I've been researching to find out the shelf life of various things. It's frustrating. I want to know the difference between "might lose some quality of texture" and "don't put it in your mouth!"

I know that medications, both Rx and OTC, can actually change chemically when they get old, and you shouldn't mess with them after the expiration date. But what about baking cocoa? Jelly? Dry pasta? Molasses?

Different websites give different information. Add that to the fact that half the stuff isn't even dated! It serves me right that we used to snicker at my mom for writing the date on everything with a grease pencil when she brought it home from the store.