How Long Should You Keep Things?

I'm a bulk buyer. Probably as a result of leaner times in my life, I now never want to find the cupboards bare, so I aways make sure the 'pantry is well stocked,' so to speak.

Naturally, that sometimes means that items linger in my home longer than they should. My wife is a real stickler about expiry dates on items.  I keep telling her that the dates are 'best before' dates, meaning the items are still good beyond those dates, just not at their best. That "dog don't hunt" with her though.  If the date is past, the item is tossed.

So, who is right?

The folks at RealSimple.com have the real scoop on how long to hang on to the most common food items.