Certain foods can survive a long stay in your kitchen — but others just can't, not even in the fridge’s chill. Free up some shelf space by ditching these staples with expiration dates that might surprise you.

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In an effort to quell smells, you stashed a new box in the fridge when you moved in, but that was how long ago? You can cook with baking soda that's up to 3 years old, but if you want it to keep that pungent stuffed cabbage odor from infiltrating your cheesecake, you should replace the box every month or so.

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Exposed to air, a half-used can of tomato paste will dry out, take on the flavors of other foods in the fridge or, worse, get contaminated by drips from leaking packages (think chicken or beef). If your pasta puttanesca calls for only four anchovies, transfer the leftovers to an airtight, resealable container before refrigerating.

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Some produce will last for weeks — but, sadly, not packaged lettuces and spinach. Even if the leaves aren’t wilted, heed the expiration date on the bag to avoid exposing yourself to bacterial growth.

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