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

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.