Dr Narendra Singhla, an internist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, India, says that when biscuits expire, they may lose their crispness, freshness and original flavour. Ingredients such as butter or oil in the biscuits may oxidise, causing an off-flavor or rancidity.
Many cookies contain oils or fats, and when they expire, these fats can oxidize, creating unhealthy compounds, such as free radicals, which can cause inflammation or have adverse effects on the heart if eaten over a long period of time.
Eating expired cookies can also expose your body to potential health risks due to contamination and spoilage.
Short-term effects can include food poisoning, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, caused by harmful bacteria, viruses or molds.
Some individuals may also experience allergic reactions such as hives, itching or swelling.
Long-term risks include gastrointestinal problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as an increased risk of infections from pathogens like salmonella or E. coli, according to Dr. Singhla.
Expired cookies may also lose nutritional value, potentially leading to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Factors such as the type of cookie, storage conditions, and individual health also affect the severity of these effects. Therefore, it is best to avoid eating expired cookies and monitor symptoms if you do eat them, Dr. Singhla said, adding that you should always pay attention to food labels and choose new products. These products should be consumed before the expiration date. Also, choose foods that are low in added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium.
Additionally, some cookies may contain preservatives that help extend their shelf life. However, as the cookies expire, these substances may lose their effectiveness, and in some cases, they may cause mild side effects if consumed in excess.
