Pantry Cleanouts & Food Waste
Understanding Expiration Dates, Storage, and When It’s Time to Let Go
Decluttering a pantry often brings up a lot of questions: Is this still good? Do I need to keep this? What does “best by” actually mean? And sometimes—if we’re honest—it brings up a bit of guilt. At Strategic Spaces, we aim to help clients clear their kitchens with less stress, less waste, and a lot more clarity. Let’s unpack the truth about food dates, storage habits, and when it’s okay to finally let that canned pumpkin go.
Best By vs Expiration: What’s the Difference?
Most food date labels are not about safety—they’re about quality. According to the USDA: “Except for infant formula, product dating is not required by federal regulations.”
Let’s break down what each label really means:
“Best By” or “Use By”: Indicates when a product is at its peak flavor or texture. Still safe to eat after that date, especially for dry goods.
“Sell By”: Tells retailers when to take the item off the shelf—not when you need to toss it.
“Expires On”: Found mostly on supplements or products that degrade quickly. Take more seriously.
Source: USDA Food Product Dating
When in doubt, rely on your senses: check for off smells, discoloration, or odd textures. But don’t toss something just because the date has passed—especially if it’s a pantry staple like rice or pasta.
What Really Needs Refrigeration?
Proper storage is key to extending shelf life and avoiding waste. Some common items don’t need refrigeration, while others must be chilled once opened.
Common Items That Don’t Need Refrigeration:
Peanut butter (natural versions may separate, but room temp is fine)
Hot sauce and soy sauce
Butter (in a covered dish for short periods)
Apples and avocados (room temp is best until fully ripe)
Items That Do Need Refrigeration After Opening:
Mayonnaise and dressings
Nut milks and dairy alternatives
Fresh salsa and hummus
Leftovers and opened canned goods
Source: Whirlpool
Pantry Items That Quietly Expire or Go Rancid
Not everything in your pantry lasts forever—some items lose potency or can spoil over time:
Baking powder and baking soda: These lose their effectiveness after 6–12 months. If they’ve been in the back of a cabinet for years, your baked goods won’t rise properly.
Spices: Most are fine for 2–3 years, but they lose flavor over time. Ground spices degrade faster than whole.
Nuts and seeds: Contain oils that can go rancid. If they smell off, they probably are.
Flour: Especially whole wheat or nut-based flours, can spoil and attract pantry pests.
Check your pantry staples once or twice a year. If you're not sure how long something’s been sitting there—it’s probably time.
Toiletries and Medications Have Expiration Dates, Too
It’s easy to forget that your bathroom cabinet has a shelf life, too:
Contact lens solution: Expired solution can lose sterility and pose a risk to eye health.
Contact lenses: Especially those stored long-term or in sample packs, can expire.
Medications: Prescription and OTC meds degrade over time and may lose effectiveness—or in rare cases, become unsafe. Don’t flush them—take advantage of drug take-back programs.
Beauty products: Anything that touches your skin has a recommended expiration based on when you opened it. You don’t want to harbor bacteria in something that you’re sticking near your eyes, nose, and mouth!
Even topical products like sunscreen and moisturizer can expire. If something smells odd, has separated, or changed color—it’s probably done.
If You Haven’t Touched It in Years…
We’re all for minimizing food waste—but if a pantry item expired years ago and was never used, it’s likely expired in more ways than one. That food item already served its purpose: you learned you didn’t need it.
Ask yourself:
Have I used this in the last year?
Do I even cook meals that use this item?
Was this a “maybe someday” or “aspirational” purchase?
If it’s dusty, outdated, or no longer something you enjoy eating, it’s okay to toss or compost it. Give yourself permission to let go without guilt. If it’s expired or opened, don’t bring it to a food bank or shelter—they won’t be able to accept it as a donation.
Reduce Food Waste Moving Forward
If you’re ready to declutter and prevent future waste:
Group like items together so you know what you already have
Label expiration dates with stickers or a marker
Try “Eat Me First” bins in your pantry and fridge for items near their date
Shop intentionally, planning meals around what you already own
Bonus tip: Keep a digital or physical inventory list of bulk goods like beans, rice, or pasta so you don’t overbuy.
Final Thoughts:
Clearing the pantry isn’t just about tossing things—it’s about resetting your kitchen to work for your real life. Know the facts, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to let go of the forgotten cans and questionable condiments. A clutter-free kitchen isn’t just easier to use—it’s easier to love.
Ready for a pantry reset? Explore more food-related organizing tips on our blog, or reach out to book a kitchen refresh session. Consultations available now.