If you have these 9 expired foods in your kitchen, throw them out immediately, experts warn

Expiration dates on foods can be confusing, especially when every product uses a different phrase. From “sell by” to “best before,” these labels don’t always mean the same thing—and they don’t automatically signal that a food is unsafe. With grocery prices soaring and so much food going to waste, it’s tempting to stretch them beyond their date. But in some cases, that’s a serious mistake.

While smell, texture, and flavor are often better indicators of freshness than a printed date, experts warn that certain items should never be consumed once they’ve expired. These foods are more likely to harbor harmful bacteria or lose crucial nutrients, which can lead to illness or other health risks.

Which expired foods should you never eat, according to experts?

Date labels in the U.S. are largely about quality, not safety. Most manufacturers set conservative “best by” or “sell by” dates, leading many people to toss perfectly edible food. But some categories—especially high-moisture items, dairy, meat, and baby formula—are exceptions. For these, experts say the safest option is to throw them away once they’re past their date.

Infant formula

Infant formula is the one food product legally required to display an expiration date. After that date, nutrient levels may decline, meaning the formula might not provide the nutrition babies need. The risk isn’t spoilage but inadequate nutrients, so experts recommend discarding it once expired.

Meat

Beef, chicken, and other meats can sometimes be safe shortly after their use-by date if stored correctly. But unusual smells, discoloration, or a sticky texture are red flags. For chicken, a simple test is to press the meat with your finger: if the imprint stays, it’s time to toss it.

Eggs

Eggs might still be fine a little past their date. To check, place one in a bowl of water: if it sinks, it’s fresh; if it stands upright, it’s older but likely okay; if it floats, it’s too old. A spoiled egg will also smell when cracked. Because of salmonella risk, storing eggs in their original carton and using them within three weeks is best.

Soft cheeses

Unlike hard cheeses, which can sometimes be salvaged by trimming mold, soft varieties—like cream cheese, ricotta, or crumbled cheeses—should be thrown out once they expire or develop mold. Harmful bacteria like Listeria and E. coli can spread beyond what’s visible.

Deli meat

Deli meats spoil quickly due to their high moisture and low salt content. If your cold cuts smell sour or feel slimy, don’t risk it. Experts recommend avoiding deli meats past their expiration date to prevent foodborne illness.

Fiddleheads

These coiled ferns can develop toxins once they’re past their prime. Even if you don’t use them often, it’s important to discard expired fiddleheads to avoid getting sick.

Strawberries

Soft fruits like strawberries are especially prone to mold, which spreads fast. If one berry is fuzzy, remove it and any that touched it, and check the rest carefully. Mold can cause illness or allergic reactions. Nearing expiration? Freeze them for smoothies or cooking.

When in doubt, trust your senses

Date labels may not be standardized, but food safety rules remain simple: if it smells strange, looks off, or feels unusual, it’s safest to let it go. For high-risk items like deli meats, soft cheeses, raw fish, and infant formula, experts agree—it’s better to toss than risk it.

Even though tossing food can feel wasteful, knowing which items are genuinely unsafe helps you avoid illness while still reducing unnecessary food waste.