Kitchen

[Pook]

I throw tomato products out after about 2 months past expiration date since tomato products get rancid easily even if they don't show signs of bulging on the jar lid or cans but others I will use up to 2 years - although there are some things that if not used within a year  are probably not going to be used.  My SO will buy a lot of a product thinking he will make things only he likes (and brands I don't use) if it is on sale and they are not used and end up being thrown out after a year or so.  He doesn't get it that it's not a bargain if you don't use it much!   I find that generic brands are often in thinner cans and don't keep well.  Sometimes cannned goods will bulge even if the date is still good on those. 

[forsythia1]

The OP is buying too much at a time.  Like another poster said, if you are not using it before the "best used by" date, you need to cut back on your spending.

I just checked my canned goods in my pantry.  All but one had the year 2020 as the best used by date.  The one that didn't said 2021.

[Slainte]

Our local food pantry has a six month rule for use by date. They will accept and use donated canned food for six months past the use by date. 

[missy1]

no

[SharkE]

I just threw out box of cake mix dated 12-21-18

I want only the freshest or my digestive system will let me know within about an hr.    Somebody pass the charmin.

[software]

I don't buy food  in bulk but if something is in my pantry for more than  a year, it gets tossed no matter the condition or sale by date.

Sometimes I buy 2 of something for a recipe, when only 1 is needed.   At most, 1 item gets tossed and rarely.    I don't have a lot of space for extra.

In addition to looking for dents & bulging, I would also never use anything with a bit of rust on it.    Even if it otherwise looks OK.

[sidsmom]

Technically it would be good for a pinch but I would view it differently.

If you didn’t like it enough to use during the months/years prior the expiration date, there’s a greater than zero chance I won’t like it

3 days after the expiration date.  

Toss.

And never buy again.

Life Lesson. 

[Still Raining]

I got rid of my opener several years ago after all my fur babies passed and my health did not permit more.  No reason to buy processed food in a can. Check the salt, sugar and fat contents and you will be scared off. Don't miss any at all.

[Citrine1]

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@SharkE wrote:

I just threw out box of cake mix dated 12-21-18

I want only the freshest or my digestive system will let me know within about an hr.    Somebody pass the charmin.

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Funny, I just made a cake (a few weeks ago) with a box mix that was dated October of 2016.  It was fine, tasted good, and no one got sick.  

[SharkE]

    I did.