You take your favorite yogurt out of the fridge and notice that today’s date is printed as the best before date (BBD). Oh no, can I still eat it or does it have to go straight to the trash? With this article, we want to help you develop a sense for how long food can be safely enjoyed.
The best-before date does not mean it’s spoiled after!
Most food products have a best before date printed on them because manufacturers are legally required to do so. This applies to all perishable food items. However, exceptions include:
Moreover, there is even an additional labeling for perishable food items that needs to be considered. This will be discussed further down in the article, so stay curious and keep reading!
Best before date, what does that tell me exactly?
As the name ‘best before date’ suggests, food products are at least durable until this date when stored properly and kept in their original sealed packaging. This date is calculated and chosen by the manufacturer. It is intended to ensure that the food can be consumed without concern if stored correctly up to this date. After the date has passed, there may be slight losses in quality and consistency. If you notice any changes in the product, use your senses to test it. They will help you determine if everything is still okay.
Seeing, smelling, and tasting - your senses assist you in testing whether food is still good after the best before date.
If this test does not reveal any irregularities such as mold, you can enjoy it without any concerns.
You may have noticed in the supermarket that food items nearing their best before date are offered at a lower price. This is allowed by law and is a good way to prevent food waste. As you now know, you can still safely eat products after the best before date. By choosing items you are sure about and can use promptly, you save money and rescue these foods from being thrown away.
Want to save even more money while shopping? Then buy a larger quantity of items from the discount corner. If you freeze them afterwards, you can extend their shelf life. To find out the best way to do this, you can read here.
We have created a graphic for you that allows you to easily see how long food can remain safe to consume:
The Pantry.App graphic illustrates how long food can still be edible after the best before date.
The graphic can also be helpful when you manage your stock with the Smantry App. There you can change the best before date of a product at any time. This way, as shown in the example above for cake, you extend the shelf life by 2.5 months. Then you can be sure that everything is still okay within this period. If you’re not using the app yet, download it from this Link and give it a try!
Perishable food items, what should be considered?
Keep track of supplies, groceries and durable products before small price increases turn into unnecessary extra costs.
Or try it right in your browser — no install neededFor perishable goods, the storage instructions must be provided along with the best before date and the use-by date must be printed. Once this date is reached, retailers are not allowed to sell it anymore and thereafter it should be carefully tested whether consumption is still safe.
The printed laying date allows for a very accurate calculation of the eggs’ shelf life.
These goods are considered perishable food items:
Perishable food items require a use-by date to ensure safe consumption.
Do you now feel a bit more confident about using the food? Write us about your experience or how you deal with it at info@speisekammer.app.
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