Food is undoubtedly the essential component of living. However, most of us thrive on tasty fast foods and fried foods, while the fitness enthusiasts rely on natural and healthy food products. Some of the natural food products come with expiry dates, but most of them say little about it.

Here is a list of hacks, which you can use to eat the natural food products irrespective of their expiry dates.

Be it fruits, animal meat or dairy products, this hack will allow you to eat these products, even after their labels say that they have expired.

#1 Raw meat or protein

Meat is one of the most vital food products, which should be checked carefully before consuming. In most of the cases, one can easily understand whether the meat is edible or rotten but, if you are not sure about it, it is better to throw them away. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, animal meat is not edible if it changes color or appears to be slimy or has an unhealthy smell.

#2 Eggs

Consuming expired eggs can lead to salmonella. But, the best way to avoid it is by trying out a simple test in your kitchen. Bring a glass of water and dip the eggs in it. If the egg sinks, it means it is edible, but if it floats, it means that the egg is rotten.

#3 Vegetables and salads

Green leafs and vegetables like spinach, kale, and lettuce can rot very fast. So, it is a wise idea to mix them within an omelet or blend them within a shake. Make sure you check each leaf carefully to avoid bacteria affected leaves. If you find any slimy or discolored leaves, discard them.

#4 Cereal and grains

Cereals and potato chips can be consumed for a year or so, after the expiration. You can also convert stale cereals into breadcrumbs or pie crusts to prepare a dish.

#5 Dairy

Dairy products can last for a night or two after the expiration date. However, you can store milk in 34degrees Fahrenheit for over a week. Soft cheese too can last for a long time until there is visible mold and hard cheese can be consumed even by the mold if you remove that portion.