Can You Eat Expired Bread Crumbs? How Long Is the Expiration Date?
Bread crumbs are one of those pantry staples that we all seem to have sitting in the back of the cupboard. Whether you’re using them to top a casserole or give your favorite dish a crispy coating, they often last for months. But what happens when you reach for the container and notice the expiration date has passed? Can you still use those expired bread crumbs, or do you need to toss them out?
Is it safe to eat expired bread crumbs, or could you be risking more than just a subpar meal? How long after the expiration date can you continue using them before they go bad?
These questions might pop into your head as you stare down at that half-empty container of bread crumbs in your kitchen.
By the end of this article, you’ll learn how to determine whether your expired bread crumbs are still safe to eat, how long they typically last, and what signs to watch out for when deciding to use them or toss them. Let’s dig into the facts and help you make an informed decision.
What Are Breadcrumbs Made Of?
Breadcrumbs are a versatile kitchen staple made primarily from bread. The process starts with baking bread, which can be made from a variety of grains such as wheat, rye, or even gluten-free options. Once baked, the bread is dried out and then ground or processed into crumbs. The texture of these crumbs can range from fine to coarse, depending on how the bread is processed.
Typically, breadcrumbs come in two main types: fresh and dried. Fresh breadcrumbs come from fresh bread. They are softer. So, they are ideal for recipes that need a tender coating. Dried breadcrumbs, often in a canister or box, are more brittle. They suit recipes needing a crispier, crunchier finish.
The bread used to make breadcrumbs may include various seasonings or herbs, adding different flavors to the final product. For example, Italian breadcrumbs often contain garlic, parsley, and other seasonings. In addition to adding flavor, these seasonings can also contribute to the texture and color of the breadcrumbs when they are cooked.
Can You Eat Expired Bread Crumbs?
Bread crumbs do not expire. They have a best-by date. This is the date the manufacturer guarantees the product’s freshness and quality.
Bread crumbs are a non-perishable food, so it is generally safe to eat them after the best-by date. It is very hard to believe that bread crumbs after the best-by date will cause any food poisoning symptoms.
What Is the Expiration Date?
The expiration date of the product tells the consumer the last day a product is safe to consume. The expiration date is not the same for all products.
Certain products must have a specific nutrition. It could change after the expiration date.
The expiration date is required for some products, such as
- Liquid diets
- Foods sold by a pharmacist
- Meal replacements
- Nutritional supplements
- Infant formula
If a product has passed the expiration date, it should not be consumed.
What Is the Use-by Date?
The best-by date or use-by date tells the consumer that food is no longer fresh or in the same shape, texture, and taste as when you bought it. It might lose some freshness, taste, aroma, or nutrients, but that doesn’t mean that the product has gone bad and is no longer safe to eat.
The safety, freshness, and taste of the products depend on how it have been stored. So, if the product has not been handled correctly, it can lose all its qualities long before the best-by date.
How Long Is the Expiration Date of Bread Crumbs?
Store-bought bread crumbs have a very long shelf life, especially if they remain unopened and are stored in a cool, dry place. Unopened items in the pantry can last up to one year after the use-by date, and in the freezer, they can last forever.
The expiration date of bread crumbs can vary depending on the type and storage conditions. Here are the general guidelines:
- Store-bought dry breadcrumbs: Typically last up to 6 months when stored in a cool, dry place. They can extend their shelf life to up to 9 months if refrigerated and up to a year if frozen.
- Homemade bread crumbs: Fresh (not toasted) ones last about a week in the fridge. Dry (toasted) ones keep for about a month in the pantry. Both types can be frozen for longer storage.
- General storage tips: To extend shelf life, store bread crumbs in a sealed container or bag. Keep them away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Freezing is also an effective method to preserve freshness.
Before using expired or old bread crumbs, check for spoilage. Look for mold, a bad odor, texture changes, and discoloration.
What Happens if You Eat Expired Bread Crumbs?
Nothing will happen to you if you eat bread crumbs after the use-by date. Bread crumbs have a low moisture content, and they usually do not spoil. After the use-by date, bread crumbs might taste different, smell rancid, and not look as they should.
If they are not stored correctly and are exposed to high humidity levels, bread crumbs can grow mold in them. If you see any sign of mold in your bread crumbs, throw them away.
How to Store Bread Crumbs?
Bread crumbs need to be stored in a good container that can keep moisture away. A well-sealed bag or airtight container is a good idea to use in the pantry, fridge, or freezer. The best place to store bread crumbs depends on how often you use them.
- The pantry is a good idea if you like your bread crumbs crunchy and use them a lot.
- The fridge is a good idea if you use bread crumbs once in a while and you don’t mind that they are a bit cold and might lose some crunchiness.
- Store them in the freezer if you rarely use them or you bought a big bag of bread crumbs.
