Hermetics and freeze-dried foods practically never spoils. Same with most other things that are completely dry and kept in a sealed container. This includes stuff as pasta, instant noodles, instant "most other stuff", rice, etc. Chocolate is known to last for years too.

Me? I'm currently using butter 5 months past its expiration date, and I've bought meat that's about to expire (it was cheaper!), for then to deep freeze it for a couple of weeks, then eat it. As long as it hasn't expired by the time you deep freeze it, it's ok. You shouldn't re-freeze it after defrosting it though. In general, if it smells and looks like it should, I'll usually eat it. If it's not fresh meat or dairy products, the expiration dates are grossly exaggerated, I find, and I hate throwing away food.