Many of us automatically throw away any food past its Best Before date. But did you know that much of it is still safe to use after this date? In the UK, all packaged goods should have either a Use By or a Best Before date. Use-by dates are about food safety, so you shouldn’t eat any food which has gone beyond its use-by date. Best-before dates, though, don’t affect how safe the food is to eat, just how good it is likely to taste.
‘Use By’ vs. ‘Best Before’
Use-by dates appear on perishable items that can go bad and pose a health risk. These include products such as meat, dairy, and ready-made salads. You can eat these items until midnight on the use-by date but not afterwards. Also, don’t freeze or cook any item past its use-by date. Food that has gone past its use-by date has the potential to make you very sick indeed, so don’t take chances.
Best-before dates are about food quality, not safety. These dates are when the product will be at its freshest. After this date, the food might not taste as good, but it’s usually still safe to eat. Dry pasta and tinned goods are perfectly fine, well beyond their best-before date.
Which Foods Are OK After Best Before Dates?
Dry Goods
Dry goods like rice, pasta, and flour can still be used long past their best-before date. If stored in a cool, dry place, they can last years.
Canned Foods
Canned goods are designed to last. Vegetables, beans, soups, and even meats in cans can stay safe and edible long after their best-before date. While the flavour and texture might decline over time, the food inside remains safe due to the canning process. Check tins before opening to ensure they aren’t damaged; if they are, throw them away. But there are videos online of people opening canned goods sixty years after they were made, and they still look remarkably fresh. We’re not recommending that you eat 60-year-old food, however!
Frozen Foods
Frozen fruits, vegetables, and even meats can be safely eaten well past their ‘best before’ dates if they’ve been kept consistently frozen. Freezer burn can occur if items are frozen for too long, and this may decrease the quality, but safety is rarely an issue.
Sauces/Condiments
Most sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, and salad dressings, have a long shelf life. These products often contain preservatives that keep them safe to consume beyond their ‘sell by’ dates. Store them properly and check for any changes in colour, texture, or smell before use.
Hard Cheeses
Hard cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda can last longer than their ‘best before’ dates suggest. If you notice a bit of mould, cut off the affected area. The rest of the cheese should still be good to eat. Unlike soft cheeses, which can contain harmful bacteria, hard cheeses are more spoilage-resistant.
Bread
Bread can often be eaten a few days past its ‘sell by’ date, especially if stored properly. If it starts to go stale, consider turning it into croutons or breadcrumbs. Check for mould before using, if the bread has gone mouldy throw it away.
Cereals and Snacks
Boxed cereals, crisps, and other packaged snacks usually remain safe to eat well after their best-before dates. They might lose some crunch or flavour over time but won’t pose a safety risk. Storing them in airtight containers can help maintain freshness.
For more information on use by, best before and food labelling, visit The Food Standards Agency.
Medicines That Are Generally Safe After Expiry
Over-the-counter (OTC) Pain Relievers
Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen: Common pain relievers like ibuprofen (e.g., Nurofen) and acetaminophen (e.g., Paracetamol) can retain their potency after expiration. Studies have shown that many of these medicines remain effective for up to several years past their expiry dates if stored properly.
Antihistamines
Cetirizine and Loratadine: These antihistamines, used for allergies, are relatively stable and can maintain effectiveness beyond expiration. They might lose some potency but are unlikely to become harmful.
Cough Syrups and Cold Medicines
Cough syrups, decongestants, and other cold remedies often contain preservatives that help extend their shelf life. Although they may still be effective after expiration, taste and potency might decline.
Topical Ointments and Creams
Antibiotic creams, antifungal ointments, and hydrocortisone creams often remain effective well past their expiration dates. They may lose some potency, but they don’t become harmful.
Medicines Which Should NOT Be Used After Expiry
Antibiotics
Expired antibiotics may not effectively treat infections and could contribute to antibiotic resistance. Always use antibiotics as prescribed and dispose of any leftovers after completing your course.
Insulin
Insulin and other medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes must be potent to work effectively. Using expired insulin can lead to inadequate blood sugar control.
Nitroglycerin
Used for heart conditions, nitroglycerin can lose potency quickly. It’s crucial to have fresh medication for these severe conditions.
Vaccines
To be effective, these need to be at full potency. Expired vaccines should never be used, as they may not provide the necessary immunity.
How to Save Money with Date Labels
Many supermarkets discount products close to their ‘sell by’ dates. If you know you’ll use it soon, snatch up those bargains. Bread nearing its date? Freeze it. Vegetables on the cusp? Whip up a batch of soup or stew that can be frozen in portions.
You can make some great savings with retailers who specialise in selling short-dated and expired foods. These include sites like Clearance XL *, which offers short-dated and expired food and drink, toiletries, and cleaning products at massively discounted prices.
*We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through this link. This helps to keep the site free, saving you money.
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