Do you use dry spices past “use by” date?

[Anonymous]

If so, for how long afterward? Or do you immediately replace them?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Depends on how fresh they smell.

[Anonymous]

Yes, if they smell okay.
I'm not that great of a cook. Just make basic things that really can't be messed up by spices not being ultra-fresh.

[Anonymous]

Yes, but they don’t have as much flavor as when fresh so I end up using more. I try to just finish whatever it is if possible and toss it if not.

[Anonymous]

Would you keep spices that expired in 2020 or is that too old? I’m not a fancy cook either, just staples for my family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would you keep spices that expired in 2020 or is that too old? I’m not a fancy cook either, just staples for my family.

If they still smell good then yeah. If they smell stale, rancid, or just don’t smell much at all I would toss.

[Anonymous]

Yes years

[Anonymous]

Dry spices don't "expire". I would assume they lose flavor as they get older.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dry spices don't "expire". I would assume they lose flavor as they get older.

This yes

[Anonymous]

yes but given the warnings about lead and arsenic in oregano and thyme (in particular), the suggestion is not to use outdated spices ... maybe because you may need more for flavor and that increases the level of the bad substance? Maybe because older spices before they figured this out could be more toxic?

https://www.consumerreports.org/food-safety/your-herbs-and-spices-might-contain-arsenic-cadmium-and-lead/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:yes but given the warnings about lead and arsenic in oregano and thyme (in particular), the suggestion is not to use outdated spices ... maybe because you may need more for flavor and that increases the level of the bad substance? Maybe because older spices before they figured this out could be more toxic?

https://www.consumerreports.org/food-safety/your-herbs-and-spices-might-contain-arsenic-cadmium-and-lead/

Thanks for the link. I hadn't heard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dry spices don't "expire". I would assume they lose flavor as they get older.

This. If they’re older I just use more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dry spices don't "expire". I would assume they lose flavor as they get older.

This. They are less flavoring, which is the entire point of spices. But they are rarely "bad" in that they will make you sick.

My leafy spices (oregano, thyme, parsley, basil) I tend to use up on a regular schedule, so I don't have an issue with those are much. But the powders definitely sit for longer, especially something like nutmeg that I am using on 1/4-1/2 of a teaspoon at a time while doing holiday baking. If something is obviously old or doesn't smell fragrant I may put it on my list to replace.

[Anonymous]

Yes, because I hate having paid for them without using them, but obviously they're not going to be as flavorful.

There is no danger of mold or bacterial growth, however.

[Anonymous]

Also depends on how you store them - exposure to light or heat ages them faster.

I had a friend who stored her spices in magnetic tins she stuck to her stove vent hood in direct sunlight. Bad idea.