The vast majority of expiration dates are bogus - here's how long your food is still good

We waste a lot of food out of fear. Experts estimate that $165 billion worth gets tossed each year.

And you can only imagine how much gets thrown into the trash after a massive meal like Thanksgiving; our eyes are often bigger than our stomachs!

But most expiration dates are largely made up. According to The National Resource Defense Council, the "sell by" dates do indicate not whether foods are safe to eat - they simply tell you when food will reach its limits for "optimal quality."

The handy website StillTasty compiles data from sources including the USDA, the FDA, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as food manufacturers themselves. The site provides helpful tips on when to dispose of hundreds of household goods - so you can know how long you can safely keep your leftovers, and any other food you might have around.