I'm lucky my husband does not go into the pantry, nor does he cook. I remember a time when there were no expiration dates on beer, or soda. Then our government steps in and says we have to have it on those too. I only throw food if it smells bad. I freeze left over veggies, small bits of leftover meat, potatoes, etc., it all goes into the soup pot on a cold day. I had heard about the cake mix leavening agent in cake mixes so if my cake mix is a bit old I use it and throw in a teaspoon of baking powder just in case. That has always worked well for me.