When was the last time you cleaned out your pantry?
To help you get started, here are nine common pantry items you probably need to toss.
If you’re anything like us, your kitchen pantry is probably bursting at its seams.
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We utilize every inch, nook and cranny to store everything fromcanned beansto seaweed snacks.
Here are the nine types of items in our pantriesand probably yoursthat should be thrown away.
It’s time to toss that oil.
Sometimes a tiny taste test may be the best route.
If the oil smells OK but tastes sour, soapy or not quite right, get rid of it.
More than likely, when an oil is bad, you’ll know it.
Dried herbs and spices technically never go bad, but they will lose their flavor over time.
Flours
Are you a lifelong baker, or do you pick it up only when time permits?
Either way, you likely have half-used bags of flour tucked away in your pantry.
It may be time to throw those in the compost bin.
Flour stays fresh for about 8 months when stored at room temperature.
Depending on when you bought your flour, it might be time to throw it away.
If it’s been less than a year since you purchased it, do a smell test.
If it has a stale, sour or off aroma, throw it out.
If you’re not sure how long your leaveners have been around, conduct a test.
Add some baking soda to hot water with vinegar.
If it starts to fizz, then it’s still good.
Perform the same test with baking powder, but just use hot water.
For yeast, check the expiration dates on the packets and throw out any that have expired.
Dry yeast lasts about 4 months when stored in the fridge and a few years when frozen.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
Sadly, nuts have a short shelf life due to their fat content.
If you want to be 100% sure before you toss them, do a sniff and taste test.
If they have an off odor or taste, chuck them.
Unlikehoney, maple syrup will go bad.
Check yours and toss it if you see any mold growing.
If something has been around unopened for more than 2 years, we say toss it.
Sprinkles
We love a festive baking project, especially if it includes seasonal sprinkles.
But we hardly ever need an entire bottle for the bake.
They’re often stashed on a high shelf and forgotten.
If your last sprinkled baking project happened pre-2000, it might be time to toss the sprinkles.
If you’re not sure, do a see-and-smell check.
If they are discolored or have an off odor, it’s time to say goodbye to them.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
AskUSDA.What is the expiration date for cooking oil?
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
AskUSDA.Will spices used beyond their expiration date be safe?
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
AskUSDA.What is the shelf life of baking soda?
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
AskUSDA.What is the shelf life of baking powder?
