FOOD NEWS
Does Unopened Cereal Ever Go Bad?
BY ANABELLE DOLINER
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), "most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely," including cereal. However, the taste and quality may still be affected.
The likelihood of spoilage also depends on the type of cereal in question. High-fat cereals, especially those with nuts, oils, or whole grains, are more prone to spoil.
As time goes on, fortified cereals are prone to losing some of their nutritional value. Still, most sources agree that unopened cereal lasts far longer than its best-by date.