In reality, not all foods that are labeled as “expired” necessarily need to be thrown away. Some items can still retain their quality and even remain safe for consumption over long periods of time.

1. Honey
Not only does honey aid digestion, provide instant energy, and enhance skin beauty, it is also famous for its virtually unlimited “shelf life.” Thanks to its extremely low water content and high levels of glucose and fructose, honey creates an environment that prevents bacterial growth. If kept sealed in a jar and stored in a dry place, honey can maintain its quality for decades without spoiling.

2. White liquor (rice wine/spirits)
Good liquor is something that “becomes more valuable the longer it is stored.” For alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content above 10%, manufacturers often do not even print an expiration date. So, if you still have an old bottle of liquor at home, don’t be quick to discard it—it might have reached its peak flavor.

3. Table salt
Although packaging might indicate a shelf life of 2–3 years, in reality, salt hardly ever deteriorates. With its natural antibacterial properties and high stability, salt can last indefinitely as long as it is stored in a dry place and protected from moisture.

4. Soy sauce & rice vinegar
Naturally fermented soy sauce or vinegar typically contains high levels of salt and acid, which effectively inhibit microorganisms. When sealed tightly and stored in a cool, dry place, they almost never spoil. (Note: this only applies to pure, additive-free products.)

5. Dried tangerine peel
With its low moisture content and distinctive essential oils, dried tangerine peel not only stores well but also increases in medicinal and aromatic value over time.

6. Tea
Many types of tea, such as white tea, black tea, and Pu-erh, do not have a clearly defined expiration date. In fact, under proper storage conditions, the longer they are kept, the more precious they become, with richer and more complex flavors.

7. Coffee
Properly roasted, dehydrated, and sealed coffee is very resistant to spoilage. Whole coffee beans in particular last longer than ground coffee. When stored correctly, even “expired” coffee can still be safe to use.