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

[Anonymous]

I clearly cook too much, I don't think I've ever had a spice make last to the best buy date... I'd assume you can use it as long as it doesn't smell odd. It just won't be quite as strong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes years

+1 Me too! I'm sure I have some spices in my drawer that expired in 2018 or so.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure I have some "expired" spices in my cabinet. Usually, I go through them pretty quickly and replace them regularly, but I do have a few that I just don't use very often. I'm looking at you, Allspice and Ground Mustard!

[Anonymous]

I don't think I've ever looked at the date, but if a spice has lost its scent I'll try crushing it and if still no scent I replace it.

[Anonymous]

Go by smell. An expired dried spice or herb that has a good aroma is fine to use. And a dried spice or herb that's still within dates but has no aroma is useless -- toss it. And maybe buy the smaller jars so that you'll use it up while it's still fresh.

[Anonymous]

I'm sure it safe to use, and if I went to make something and discovered that the spice was expired, I'd go ahead and use it.

But I love to cook, I put a lot of time and energy into my cooking. I want ingredients that make the best results, so I'd probably replace it the next time I was at the store.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes years

+1 Me too! I'm sure I have some spices in my drawer that expired in 2018 or so.

Same. Also because I mistakenly replace things thinking I'm out but I had actually already restocked. So... I'm good on tumeric and chili powder until at least 2026.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

+1

I go by smell.