Hershey's Natural Unsweetened Cocoa, Expiration 8/09.

[applecrisp]

Just noticed that I have an opened package of Hershey's Natural Unsweetened Cocoa with an expiration date of 8/09.

Anyone knows what happpens to it -- just lose some of its flavor or ? Any reason why not to use it since it hasnt been that long?

Can I rationalize that I really need to bake something quick. I'm going to a party and need to make something, but if the cocoa has "lost" something, I would just use something else.

Thanks,

[funniegrrl]

I would bet it's not an "expiration" but is a "best by" and that it's fine, ESPECIALLY since we're talking about 2 months, not years. I'd use it without blinking.

[Beth]

I don't know if I have checked cocoa expiration dates. I'd check the color and smell and use it unless something seemed obviously off. If it seems to have faded a bit, use a little more.

[Canice]

Seconding funniegrrl.

[claire909]

I will do the same just as Beth said.

[Trishinomaha]

I agree with all of the above. I use my eyes and nose. If it looks OK and smells OK go with it.

[Andrea_2]

I just used some cocoa that expired a year ago. The cake tasted fantastic, and I still seem to be alive and well.

[applecrisp]

Thanks everyone -- that's what I thought. It smells and looks fine and its been only two months so can't imagine it lost much in flavor.