What you need to know about the best-before date of food

August 24, 2025 by admin

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These foods often remain safe to eat **weeks or even months** after their best-before date—especially if unopened and stored correctly.

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### ✅ **How to Tell If It’s Still Good**

Instead of relying solely on the printed date, use your **senses and judgment**:

* **Look:** Is there visible mold, discoloration, or bloating of packaging?
* **Smell:** Does the product smell sour, rancid, or unusual?
* **Taste:** If everything else checks out, taste a small amount. If it seems fine, it probably is.

*Tip: If it’s dry, canned, or frozen, and shows no signs of spoilage, it’s often still good well beyond the date.*

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### 🌍 **Why This Matters: Food Waste and the Planet**

Millions of tons of food are thrown away each year due to confusion over labels. The **best-before date** contributes heavily to this waste, even though the food is still perfectly edible. By learning the difference between best-before and use-by, you can make more sustainable, informed choices.

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### 🧊 **Proper Storage Extends Shelf Life**

How you store food can significantly affect how long it stays good beyond the best-before date:

* **Dry foods:** Keep in airtight containers away from heat and moisture.
* **Refrigerated items:** Store at consistent, safe temperatures (below 40°F or 4°C).
* **Frozen foods:** Maintain a steady freeze, and avoid thawing and refreezing.

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## **Final Thoughts**

The best-before date is a guide—not a hard rule. While it’s important to be cautious with perishable foods, many items remain perfectly safe and enjoyable long after their best-before dates have passed. Trust your eyes, nose, and common sense.

So next time you’re about to throw something out just because the date has passed, pause and inspect it—you might just save money, reduce waste, and enjoy something perfectly good.

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Want to learn more about food storage, shelf life, or how to organize your pantry for freshness? Just ask—happy to help!