I just found an unopened box of Bisquick in my cabinet with a Best By date of 04 Sept 04. Do you suppose there's any scientific/collectible/archival interest in it?

In the interest of science, I would open it and try to bake something with it.

I would say that there is a 98% chance that it will come out perfectly well; that the 11 years in the cabinet did it no harm at all.

But there is a far more serious question here—do you not clean your cupboards from time to time?

I agree with @elbanditoroso. Eat it for science!

Sift it for bugs first, though. I have been surprised at the critters I’ve found in old boxed food.

Lol. Is it a normal sized box? Like a big cereal box? How does that get lost in a cabinet for over 10 years?

My guess is it would cook right up just fine, but I’m paranoid of getting stomach sick, so if it were me I would probably ditch it. Although, I do use baking powder and soda that is over 5 years old.

Old baking powder and old baking soda don’t have the effectiveness of fresh stuff. That is, the stuff you bake will still rise, but not rise as well as if you used a new box. For the Bisquick, it may be ok but may taste flat and it may not rise as much as new stuff. I wouldn’t waste my time with it – how much could it cost? 3 or 4 bucks? The other ingredients you’ll waste and the time you’ll waste to bake something to save on that 3 or 4 bucks doesn’t seem worth it to me.

Of course, @elbanditoroso!
From time (2004) to time (2016).
:-D

I don’t know, @jaytkay. It says “Do not sift.” I’m not even sure if the liner is waxed paper or plastic. That would help tell if there are bugs.

Yeah, a full sized box, @JLeslie. It was in the top of a narrow, fairly useless cabinet where I only use the olive oil and stuff in front. 12 years must be about how long I’ve lived here. It almost had to have moved from the old house.

I’m not really inclined to eat it, @jca. If it gives you any indication as to my fondness for Bisquick, I had a 14 year old box in my cupboard!

I move things from house to house. The baking soda and baking powder are on their 3rd move right now. On a truck as we speak. All my spices, powdered cocoa, flour, sugar, some cereal, canned goods.

My interest is purely pancakes!

No.

Soon the box will have to hit the trash. lol
I’m working on checking the cabinets for other inedible artifacts.