Most people get this wrong and toss out the can. The right way to read ‘Best By’ or ‘Best Before’ dates

Step 4: Conduct a Simple Sensory Check

For most foods, especially those past their “Best By” or “Best Before” dates, a sensory check is your best tool. This includes:

Smell: Trust your nose. If something smells rancid, sour, or just “off,” it’s time to toss it.
Look: Any discoloration, mold, or unusual textures are signs the product may be no longer safe to eat.
Taste: For items like canned goods or dry snacks, a small taste test can help you determine if the food still tastes fresh. If the flavor is diminished or strange, it’s time to say goodbye.

Step 5: Use Your Judgment Based on the Product

While canned goods and grains often remain safe for months or even years after the date, fresh items like dairy, meats, and produce usually degrade quickly. For example:

Canned goods: These can often last 1-2 years after the “Best By” date when stored properly.
Frozen foods: Freezing can extend the life of many foods well beyond their “Best By” dates.
Dry goods: Items like pasta, rice, and flour can last for months after the “Best By” date as long as they are sealed properly.
Perishables: Things like milk, eggs, and meat should be used within days of the “Best Before” date, and immediate signs of spoilage should be checked first.

The Dangers of Wasting Food

Misinterpreting “Best By” or “Best Before” dates contributes to a staggering amount of food waste. In the U.S., it’s estimated that up to 40% of food goes to waste each year, largely due to people discarding food prematurely based on the dates on the packaging. This wastes not only the food itself but also the resources that went into producing, transporting, and storing that food.

How You Can Minimize Waste

Now that you know how to interpret these dates properly, here are some additional tips to help you reduce waste and save money:

Plan Your Purchases: Buy only what you will consume in a reasonable time, paying attention to the shelf life of each product.
Proper Storage: Store items at the right temperature and conditions to extend their shelf life. For instance, keep dry foods in a cool, dry pantry, and keep perishables in the fridge or freezer as necessary.
Use FIFO (First In, First Out): Place older items in the front of your pantry or fridge so that you use them before newer items.
Freeze Leftovers or Items Close to Expiring: Many foods can be frozen, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and even bread, to extend their usability.
Donate: If you know you won’t be able to use food before it reaches its “Best By” date, consider donating it to a food bank.

Conclusion

The “Best By” or “Best Before” dates are not set in stone—they are more of a guideline for peak quality rather than an absolute expiration. By learning how to properly read these dates and using your senses to assess whether a product is still good, you can reduce food waste and make the most out of your groceries. So next time you’re about to toss that can of soup, remember: it may still have a lot of life left in it.