Why I Sometimes Eat Foods Past Their Best Before Date (And Why You Might Want to Rethink It Too)

Reading Time: 4 minutes

For a long time, I was like most people, if a date on a packet had passed, it went straight in the bin without a second thought. But over time, through a mix of curiosity, necessity, and honestly just not wanting to waste perfectly good food, I started to question that habit.

What I discovered has not only helped me reduce waste, but also save a significant amount of money on everyday groceries.

Best Before vs Use By, What’s the Difference?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that all food dates mean the same thing. They don’t.

Best before dates are about quality, not safety. Food past this date might not be at its absolute best in terms of texture or flavour, but in many cases, it’s still perfectly safe to eat.

Use by dates, on the other hand, are about safety. These are usually found on perishable items like meat and dairy, and you do need to be more cautious. That said, even here, it’s not always as black and white as people think.

Using Your Senses, The “Common Sense Check”

Over time, I’ve become much more confident in using my senses instead of relying purely on printed dates.

Milk, I always give it a sniff. If it smells fine, it usually is fine. (Not that we have milk in our house very often due to allergies)
Cheese and bread, I check carefully for mould. If it’s mouldy, it’s out. If not, it’s often still usable.
Fruit and veg, a quick visual and texture check usually tells you everything you need to know.

We’ve almost been conditioned to distrust our own judgement, but your senses are actually very reliable indicators.

Not Everything Passes the Taste Test

That said, I don’t apply this approach blindly.

Through trial and error, I’ve learned that some foods just don’t hold up well, even if they’re technically safe.

For example, chocolate can develop a strange taste or texture. That white bloom is harmless, but the flavour can be off. Certain crisp brands lose their crunch or taste stale even before the best before date.

So while I might still eat something past its date, I won’t always enjoy it, and that’s where I draw the line.

The Stigma Around “Reduced” or Past Date Food

I think part of why this topic feels uncomfortable for some people comes from how we’ve been conditioned growing up.

I remember hearing comments and little digs about people who bought food past its best before date, as if it was something to be embarrassed about, or a sign that you couldn’t afford proper food. Even the idea of gifting something like that would have been seen as lowly or inappropriate.

That perception sticks with you.

Even now, I’m mindful of that when it comes to sharing or gifting. I wouldn’t give reduced or past best before items as a main present. But if I come across a really good find, especially in bulk, I’m more than happy to share it on the side, casually, with people I know wouldn’t mind or would actually appreciate it.

For example, when I pick up larger quantities from places like Rogers Wholesale, I’ll often divide things up and pass them on. It’s not about cutting corners, it’s about making the most of a good opportunity and sharing the benefit.

Where This Has Really Helped, Saving Money

This mindset shift has made a noticeable difference to our food budget when we have used the discounted shops/warehouses.

We’ve started shopping more intentionally and making use of places that sell discounted or surplus stock. Across the UK, there are a number of options, including:

• Wholesale warehouses like Rogers Wholesale
• Discount food shops and clearance outlets like The Company Shop
• Community food hubs and surplus food apps
• Local markets and independent grocers

These places often sell items close to, or just past, their best before date at a fraction of the price.

Buying Smart, And Sharing

One thing I’ve found especially helpful is buying in bulk when prices are low, but not keeping it all to myself.

Sharing with family and friends has been a game changer. It means less waste, everyone saves money, and you can take advantage of bigger deals without overbuying.

There have been times where we’ve saved so much on items we normally spend a fortune on, especially things like organic products, cooking oils, and pantry staples. These are things we use regularly anyway, so buying them at a reduced cost makes a real difference over time.

A Faith Perspective on Waste

As a Muslim, this is something that also sits heavily with me on a deeper level.

In Islam, we are taught not to be wasteful. The concept of avoiding israf, which means excess and waste, is something that applies to all areas of life, including food. Throwing away food that is still perfectly edible doesn’t sit right when we are encouraged to be mindful, grateful, and responsible with what we have been given.

When you really think about it, so much food ends up in landfill every single day, much of it still usable. At the same time, there are people around the world who are struggling to access even basic meals. That contrast is difficult to ignore, and it makes me more conscious about the choices I make in my own home.

Reducing waste, even in small ways, feels like a step towards being more accountable and more aligned with those values.

It’s Not About Being Careless, It’s About Being Informed

This isn’t about ignoring food safety or taking risks. It’s about understanding what labels actually mean and making informed decisions.

Food waste is a huge issue, and a lot of it comes from perfectly edible food being thrown away unnecessarily. By becoming a bit more mindful, and a bit less fearful of dates, we can reduce waste, save money, and make better use of what we already have.

Final Thoughts

I’m not saying you should ignore every date on packaging, but I am saying it’s worth questioning them.

Trust your senses. Learn from experience. Be mindful of what actually tastes good versus what’s just technically fine.

And most importantly, don’t throw away good food just because of a date that doesn’t always tell the full story.