Should You Buy Discounted Food That’s Near Its Expiry Date?

Food with a “best before” date that is approaching is often deeply discounted by retailers and supermarkets. But should you buy food that is nearing its expiration date? This article will give you the answer.

What Are Foods With a “Best Before” Date?

Foods with a “best before” date refer to pre-packaged foods that are approaching their expiration date but are still usable.

Is It Safe to Buy Food Nearing Its Expiration Date?

Purchasing food that is nearing its expiration date is generally safe. Food safety regulations mandate that pre-packaged food must be labeled with the production date and expiration date. The expiration date indicates the period within which the food maintains its quality under the specified storage conditions. During this period, pre-packaged food is perfectly safe for sale and consumption. “Best before” dated food is still within its usable period, so there is no need to worry about its safety.

However, consumers often shy away from such food. To mitigate losses, businesses often offer discounts and promotions to sell this stock quickly. Some supermarkets also set up dedicated sections for food with a “best before” date for easier monitoring by customers.

How to Buy Food With a “Best Before” Date

Buying food nearing its expiration date can help you save money without compromising your health, provided that the food is still within its usable period and purchased from a reputable supermarket or other authorized distributor. However, keep the following in mind when purchasing such food:

Buy in Appropriate Quantities Based on Your Needs

Some foods have low nutritional value, such as potato chips and other processed foods that are high in oil, salt, and sugar. Do not be tempted by the low price and buy too much at once.

Pay Attention to the Production Date

Snack foods rich in oil, such as nuts, can turn rancid over time if they are not vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-flushed. It is best to buy the newest production batch.

Purchase Smaller Packages

If the price is similar, opt for multiple smaller packages instead of one large package of food that is nearing its expiration date.

Check the Expiration Date

Be especially vigilant about checking the modified expiration dates on pre-prepared foods sold at many farmers’ markets, including meat and soy-based products.

Refrigerate

If you find a room-temperature-stored food item that is nearing its expiration date and realize you won’t be able to consume it within a few days of purchase, either refrigerate it or avoid buying it altogether to prevent waste.

Notes on Buying Food Nearing Its Expiration Date

• The term “not spoiled” or “not expired” means that the food will not spoil or mold due to microbial action, but it does not guarantee that the nutritional value will not decrease over extended storage.
• Even within the usable period, there may be cases where the packaging is damaged, the food absorbs external moisture and spoils, the canned food is not fully sterilized and the can bulges, or perishable foods are not continuously refrigerated and spoil prematurely.
• Before purchasing, carefully inspect the integrity of the packaging, and before consuming, ensure there are no abnormal changes in the color, aroma, taste, or texture of the product.