Is it safe to cook with out of date spices?

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Expiration dates on spices do not carry the same weight as those on more perishable foods and you might be able to use them well beyond what is indicated on the label. Ground spices stay potent for two to three years, while whole spices can last up to four years. Spice quality diminishes slowly, affected by factors such as light, heat, and humidity, but this degradation is unlikely to pose health risks. While spices do not usually become unsafe after their suggested use-by dates, their flavors do weaken over time, meaning you might need to use more to achieve the desired taste you are aiming for in your recipes.

Source

Kleinman, Bennett. “Can You Cook with Expired Spices?” Better Report, 19 Mar. 2024, betterreport.com/expired-spices-facts/.