Understanding the Benefits of Buying Food and Drinks Past Best Before Date in New Zealand

Chow’s Mart Team
3 days ago
3 min read

Many people in New Zealand hesitate to buy food and drinks past their best before date, fearing they might be unsafe or spoiled. Yet, New Zealand retailers are allowed to sell these products as long as they remain in good condition. This practice offers several benefits, from reducing food waste to saving money. This post explores why buying food and drinks past their best before date can be a smart and responsible choice.

Eye-level view of supermarket shelf with packaged food items labeled with best before dates — Supermarket shelf showing food items past best before date, still safe to consume

What Does Best Before Date Mean?

The best before date is often misunderstood. It is not an expiration date but a guideline for when the product is expected to be at its best quality. After this date, the food or drink might lose some freshness, texture, or flavor, but it does not automatically become unsafe to eat.

Best before date indicates quality, not safety.
Foods can often be consumed days, weeks, or even months after this date if stored properly.
The date is set by manufacturers based on tests of product quality over time.

Understanding this difference helps consumers make informed decisions rather than discarding perfectly edible food.

How New Zealand Retailers Handle Best Before Dates

In New Zealand, retailers follow strict food safety regulations. They are allowed to sell food and drinks past their best before date if the items are still in good condition. This means:

Products are checked regularly for signs of spoilage.
Packaging remains intact without damage or swelling.
There are no off smells, colors, or textures indicating spoilage.

Retailers often discount these items to encourage sales and reduce waste. This practice benefits both the environment and consumers.

Benefits of Buying Food and Drinks Past Best Before Date

1. Reducing Food Waste

Food waste is a significant problem worldwide, including in New Zealand. Many edible products are thrown away simply because they have passed their best before date. Buying these items helps:

Lower the amount of food sent to landfills.
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing food.
Conserve resources used in food production, such as water and energy.

2. Saving Money

Products past their best before date are often sold at a discount. This allows shoppers to:

Purchase quality food and drinks at lower prices.
Stretch their grocery budget further.
Try new products without paying full price.

For families and individuals on tight budgets, this can make a real difference.

3. Supporting Sustainable Shopping Habits

Choosing to buy food past its best before date encourages more sustainable consumption. It promotes:

Mindful shopping, focusing on actual food condition rather than arbitrary dates.
Less reliance on over-packaged or heavily processed foods.
Awareness of food quality and safety beyond just the label.

This shift can help build a culture of sustainability in communities.

How to Safely Buy and Use Food Past Best Before Date

While many foods remain safe after the best before date, it is important to check carefully before buying or consuming them.

Tips for Shoppers

Inspect packaging for any damage, leaks, or swelling.
Look for signs of spoilage such as mold, unusual smells, or discoloration.
Check storage instructions and ensure the product has been stored properly.
Buy from reputable retailers who follow food safety guidelines.

Foods That Are Usually Safe Past Best Before Date

Dry goods like pasta, rice, and flour.
Canned foods that are unopened.
Frozen foods kept at the right temperature.
Hard cheeses and cured meats.
Some beverages like bottled water, soft drinks, and wine.

Foods to Be More Careful With

Fresh meat, fish, and seafood.
Dairy products like milk and cream.
Fresh fruits and vegetables.
Ready-to-eat meals.

Always use your senses and when in doubt, throw it out.

Examples of Successful Practices in New Zealand

Several New Zealand retailers and community groups have embraced selling and promoting food past best before dates.

Supermarkets offer discounted shelves or bins with these products clearly marked.
Food rescue organizations collect surplus food from stores and redistribute it to those in need.
Community fridges allow people to share food that is still good but close to or past best before dates.

These initiatives help reduce waste and support food security.

What Consumers Can Do to Help

Consumers play a key role in making the most of food past best before dates.

Ask retailers about their policies on selling these products.
Choose discounted items and use them promptly.
Share knowledge with family and friends about the difference between best before and use by dates.
Plan meals around what you already have to avoid unnecessary waste.