Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

The DU Lounge

Showing Original Post only (View all)

nadine_mn

(3,702 posts)
Fri May 20, 2016, 03:57 PM May 2016

Keep it or toss it? Expired unopened Steel Cut Oats [View all]

I have an unopened carton of Quaker Oats steel cut oats that expired in Oct 2013, I can't believe it's that old I think I bought it in 2012 or 2013 - shelf life should be a little longer. Or is different for cardboard vs metal can? If it helps it was stored in a cool dark place in my upper cupboards.

I think it should be fine to use (I will open, sniff and check for anything suspicious smelling or looking), because I hate wasting stuff. I was thinking of making some breakfast bars.

But that worry wart in the back of my head says toss it.


I really hate wasting stuff - esp when it is stuff I buy when I am determined to get "healthier" and then forget about it. At least we bring all our food scraps and waste to the county compost once a week so its not filling up a landfill.


12 votes, 0 passes | Time left: Unlimited
Keep it - expiration dates are artificial limits created by evil corps to make you buy more stuff
3 (25%)
Sniff it - if it smells ok - keep it
7 (58%)
Toss it - steel oats aren't that expensive and not worth getting sick over
2 (17%)
Other
0 (0%)
Show usernames
Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll
22 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Check it out. If it smells OK and you don't see any evidence of insect activity, Arkansas Granny May 2016 #1
the worst could be it's even more tasteless than ever lunatica May 2016 #2
that is why I figured I could make breakfast bars nadine_mn May 2016 #3
This message was self-deleted by its author GoCubsGo May 2016 #7
If it doesn't kill you, it's bound to make you stronger Major Nikon May 2016 #4
I read a good article yesterday about how all these terms confuse and cause food to be wasted. CBGLuthier May 2016 #5
Having had nasty bouts of Ptomaine a handful of times Hayduke Bomgarte May 2016 #6
An alternative idea... Kablooie May 2016 #8
It's fine. noamnety May 2016 #9
If they don't smell rancid and don't have bugs, they are likely fine Pakhet May 2016 #10
You sifted out the protein? EL34x4 May 2016 #13
yeah, they're a little musty so I had to sift them out. Pakhet May 2016 #20
As long as there are no bugs...they're fine. Chan790 May 2016 #11
+1 2naSalit May 2016 #17
If there was no mold or mildew My Good Babushka May 2016 #12
My wife won't touch any product the day after the date on the box. EL34x4 May 2016 #14
My mom is that way - she wastes a ton of food nadine_mn May 2016 #18
I used a can of green beans last night mnhtnbb May 2016 #15
Just an aside 2naSalit May 2016 #16
scheduling nadine_mn for ass kicking Skittles May 2016 #19
the worst that can be is that they may taste or smell stale- dried grains like oats and rice along azurnoir May 2016 #21
If you dont want to eat it TuxedoKat May 2016 #22
Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»Keep it or toss it? Expir...