15 Things You’ve Been Keeping in Your Pantry for Years (And Should Toss)

Pantries get messy fast. Stuff gets pushed to the back, and it’s easy to forget what’s even in there. Before long, you’ve got expired boxes and bags taking up space. Clearing it out makes room for what you’ll actually use—and helps you waste less food. Here are a few things you’re probably better off tossing.

Expired Spices

Spices don’t spoil like fresh food, but they lose their flavor over time. If your paprika or oregano is more than a few years old, it’s probably not doing much for your meals. A good rule of thumb: if it smells like dust instead of spice, toss it.

Old Baking Powder or Baking Soda

These pantry staples lose their effectiveness after about six months to a year. If your baked goods aren’t rising like they used to, expired leavening agents may be the reason. You can test baking soda with vinegar—it should fizz. If not, it’s time to replace it.

Unlabeled Mystery Containers

If you’ve got unlabeled jars or bags that you can’t identify, don’t take chances. Even if it looks fine, unknown ingredients may be expired or unsafe. Clear containers are helpful, but always add a label and date when you store dry goods.

Stale Crackers and Chips

Once opened, crackers and chips can go stale quickly, even if the bag is clipped shut. If they’ve been in the pantry for months and taste bland or chewy, it’s time to let them go. Resealable containers help keep them fresh longer.

Canned Goods With Rust or Dents

Cans last a long time, but damaged ones don’t. Rust can weaken the seal, and deep dents may mean air has gotten in. When in doubt, toss it—especially if the expiration date is long past. It’s not worth the risk.

Forgotten Boxes of Cake or Muffin Mix

Pre-packaged baking mixes can sit around for years, especially if you don’t bake often. After a while, the leavening agents stop working and the flavor suffers. Check the dates, and if it’s expired or smells off, let it go.

Expired Condiments

Pantry condiments like soy sauce, vinegar-based dressings, and hot sauce can last a while, but not forever. Over time, they lose flavor or separate. If it smells weird or looks off, it’s safer to toss and replace.

Old Packets of Gravy or Seasoning Mixes

You probably bought them for a recipe you never made. These little packets tend to get lost and forgotten, and many contain ingredients that don’t last forever. If they’re expired or clumped up, it’s time to toss them.

Stale Cereal

If you’re holding onto cereal no one eats, it’s likely stale or just taking up space. Even sealed boxes can lose crunch over time. Pour a little out and taste it—if it’s bland, chewy, or smells off, it’s not worth keeping.

Ancient Pasta

Dry pasta lasts a while, but not indefinitely. Over time, it can get brittle or develop a strange smell, especially if stored in humid areas. If it looks dusty or cracked, or if bugs have gotten into the package, throw it out.

Outdated Broth or Soup Boxes

Those cartons of chicken broth or soup may look fine, but they don’t last forever. Even if unopened, they can swell, leak, or spoil. Always check the expiration date and give the box a squeeze—if it feels bloated, toss it.

Forgotten Cans of Pumpkin

Canned pumpkin seems to stick around forever, especially after the fall baking season. But it does expire, and the taste gets bitter over time. If you didn’t use it last year, you probably won’t this year either—go ahead and toss it.

Unused Bags of Specialty Flour

Alternative flours like almond, coconut, or chickpea flour go bad faster than regular flour. They contain oils that can go rancid. If the bag smells sour or has been open for more than a few months, it’s better to get a fresh one.

Crystallized Honey or Syrup

Honey doesn’t spoil, but it can crystallize and become hard to use. Syrups can get thick or moldy, especially if stored near heat or light. You can revive honey by warming it gently, but if it smells fermented or odd, it’s time to toss.

Pantry Items Past Their Prime

If you’ve been keeping something “just in case” for years, ask yourself if you’ll really use it. Old tea, forgotten snack bars, expired sauces—they all take up space you could use for things you actually eat. Clearing them out feels good and makes your pantry more usable.

This article first appeared on Happy From Home.