Welcome to KitchenSanity’s food expiration hub, your reliable guide to understanding the shelf life of various food items. Here, we dig into essential questions: How long does each food last? What are the signs it’s still safe to eat? And most importantly, how can you decide whether to keep it or toss it?
On this page, you’ll find guides organized by food groups. Whether it’s dairy, meats, vegetables, or those pantry must-haves like peanut butter, we’ve got you covered. These detailed guides offer you the latest and most practical advice on storing, preserving, and maximizing the shelf life of your favorite foods.
Not sure where to start? See our guide reading expiration dates.
Pantry Staples
Those jars, cans, and boxes in your pantry, like peanut butter and spices, seem like they could last forever, right? Well, let’s find out. We’ll guide you through how long these staples really last and the signs they might be past their best. Keeping your pantry in tip-top shape is easier than you think!
- Does Flour Go Bad?
- Does Sugar Go Bad?
- How To Tell If Peanut Butter Is Bad
- How Long Does Peanut Butter Last?
- How Long Does Spaghetti Last?
Meat & Poultry
Chicken tonight? Or maybe a steak? Let’s talk about keeping your meat and poultry fresh. You’ll learn how to tell if they’re still good to cook or if it’s time to say goodbye. From fridge storage to freezer life, I’ve got you covered on all things meat and poultry.
- How To Tell If Ham Is Bad
- How To Tell If Ground Turkey Is Bad
- How Long Does Ham Last?
- How To Tell If Deli Meat Is Bad
- How To Tell If Raw Chicken Is Bad
- How Long Does Deli Meat Last?
- How To Tell If Steak Is Bad
Dairy
Got milk? Or cheese or yogurt? You know they don’t last forever. Let’s walk through how to tell when they’re past their prime and the best ways to keep them fresh.
- How Long Can Milk Sit Out Of The Fridge?
- How To Tell If Milk Is Bad
- How Long Does Butter Last?
- How Long Does Milk Last In The Fridge?
- How Long Can Sour Cream Sit Out?
- How To Tell If Sour Cream Is Bad
- How Long Does Sour Cream Last?
- Does Blue Cheese Go Bad?
- Does Yogurt Go Bad?
- Does Buttermilk Go Bad?
Seafood
Are you thinking of grilling salmon or shucking oysters? Let’s make sure they’re fresh! Our shelf life guides for seafood will show you how to store your fish and shellfish and the tell-tale signs it’s time to enjoy them or let them go.
- How Long Does Salmon Last?
- How Long Do Oysters Last?
- How Long Does Crab Last?
- How Long Does Lobster Last?
Fruits
Love your apples and berries, but not sure when they’ve gone bad? Let’s sort that out. Here’s the scoop on storing your fruits and spotting them when they’re not so fresh anymore. Whether on the counter or in the fridge, you’ll know just what to do.
- How to Tell If Blueberries Are Bad
- How to Tell If a Pumpkin Is Bad
- How to Tell If a Lemon Is Bad
- How to Tell If Papaya Is Bad
- How Long Do Pumpkins Last?
- How Long Do Bananas Last?
- How Long Do Blueberries Last?
- How Long Do Strawberries Last?
- How Long Does Dragon Fruit Last?
Vegetables
Keeping your greens crisp and your carrots crunchy? It’s all about timing. In these guides, you’ll get to know just how long your veggies stay fresh and the subtle hints they give when it’s time for a fresh batch. Let’s make sure your vegetable drawer is always stocked with the freshest picks and prevent the bad ones from spoiling the rest.
- How Long Does Spinach Last?
- How To Tell If Spinach Is Bad
- How To Tell If Ginger Is Bad
- How to Tell If Celery Is Bad
- How Long Does Lettuce Last?
- How to Tell If Broccoli Is Bad
- How to Tell If Asparagus Is Bad
- How to Tell If Carrots Are Bad
- How Long Do Tomatoes Last?
- How Long Do Cucumbers Last?
- How Long Do Sweet Potatoes Last?
Grains & Legumes
Rice, beans, and quinoa are pantry heroes, but even they have a shelf life. Let’s explore how long they last and the signs they’re not at their best.
Beverages
Beverages are part of our daily life, from coffee to soda. But how long do they stay good? Here is how long they last and how to tell when it’s time to pour them out.
Holiday Foods
Do you have a fridge full of holiday leftovers, or do you wonder how long that pumpkin pie lasts? Our holiday food guides are here to the rescue. From Thanksgiving turkey to Christmas cookies, learn how to keep your festive foods delicious and safe. No more guessing – just good holiday cheer!
