8 Expired Foods You're Keeping In Your Pantry

Most olive oils have a use-by date on the bottle—but it only applies if the oil is unopened. Once you unscrew that cap, exposure to light and air causes olive oil to start going rancid (and lose its antioxidant potency). If your oil has been sitting in the pantry for more than a couple of months, it's probably past its prime. You'll know for sure if it looks dull and smells or tastes rancid, musty, vinegary, or metallic.

If it's been a while since you've tackled a baking project, your flour might not be good anymore. All-purpose flour will stay fresh for up to eight months after the best-before date printed on the bag, while whole-grain flours (like whole wheat, spelt, or rye) will last up to six months. (The natural oils from the whole grain cause whole-grain flours to spoil faster.) It might start to smell a little funky after that, so you're better off tossing it. (Here's what one editor learned when she baked with 6 different kinds of flour.)

Whole grains that haven't been milled or cracked (like brown rice or quinoa) will last just fine in your pantry for a year or two. But grains that have been processed in some way—like rolled oats—run the risk of spoiling sooner. So treat them like whole-grain flour and toss them after 6 months, or sooner if they start to smell stale or sour.

Prevention Premium: 6 Tasty Grain Bowl Recipes

Old herbs and spices aren't bad for you. But after a year or two, they can start to lose their potency. (Ah, so that's why the chili tasted so bland!) If you're on the fence about whether that nutmeg or oregano is worth keeping, gently rub a little bit between your palms and take a whiff. If you're not smelling much, it's time for some fresh seasonings. (Always keep this spice in your pantry for its amazing health benefits.)

That gigantic bag of walnuts or sunflower seeds you scored on sale at the price club? If it's been sitting in your pantry for more than 6 months, it's probably rancid. As for ground nuts or seeds like almond or flaxseed meal? They probably should have gone in the fridge as soon as you brought them home. If they've been in the pantry for more than a couple of weeks, they're probably spoiled.

MORE: 10 Tasty Ideas For Spiced Party Nuts

Sealed boxes will last for up to 8 months after the best-by date. But once you open them, those flakes or O's start to dry out and lose their flavor. (You'll know your cereal has gone south for sure if a piece doesn't make any noise when you try to break it.) Unless you enjoy eating cardboard for breakfast, get rid of any open boxes that have been in your pantry for more than 4 months. (When selecting your cereal, make sure you choose low-sugar options like these.)

Since they're already dried, they'll last a heck of a lot longer than a loaf of bread. But old breadcrumbs are still prone to getting moldy, especially if any moisture gets into the container. If you've had them for longer than 6 months, it's time to say goodbye.

Believe it or not, those little canisters won't actually last forever. After about two years, baking powder and baking soda can start to lose their potency and mess with the texture and consistency of your baked goods. If they're past the expiration date—or you notice that your cookies or muffins are suddenly coming out of the oven like hockey pucks—throw them out. (Baking soda isn't just for baking. Here are 10 genius beauty treatments you can make with the powdery stuff.)