Business sign-up
MyStore login
Business sign-up
MyStore login
Business sign-up
MyStore login
Business sign-up
MyStore login

Too Good To Go BlogCHOCO-LATE? NO PROBLEM! HOW TO ENJOY CHOCOLATE PAST ITS BEST BEFORE DATE

Publié le October 15, 2024
a person is cutting a bar of chocolate into pieces .

BEST BEFORE DATES: WHAT DO THEY REALLY MEAN?

When you see a Best Before date on your favourite chocolate bar, it might make you think it's no longer safe to eat after that date. However, Best Before dates are about food quality, not safety. These dates indicate how long the product will be at its peak flavour and texture. Unlike the Use By or Expiry dates, which are related to safety, Best Before dates refer to quality and allow some flexibility.

BEYOND THE DATE: CAN YOU STILL ENJOY CHOCOLATE PAST ITS BEST BEFORE DATE?

The short (and sweet) answer is yes. Chocolate can be enjoyed well past its Best Before date if stored properly. Depending on the type of chocolate and storage conditions, it can remain delicious for several months or even years beyond this date. Dark chocolate, with its higher cocoa content and lower milk solids, can last longer than milk or white chocolate. Always ensure your chocolate is stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maximize its longevity.

TRUST YOUR SENSES: LOOK, SMELL, AND TASTE BEFORE YOU WASTE

Determining whether your chocolate is still good involves a simple sensory check. Start by examining its appearance. If you see a white, powdery film on the surface, don't worry—this is just ‘bloom’, caused by fat or sugar crystals rising to the surface. It's safe to eat, though it might slightly alter the texture. Next, smell the chocolate. Fresh chocolate should have a pleasant, rich cocoa aroma. If it smells off or rancid, it's better to discard it. Finally, taste a small piece. If you still like the taste, it's fine to enjoy.

PREVENTING FOOD WASTE AT HOME: A SWEET WAY TO SAVE THE PLANET

Understanding and correctly interpreting Best Before dates can significantly reduce food waste. 40% of Canadians say they throw out food past the Best Before date at least once a week, (Léger, 2023). By consuming chocolate and other foods past their Best Before dates when they're still good, we can make a meaningful impact on the environment. Reducing food waste helps avoid CO2e emissions and use in vain valuable resources like water and land. Every small step you take counts in our collective effort to protect the planet.

To extend the life of your chocolate, simply freeze it or transform it into delicious treats like Chocolate Dipped Palmiers or Chocolate Mousse. Discover more food-saving hacks, recipes, and tips on our social media.

JOIN OUR MISSION

Look out for our 'Look-Smell-Taste' label on delicious chocolate products from our partners like Carambar & Co - Terry’s. This label is a reminder that many foods, including chocolate, are still good after their Best Before date.


If you work at a company that would be interested in joining our mission to reduce food waste, visit tgtg-label.com.


Together, we can make a tangible, positive impact on the planet, one chocolate bar at a time.

Share

start saving food today

Our app is the world's largest marketplace for surplus food. We help users rescue good food from going to waste, offering great value for money at local stores, cafes and restaurants.

Too good to go blog

a woman drinking a cup of coffee while a little girl looks on

Too Good To Go BlogUnderstanding Best Before dates: how you can avoid food waste and help the planet

April 17, 2025

With Earth Day upon us, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our daily habits and how they impact the planet. One area where we can make an immediate differen...

Competitions

Too Good To Go BlogEarth Day Coffee Run Giveaway

April 14, 2025

Earth Day Coffee Run Giveaway OFFICIAL RULES NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID IN WHOLE OR IN PART WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. ENTRY IN THIS CONTEST CONSTITUTES A...

a half of an avocado next to a glass of water and a question mark
Too Good To Go News

Too Good To Go BlogHOW FOOD WASTE AFFECTS WATER: HOW MUCH WATER IS HIDDEN IN YOUR FAVOURITE FOODS?

March 21, 2025

This World Water Day, let's dive into the water we can't see—the water hidden in the foods we eat. How many glasses of water go into producing a 201 gram avo...

a basket filled with tomatoes , zucchini , green beans and other vegetables .
Tips & Tricks

Too Good To Go BlogWHAT YOU CAN DO TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST FOOD WASTE

March 13, 2025

Every day is the perfect day to save food from waste. This Food Waste Action Week (March 17-23) is reminding Canadians to be more mindful of their food habit...

More blog posts

JOIN over 175,000 BUSINESSES FIGHTING FOOD WASTE WITH US

Sign up your business
Too Good To Go Logo

Careers

Press

Support

Mystore

Download on the Apple App StoreGet it on Google PlayExplore it on AppGallery
Certified B Corporation

Legal

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Terms & Conditions

Contact us

DSA Disclosure

Food Waste Sources

Status

Copyright © Too Good To Go ApS. All Rights Reserved.