The Step You Should Take Before Tossing Out Your Expired Salad Kits

Nothing is worse than cleaning your refrigerator at the end of the week and finding expired produce. Lettuce is a typical culprit, as its expiration date varies depending on the type. A head of lettuce can last for up to three weeks when stored properly, though there are several hacks to help keep your lettuce fresh. But what about bagged lettuce? Even if you've tried to revive your bagged lettuce with an ice bath, once the bag is opened, the produce is likely to expire within three to five days. So, what do you do when the weekend rolls around and you realize you never made the trendy Trader Joe's salad kit you purchased?

Not all hope is lost. Salad kits, which are typically listed at a higher price point than plain bagged lettuce, come with several different ingredients. These can range from nuts and seeds to flavorful dressings and croutons. While the wilted lettuce may need to be tossed out after a short timeframe, oftentimes, the other aspects of the kit are salvageable. The nonperishable ingredients are typically secluded in a separate bag from the lettuce, thus keeping them fresh from the lettuce's spoilage. That said, the other ingredients should also feature their own expiration date on their packaging. The date typically won't align with the expiration date on the bagged salad, as that pertains to the lettuce. So, when throwing out your expired salad kits, be sure to check all the ingredients, as you may be able to save the fun toppings.

How to tell if lettuce has expired

Expiration dates do not necessarily mean that food has gone bad — rather, they are an estimate on when you might expect to see signs of spoilage. Luckily, it is rather easy to tell if lettuce has gone bad. The lettuce becomes wilted and gets a slimy texture. As more time passes, it becomes brown and mushy. For those looking for products with a longer shelf life, it is recommended to purchase a whole head of lettuce instead of bagged lettuce, as the cutting process causes lettuce to spoil faster. Cutting lettuce changes its biochemistry and leaves it more susceptible to bacteria growth. However, this is just common food spoilage, and food experts have noted that bagged lettuce does not carry more pathogen risk than heads of lettuce.

When it comes to salad kits, different ingredients come with different expiration dates. Toppings like seeds, nuts, and dried fruits tend to last for several months before expiring, while meat and dairy-based products like dressings, bacon bits, and cheese are more finicky, but do not expire as fast as lettuce. As long as the products are individually wrapped, they should be safe to keep in the refrigerator for a few weeks beyond the lettuce. Therefore, you can likely salvage the toppings from your bagged salad kit and apply them to a fresh bag or head of lettuce to save a few bucks on your next shopping run. 

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