hands on them! (lol).

[Tinkrbl44]

@sophiamarie

I guess you don't make pudding very often, lol.   This might be a good time to inventory everything in your pantry and check all the dates .... it's quite possible that it's not the only thing with an older "Use by" date.

Depending on the item, those dates can mean "Sell By" .... or "Best By" ..... or   "Use By".    

[Moonchilde]

I have on occasion used outdated items, but not 5 years; that I wouldn't consider because even if it wasn't harmful it would probably not taste as it should. One thing that surprises me is how awful drinks like Coke, Pepsi, 7-Up, etc. taste after they go bad. Ewww..... I think the oldest I've used something from the cupboard is maybe a year and a half, depending on what it was.

[hckynut]

I would throw it out. The risk of getting sick is not worth spending a few bucks to buy fresher ingredients.

hnj

[sophiamarie]

I used to make puddings, cakes, etc., almost every day when I had a houseful of kids but they are living elsewhere now. These days, when they come to visit, they bring me cakes, cookies, chocolates, etc.....  so I really don't have anything out-dated because I check cans and boxes before I use anything.    I don't know how I missed these boxes.

According to the links Jax sent, it seems as tho the "best if used by" date really doesn't mean much, except for quality.  Someone on a message board said it could be eaten years and years later with no harmful effects.  I think the "expiration" date is the most important one but best to be safe anyway.  

Thanks again everyone.  I'll keep y'all updated on hubby's condition since he had a spoonful of the lemon pudding.  We're keeping a watchful eye on him and are taking his pulse hourly.....

[Perkup]

Hopefully there won't be any issues with your DH.  I did read a couple of years ago that any boxed cake mix, pudding, etc. should never be eaten after the expiration date.  I wish I could recall the exact reason, but it was a very strong suggestion. I am suresomeone can find the information.  I had a couple of cake mixes that I pitched.  But I checkthe pantry twice a year for packaaged and canned goods, as well as beverages.

[KentuckyWoman]

I donate canned and boxed foods to our local food pantry.  I told the manager some of the canned fruits were a couple of months past the use by date.  She told me the government gave them a list to use and that helps them determine what they can safely hand out to families and what they should destroy.  She said they haven't had any issues.  However, I don't think I would eat any items that were five years past the use by dates.  It's probably okay but who knows?  Better safe than sorry.

[MomCat]

I'm laughing.  I thought I was bad about this stuff.  At 5 years, you have me beat.  I think you did right by tossing it.  Might have been ok, but it doesn't taste as good when you are focused on that expiration date.  I have some pudding that has gone over the 1 year mark.  I'll use it quickly now.  Glad you reminded me.  Thanks.