You’re wondering if you can eat expired natto, and you’re not the only one. We researched several health and nutrition studies on natto, as well as data written by relevant authorities about its expiration date. We have the expertise to answer your questions. Do natto go bad after its expiration date? What happens if you eat expired natto? How to spot spoiled natto?
Let’s get right into it!
Can I eat my expired natto?
If your natto was stored properly (see our instructions), you might be able to eat your expired natto 7 days after its expiration date.
But be careful! This comes with caveats. Read our full article to make sure you don’t injure yourself.
Do natto go bad after its expiration date?
You’re probably trying to figure out how long does natto last after its ‘Use by’ date because you’re considering eating your expired natto. Let’s shine a light on this.
‘Best By’ dates on natto packaging are an indication of the product’s peak quality. This date is determined by the manufacturer and is based on factors such as ingredients, production methods, and storage conditions.
It’s important to note that ‘Best By’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘unsafe after’. It’s more about the quality and taste of the natto rather than its safety. However, you should always use your judgment when consuming food past its ‘Best By’ date.
As natto ages beyond its ‘Best By’ date, changes in its texture, color, and smell may occur. These changes are due to the ongoing fermentation process. Natto is a fermented food, and its bacteria continue to work even after packaging.
Natto’s taste may become stronger as it continues to ferment. Some people might find this enhanced flavor more appealing, while others might not. It’s a matter of personal preference.
Scientifically speaking, natto contains Bacillus subtilis, a bacterium that is generally safe for consumption. However, if natto is improperly stored or handled, other harmful bacteria could grow.
If you notice any signs of spoilage such as mold or off-odors, it’s best not to consume the natto. These could be signs of harmful bacterial growth.
Proper storage can extend natto’s shelf life. Keeping it refrigerated slows down the fermentation process and helps maintain its quality for longer.
Remember, ‘Best By’ dates are guidelines, not hard rules. Always trust your senses and judgment when deciding whether to consume food past its ‘Best By’ date.
Can you eat expired natto
You need to take in consideration several factors to decide whether or not you can eat your expired natto.
Firstly, the storage conditions of your natto significantly affect its safety post-expiration. If you’ve kept it in a cool, dry place or refrigerated it, it’s likely to last longer. However, improper storage can lead to bacterial growth, making it unsafe to consume.
Secondly, the packaging integrity matters. If the package is damaged or opened, it exposes the natto to external contaminants. This can accelerate spoilage and increase the risk of foodborne illnesses.
The appearance and smell of your expired natto are also crucial indicators of its safety. If you notice any changes in color, texture, or smell, it’s best not to consume it. These changes often signify microbial activity that could lead to food poisoning.
According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science, natto has a relatively high resistance to spoilage due to its fermentation process. However, this doesn’t mean it’s safe to eat indefinitely past its expiration date.
The length of time past the expiration date is another factor. While some foods may remain safe for a few days after their expiration date, others may not. It’s generally safer not to consume foods that are significantly past their expiration date.
Your personal health status plays a role too. If you have a compromised immune system or certain health conditions, consuming expired food can pose a greater risk. Always prioritize your health and consult with a healthcare professional if unsure.
What happens if you eat expired natto
Will expired natto make you sick
Eating expired natto can expose you to several health risks. The first risk is bacterial contamination. Over time, harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli may grow in the natto, leading to foodborne illnesses.
These bacteria can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, they can lead to more serious conditions like kidney failure or even death.
Another risk is the production of toxins. Some bacteria produce toxins that are not destroyed by cooking. If these toxins are present in your expired natto, you could experience severe food poisoning.
Moreover, the nutritional value of natto decreases over time. This means that you might not get the full benefits of the vitamins and minerals that fresh natto provides.
Additionally, the taste and texture of natto can change when it’s expired. It might become slimy, overly sticky, or develop an off smell. These changes can make it unappetizing to eat.
A study published in the Journal of Food Science found that Bacillus subtilis, the bacteria used to ferment natto, can survive long past the expiration date. However, this doesn’t mean it’s safe to eat expired natto as other harmful bacteria may also be present.
To avoid these risks, always check the expiration date before eating natto. If it’s past its prime, it’s best to throw it away and buy a fresh batch.
Your health is important, so don’t take unnecessary risks by consuming expired food products like natto.
Can expired natto hurt you
Expired natto can lead to foodborne illnesses. The first sign to watch out for is abdominal discomfort. You may experience cramping, bloating, or a general feeling of unease in your stomach.
Another common symptom is nausea. This can be accompanied by vomiting, which is your body’s way of trying to rid itself of harmful substances.
Diarrhea is another potential symptom. It’s a result of your body attempting to flush out the harmful bacteria. This can lead to dehydration if not properly managed.
You might also experience fever. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology found that foodborne illnesses often cause fever as your body fights off infection.
Headaches and muscle aches are other possible symptoms. These are caused by your body’s inflammatory response to the infection, according to a study in the Journal of Inflammation.
