12 Pantry Staples You Should Definitely Toss ASAP!12 Pantry Staples You Should Definitely Toss ASAP!

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Did you know that a shocking 82% of households have expired spices lingering in their kitchen cabinets? These innocent-looking jars may not be as flavorful as they used to be, with ground spices losing their peak potency after just 2-3 years.

70% of households are unknowingly harboring stale cereal that has lost its crunch, while 60% still hold on to expired canned goods that may no longer be safe to consume. Listed below are 12 pantry staples you should definitely toss.

Expired Spices

McCormick, one of the largest spice producers in the U.S., ground spices only maintain peak potency for 2-3 years. Thereafter, they don’t go bad in a dangerous way, but they do go bland.

If your spices have been with you longer, it’s time to toss them. Label your spice jars with the date you buy them and store them away from heat and light to keep them fresher and longer.

Rancid Cooking Oils

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Cooking oils can go rancid surprisingly fast, especially if not stored properly. Once opened, vegetable and canola oils have a shelf life of about six months.

The USDA reports that rancid oils might not make you sick, but they lose nutritional quality and flavor. Replace the cooking oils with new ones.

Dented or Bulging Cans

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Dented or bulging cans may look harmless, but they can actually harbor botulism, a dangerous and potentially fatal toxin. The CDC warns that even a tiny dent in a can’s seam could lead to contamination.

Old Flour

Flour may seem nearly immortal, but it’s not. White flour lasts around a year, while whole wheat flour only lasts 3-6 months due to the natural oils in the wheat germ.

It’s no longer safe to use if it smells sour or off. Storing flour in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer can double its lifespan.

Expired Baking Powder and Baking Soda

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Your cakes and brownies deserve better than baking powder and baking soda, which have lost effectiveness over time. To test if they’re still active, drop some baking soda into vinegar or baking powder into hot water.

If it doesn’t fizz, replace it. Baking soda also deodorizes the fridge, so if it’s stale from baking, it’s perfect for freshening things up.

Syrups That Have Crystallized

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While crystallization isn’t harmful, it’s a surefire sign your syrup is way past its prime. Maple syrup, for example, can last for years in the refrigerator but has a shorter lifespan at room temperature.

Transfer syrups to the fridge; they stay fresher for longer.

Stale Grains

Contrary to popular belief, rice, quinoa, and other dry grains do have a shelf life. White rice can last 4-5 years, but brown rice lasts for Just 6 months.

If it smells funky or has an odd texture, you’re better off picking up a fresh bag. Brown rice contains oils that cause it to spoil faster than its white counterpart.

Moldy Bread Crumbs

Check the expiration date of those panko crumbs hidden in the corners. Your breakfast breadcrumbs can harbor moisture and mold over time, especially if they are not fully sealed.

Stale crumbs won’t give you the crunch you’re craving, anyway. Move your bread crumbs to an airtight container to extend their freshness factor.

Condiments with Crusty Lids

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That half-empty ketchup bottle you found in the back of the cabinet is trying to tell you something. Condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayo have expiration dates for a reason.

They can grow bacteria once opened, even if refrigerated and so, keep an eye on textures and smells.

Powdered Drink Mixes

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Powdered lemonade or instant coffee mixes have remained untouched since who knows when. They have a surprising expiration range, often lasting only a year or two before the flavor fades or clumps form.

Go for new drink mixes because old ones can lose not only taste but also their vitamin content.

Forgotten Cereal and Snacks

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If your breakfast cereals or chips are unusually loud or taste like cardboard, they’ve likely gone stale. Opened packages have a surprisingly short lifespan, usually a couple of weeks, unless adequately sealed.

A study by the National Food Lab found that the average American throws out nearly $1,500 worth of stale food snacks and cereal annually. Discard opened snacks and cereals.