Understanding Best If Used By dates: how you can avoid food waste and help the planet

With Earth Day upon us, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our daily habits and how they impact the planet. One area where we can make an immediate difference is by avoiding food waste at home. Did you know that 10% of food waste happens because we misunderstand date labels (EC, 2018)?

Comprehending best if used by labels can help you avoid waste, save money and make a positive environmental impact!

What does a Best if used by date mean?

The Best If Used By date indicates when the product is at its best quality, not when it becomes unsafe to eat. It’s all about taste, texture and nutritional value. If stored properly and unopened, food can still be safe to eat after this date, though it may lose some of its freshness.

How long after the Best if used by date can you eat your favorite foods?

The answer depends on the food. First and foremost, trust your senses: Look, Smell, and Taste before you waste.

Here are some common examples of items that can often be eaten after their Best if used by date:

• Canned food: Due to the high-heat sterilization process, canned food can often last for years beyond the Best If Used By date.
• Frozen food: While the quality may decrease, frozen food can be safe to eat long past its Best If Used By date.
• Cookies: If stored properly, unopened and in a cool dry place, they can last weeks past the Best If Used By date.
• Cheese: Cut off moldy spots (about an inch around and below) on hard cheese; the rest is safe to eat. Discard soft cheese if moldy.
• Dried pasta: Stored properly and unopened, dried pasta can last years after its Best If Used By date.
• Chocolate: Often stored in the pantry, chocolate can last months or even years after its Best If Used By date. The quality may degrade, but it will still be edible.
• Yogurt: If you see visible mold, it’s best to discard it. Some liquid separation is normal, but excessive amounts may indicate spoilage.

What about eggs?

If kept in the fridge, eggs can be good for up to three weeks after the Best If Used By date! To check if they’re still fresh, just do the simple water test: if they sink, they’re good to eat. If they float, it’s time to toss them.

Are these Best If Used BY or Use By?

It’s important to understand whether you’re dealing with a Best If Used By or Expiration Date. Items like chocolate, cheese or canned goods are usually marked with a Best If Used By date, meaning they’re usually still safe to eat after the date. On the other hand, fish and meat products are usually labeled with an Expiration Date, which should be followed to ensure safety.

So, next time you see a product with a Best If Used By date approaching, use your senses - Look, Smell and Taste before you waste! Many products last well beyond the printed date if stored properly and unopened. You can also use the Too Good To Go app to make a positive impact on the environment. Each meal saved helps avoid CO2e emissions caused by food waste. So, let’s do our part this Earth Day—and every day—by avoiding unnecessary food waste!