Too Good To Go Blog

HOW TO ENJOY BEER PAST ITS BEST IF USED BY DATE

BEST IF USED BY DATES: WHAT DO THEY REALLY MEAN?

When you see a Best if Used By date (or similar terms, as manufacturers use different labels) on your beer, it might make you think it's no longer safe to drink after that date. However, that is not the case since Best if Used By dates are about quality, not safety. These dates indicate how long the product will be at its peak flavor and texture.

BEYOND THE DATE: CAN YOU STILL DRINK BEER PAST ITS BEST IF USED BY DATE?

Yes! Beer can usually be consumed past its Best if Used By date, if it’s been stored unopened in a cool dark place to preserve its quality. While it may lose some carbonation or flavor intensity over time, it can still be okay to drink.

TRUST YOUR SENSES: LOOK, SMELL, AND TASTE BEFORE YOU WASTE

To assess if your beer is still good, trust your senses. Look at it—if it has an unusual cloudiness or sediment, it could be time to discard it. Smell it - fresh beer should smell hoppy or malty, depending on the type. If it smells sour or off, it’s best to discard it. Finally, taste a small sip. If you still like the taste, it’s fine to enjoy!

REDUCE FOOD WASTE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Understanding Best if Used By dates can help avoid unnecessary wastage. 20% of consumer food waste in the US results from misunderstanding date labels, (FDA, 2024 (https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/how-cut-food-waste-and-maintain-food-safety)). Since Best if Used By dates are just freshness indicators, we encourage you to trust your senses before throwing away perfectly good food. By reducing food waste, you not only save money by making the most of what you buy but also help avoid CO2e emissions and the unnecessary use of valuable resources like water and land. Every small action counts in our collective efforts to help save the planet.