Living in the U.S., I often get confused by the expiration dates on long-lasting foods like sugar, salt, bouillon, and canned goods.

They look perfectly fine on the outside, and most seem unlikely to spoil, but some say certain items can be eaten after their expiration date while others warn against it.

Starting with sugar, even though it has an expiration date, it's more about 'quality changing' than it 'spoiling.' Sugar creates an environment where microorganisms struggle to survive, so it rarely spoils, and if stored properly, it can be consumed well past its expiration date. However, it can harden if it absorbs moisture and may take on odors from strong-smelling foods.

Salt is similar. Whether it's sea salt or table salt, it doesn't degrade over time, so the expiration date is often just a formality. However, iodized salt can lose some of its iodine content over time, which may reduce its functional quality. So, while regular salt is generally fine past its expiration date, it's better to use iodized salt within the recommended time. And again, airtight storage is key.

When it comes to bouillon or seasoning powders, the story changes a bit. These products contain proteins, fats, and spices, making them susceptible to moisture, oxidation, and temperature changes. It's best to use bouillon like Dash within 6 months to a year after opening, and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge can help it last longer. If left open for too long, the flavor can weaken and become dull due to oxidation. It's not necessarily spoiled, but the taste will definitely diminish.

Canned goods are surprisingly simpler. Canned food is sterilized, so it can often be consumed 1 to 2 years after the expiration date. However, if a can is bulging, excessively rusted, or if the lid is bulging, or if gas escapes when opened, it should be discarded immediately. This could indicate the presence of dangerous bacteria like botulinum, which should never be consumed. Conversely, if the can looks fine and smells normal, a slight past expiration date is usually not a big issue.

To manage these stored foods well, 'location and container' are really important. First, use airtight containers. Most issues with moisture, mold, and oxidation occur when food is exposed to air, so transferring items to airtight containers is much safer than keeping them in their original packaging. Second, store them together. Keeping sugar, salt, and seasonings in one place makes it much easier to manage and check expiration dates. Third, write down the opening date. Especially for items like bouillon, chicken stock powder, and coffee powder, the time after opening is crucial, so writing the date on masking tape and sticking it on can help avoid confusion later.

Also, storing canned goods in a place that's too hot can risk expansion, so keep them in a cool place or pantry, and manage older items by moving them to the front for first use.

Ultimately, there are foods like sugar and salt that hardly spoil, foods like bouillon that can easily change in flavor, and canned goods that require visual inspection to determine their condition, so it's good to move away from the mindset of judging solely by expiration dates. By understanding the characteristics of each ingredient and storing them properly, you can safely use the food in your home for much longer.