Eating an expired granola bar likely won’t make you sick, but it depends on how long it’s been expired and how it was stored. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to consider when deciding whether or not to eat an expired granola bar:
How long has it been expired?
If the granola bar is only a few months past the expiration date and was stored properly, it’s probably still safe to eat. Granola bars can typically last 6-12 months past their printed expiration date before going bad. However, if it’s been significantly longer, it’s best to toss it.
How was it stored?
An unopened granola bar that was stored in a cool, dry pantry will last longer past its expiration date than one that was improperly stored. Heat and humidity cause food to spoil more quickly. If the packaging is open, that further reduces the shelf life.
What are the signs it’s gone bad?
Look for visible mold, an unpleasant smell, or discoloration/hardening of the bar. If it exhibits any of these signs, it’s best not to eat it. A granola bar that looks and smells normal is likely still safe, even if expired.
Will it make me sick?
Eating an expired granola bar is unlikely to cause food poisoning or other illness if it was properly stored and isn’t excessively past its expiration date. At worst, it may just not taste as fresh. However, trust your senses – if it smells or looks off, play it safe and toss it.
Is it still nutritious?
The nutrients in granola bars slowly degrade over time. An expired bar that still looks and smells fine will retain most of its original nutritional value, though some loss of vitamins is expected. It likely won’t provide the full nutritional benefit listed when it was in-date.
Should I eat it if I’m pregnant?
Pregnant women are advised to take extra caution with expired foods due to increased risk of foodborne illness. Unless it’s just recently expired, it’s best for those who are pregnant to not take the risk and avoid eating an expired granola bar.
Conclusion
Eating an expired granola bar comes with minimal risk if it was properly stored and isn’t too old. However, it’s impossible to know for certain how a particular granola bar was handled prior to purchase. If ever in doubt, play it safe and discard it. With unopened bars just past their expiration date, examine them closely and use your best judgment based on look and smell.
Nutrition Information for Granola Bars
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 125mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 12g |
| Added Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 3g |
Storage Tips to Maximize Granola Bar Freshness
Follow these tips to keep your granola bars tasting great past the expiration date:
- Store unopened granola bars in a cool, dry pantry away from sources of heat or moisture.
- After opening, reseal the packaging tightly or store the bars in a resealable plastic bag.
- Keep bars away from humidity by not storing them in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Check packaging for signs of mold, moisture, or other damage before eating.
- Rotate stock and eat opened bars within 2-3 months.
- Discard any bars that smell unpleasant or are hardened or discolored.
Properly stored, unopened granola bars can maintain quality and freshness for 6 months or more past the printed expiration date. Opened bars have a shorter shelf life of just a few months once exposed to air. With proper storage and by monitoring signs of spoilage, you can safely enjoy granola bars beyond the expiration date printed on the package.