This is how to recognize the shelf life of food!

It is not uncommon for edible foods to end up in the garbage because they have reached the best before date, as for many, the date on the packaging creates uncertainty. However, the best-before date does not mean the same as the use-by date. In fact, the shelf life of many foods even extends far beyond the recommended label. So you can often enjoy yoghurt, cereals, and similar items for much longer without any worries.

To bring a little clarity to this topic, we have compiled the most important information for you. You can find out how to tell if food is still fit for human consumption here.

What is the best before date?

The best before date (Best before) is a labeling of packaged foodstuffs required by EU law. It provides information on how long food retains its characteristic properties when stored correctly. These properties include, for example, the freshness, taste, color, or smell of the food .

However, foods are usually still edible after reaching the best before date.

This is what distinguishes it from the use by date . This form of labeling can be found on perishable foods that can pose a health risk, such as raw meat. Products marked with a use-by date should not be consumed after that date.

In compliance with the EU Food Information Regulation, the best before date is determined by the food manufacturers themselves. After all, they know the nature of their products best, which allows them to determine the shelf life of the food very well through the use of various quality tests.

Best before date reached – now what?

Once a food has reached its best before date, this does not automatically mean that it can no longer be consumed. In fact, many products are still edible well beyond this date. However, it is not possible to say how long you can still eat "expired" food, as this depends on the product itself and how it is stored.

To see if a food is still fit for human consumption, first check the packaging for any damage. If this is the case, germs and bacteria can more easily infest your food and shorten its shelf life.

If the packaging is in order, the test follows with your senses: sight, smell, taste. Has the color of the food changed? Does it smell unusual? Is the taste or consistency different than usual? If so, you should stop eating the product and dispose of it instead.

How long are foods actually edible?

Depending on the type of food, you can usually enjoy it for a few days, weeks, or even months after the best before date.

This also applies to your breakfast favorites from VERIVAL, for example. Whether it’s our porridges, cereals, or crunchies, you can still enjoy them all for a few weeks after reaching the printed best before date.

The following table is intended to give you a rough overview of the duration of the edibility of various foods:

The following applies to all foods: Trust your senses and dispose of the products in case of doubt.

Tips for longer food shelf life

To help your food last as long as possible and to prevent waste, we have a few tips for you:

Shelf life starts when shopping

Even the trip home from the supermarket can be crucial for how long food can be stored. For food that needs refrigeration, it is important not to interrupt the cold chain. Therefore, bring them home from the supermarket as quickly as possible.

Especially in summer, it is advisable to have a cooler bag with you, as the warm car favors an interruption of the cold chain.

Proper storage

If you store food properly , you can also contribute to a longer shelf life. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when it comes to storing food. Dairy products, meat, and cheese definitely belong in the fridge. This also applies to opened juices, sauces, or jams.

Flour, sugar, oatmeal, coffee, tea, or spices should be stored dry. VERIVAL breakfast products also have the longest shelf life when stored dry and protected from the sun.

Fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, apples, carrots, or onions should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as in the basement or pantry.

In addition, the packaging should be removed, because condensation can form quickly, especially in plastic, which promotes the formation of germs and mold or allows the fresh food to rot faster.

Fruits and vegetables, in particular, can also be used creatively and deliciously in your breakfast if you can't manage to eat the vitamin suppliers fresh. For example, you can mix fruit with a few brown spots or carrots and zucchini, which are no longer so crispy, into your breakfast porridge and avoid throwing anything away.

For example, try our Carrot Cake Porridge or get inspired by other recipes from our blog.

Carrot Cake Porridge

Preparation time 10 min.

Total time 10 min.

Ingredients

• 50 g oat flakes
• 200 ml milk or plant drink
• 1 pinch of salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp walnuts

Preparation

• First, grate the carrots finely and then put them in a pot.
• Then add the oat flakes and the milk or plant drink. If you want to save extra calories, you can also replace half of the milk or plant drink with water.
• Then add the salt and a bit of cinnamon to the pot.
• Boil the porridge for about 5-7 minutes. When the porridge is almost ready and creamy, remove the pot from the heat and add some almond paste to your porridge.
• Then put the porridge in a bowl. Now you can refine the porridge with toppings of your choice, such as delicious walnuts.

Smoothies and smoothie bowls are also a good way to recycle less fresh food.

Hygiene measures for longer shelf life of food

Clean your refrigerator regularly to minimize the proliferation of germs. To keep harmful chemicals in cleaning products away from your food, you can use a homemade vinegar cleaner. To do this, mix vinegar with water in a ratio of 1:2 (1 part vinegar: 2 parts water).

Then, wipe all surfaces again with clear water before putting your food back in.