Too Good To Go Blog

RICE IN THE PANTRY TOO LONG? NO WORRIES! HOW TO ENJOY RICE PAST ITS BEST BEFORE DATE

DOES RICE HAVE A BEST IF USED BY DATE?

When you see a Best if Used By date (or similar terms, as manufacturers use different labels) on your rice, 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.

BEYOND THE DATE: CAN YOU STILL USE RICE PAST ITS BEST IF USED BY DATE?

Yes! Uncooked rice can still be good long after its Best if Used By date if stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. White, parboiled, wild, red, and black rice can last for years if stored correctly, while brown rice, due to its natural oils, has a shorter shelf life.

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

To check if your rice is still good, trust your senses:

For uncooked rice, start by looking for signs of moisture or pests. If stored in a dry place, uncooked rice should remain good for years. Smell the rice—uncooked rice typically has little to no odor. If it smells musty or sour, discard it. To be sure, you can cook a small batch and taste it. If you still like the taste, your rice is good to use!

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.