If you notice any of these symptoms after consuming expired natto, it’s important to seek medical attention. Prolonged symptoms could indicate a more serious condition like food poisoning.
Prevention is key. Always check the expiration date on your natto and store it properly to avoid potential health risks.
What happens if you eat spoiled natto
What happens if you eat bad natto
If you eat bad natto, you could get very sick. You could get a foodborne illness, which means potential nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and fever.
Expired natto refers to a product that has passed its “best by” or “use by” date indicated on the packaging. This date is a manufacturer’s estimate of when the product will begin to decline in quality.
Spoiled natto, on the other hand, has undergone a change in smell, texture, or taste due to bacterial or fungal growth, regardless of the expiration date.
Firstly, check the color of your natto. Fresh natto is typically a light brown or beige color. If you notice a significant darkening or discoloration, it may be spoiled.
Next, assess the smell. Natto has a distinctive, strong smell that some describe as similar to aged cheese. However, if the smell becomes overly pungent or foul, this could indicate spoilage.
Examine the texture. Natto should have a sticky, slimy texture due to the presence of beneficial bacteria. If it feels excessively slimy, mushy, or if it’s dried out, it’s likely past its prime.
Look for mold growth. While natto is fermented and contains beneficial bacteria, visible mold (especially in colors other than white) is a sign of spoilage. Be cautious of any fuzzy or unusual growths on your natto.
Lastly, consider the taste. If you’ve consumed natto before and notice a stark difference in taste – particularly if it’s sour or bitter – this is a strong indication that your natto has spoiled. Always remember: when in doubt, throw it out!
Note the expiration date. While not always definitive, the expiration date can provide a useful guideline. If your natto is past this date and showing any of the above signs, it’s safer to discard it.
Remember that improper storage can hasten spoilage. Natto should be kept refrigerated and sealed to maintain its freshness. If your natto has been left out at room temperature for an extended period, it’s more likely to spoil.
Scientifically speaking, the spoilage of natto is due to the overgrowth of harmful bacteria or molds that can produce toxins. These changes are often accompanied by alterations in color, smell, texture, and taste as mentioned above.
You should never consumer spoiled natto, even before the expiry date! Trust your nose and your tastebuds.
Guidelines and tips for eating expired natto
If after your investigation you conclude that your natto is simply expired and not spoiled, you can go ahead and think about consuming it.
Identify the Expiry Date: The first step is to check the expiry date on your natto package. If it’s just a few days past, you might still be safe to consume it. However, if it’s weeks or months past, it’s best to avoid.
Inspect the Natto: Look at your natto carefully. If you notice any mold, discoloration, or an off smell, it’s a clear sign that your natto has gone bad and should not be consumed.
Storage Conditions Matter: How you’ve stored your natto can greatly affect its shelf life. Natto kept in a cool, dry place or refrigerated can last longer than its expiry date suggests.
Freezing Natto: According to research, freezing natto can extend its shelf life without significantly affecting its nutritional value. If your natto is expired but was frozen, it might still be safe to eat.
Cooking Expired Natto: Cooking can kill some bacteria and make expired natto safer to eat. However, this doesn’t eliminate all risks and should only be done if the natto is slightly past its expiry date.
Taste Test: If your natto passes all the above checks, you can taste a small amount. If it tastes off, discard it immediately.
Listen to Your Body: Even if the natto seems fine, pay attention to how your body reacts after eating. Any signs of discomfort or illness mean you should stop consuming the expired natto.
When in Doubt, Throw it Out: If you’re unsure about any aspect of your expired natto’s safety, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
What to do with expired natto
Firstly, it’s important to note that consuming expired natto can pose health risks. If you’ve noticed a change in smell, color, or texture, it’s best to avoid eating it. However, there are ways to recycle or repurpose your expired natto.
One option is composting. Natto is rich in organic material and can contribute to a nutrient-rich compost pile. Just ensure you mix it well with other compost materials to avoid attracting pests.
You could also consider using expired natto as a plant fertilizer. Its high protein content can provide essential nutrients for plants. However, use it sparingly and dilute with water to prevent any potential damage to the plant roots.
Moving on to alternative uses, natto has been found to have potential as a bio-pesticide. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that natto can inhibit the growth of certain harmful bacteria and fungi. You could experiment with using expired natto as a natural pesticide in your garden.
Natto also contains an enzyme called nattokinase, which has been studied for its potential in breaking down biofilm – a protective layer formed by bacteria. While more research is needed, you could explore using expired natto for cleaning purposes where biofilm might be present, such as in drains or pipes.
Remember, these alternative uses should only be considered if the natto is just past its expiration date and not spoiled. If there’s any doubt about the safety of the natto, it’s best to dispose of it properly. Always prioritize health and safety when dealing with expired food products.
What next:
Now that you know if you can eat expired natto and what will happen to you if you eat spoiled natto, you might be interested in learning better tips on how to prevent it from expiring in the first place. We happen to have written a guide on how to properly store and preserve natto to extend its shelf life.
