Too Good To Go Blog

FLOUR IN THE CUPBOARD TOO LONG? NO WORRIES! HOW TO ENJOY FLOUR 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 bag of flour, it might make you think it's no longer safe to eat after that date. However, that is not the case since Best if Used By dates are about food quality, not safety. These dates indicate how long the product will be at its peak flavor and texture.

CAN YOU STILL ENJOY FLOUR PAST ITS BEST IF USED BY DATE?

The short answer is yes! Flour can be safely used after its Best if Used By date if stored correctly. Flour stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place can last for several months or even longer. Whole wheat or nut flours, which contain more natural oils, tend to spoil faster than white flour, so it’s important to store them properly.

TRUST YOUR SENSES BEFORE YOU WASTE

To determine if your flour is still good, trust your senses. Start by looking at it—if you see clumps or signs of pests, it’s time to discard it. Next, smell the flour. Fresh flour should have a neutral, slightly sweet aroma. If it smells musty, sour, or off, it’s best to throw it away. Skip the "taste" step, since flour is a raw product and is not meant to be tasted before cooking.

If you’re still unsure whether your flour is okay after looking and smelling it, it’s safest to replace it with fresh flour.

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). 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.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FLOUR

To extend the life of your flour, store it in an airtight container, or freeze it for long-term use. Got too much flour? Use it to make homemade bread, cookies or pizza dough. Discover more food-saving hacks, recipes, and tips on our Instagram.