Do we really take expiry dates seriously We have all been at the crossroads when picking or throwing away expired food.

While it is right to cast away food after its expiry date for precautionary measures, there are a number of foods that can be consumed safely even past their due dates. We list a few below.

Soda

There are a number of chemicals and additives in aerated drinks, which can sustain its expiry long after the due date mentioned on the labels. The average shelf life of diet soda can be estimated to four months past the expiry date mentioned and regular soda can be nine months.

Butter

You may be wary of using this dairy product past its due date right But butter unlike other dairy products can be frozen and kept for longer than its expiry date. So if you realise that your unopened butter packet is approaching its expiry date, just freeze it for awhile and thaw it before baking. But make sure you use the entire packet in one go.

Chicken

One should never use raw chicken past its due date but frozen chicken is safe to consume even months after its expiry date. Frozen chicken can be thawed and cooked even up to a year past its due date.

Cereal

Your cereal may lose a bit of its crunch or even its flavour once it passes its expiry date but the truth is that processed cereals can last for upto six months past its due date. Just remember to seal it or store it in an airtight container.

Potato Chips

Just like cereals, potato chips may lose their crunch or flavour after they passe their expiry date. But, with the additives and chemicals present in them, you can consume them months after their due date. In fact, you could roast them in the oven to get back the crunch, and then snack on them.

Source: Times of India

BDST: 0950 HRS, OCT- 10, 2015
Edited by:  Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor