Too Good To Go BlogBread: fresh or not? How to enjoy bread past its best before date

Best before dates: what do they really mean?

When you see a Best Before date on your bread, 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.

Can you still enjoy bread after its best before date?

Yes, you can! Bread can often be enjoyed well past its Best Before date if stored properly in a cool, dry place. Extend the life of your bread by freezing it so it stays fresh for weeks, simply toast when ready to enjoy. Tip: Freeze your bread before its Best Before date to ensure the freshness stays intact.

Check your bread: look, smell and taste

Wondering if your bread is still good? Trust your senses. If you see mould, your bread is no longer good to eat. Smell your bread; it should have a pleasant aroma. If it smells off or sour, it’s time to throw it out. Finally, taste a small piece. If you still like the taste, go ahead and enjoy it.

Reduce food waste and make a difference

Understanding Best Before dates can help avoid unnecessary wastage. Bread is one of the most commonly wasted food products in Irish households. 41% of people say that bread is thrown out the most often in their household, (EPA, 2023). Since Best Before dates are just freshness indicators, we encourage you to trust your senses before throwing away perfectly good food. By reducing food waste, you not only save money by making the most of what you buy but also help avoid CO2e emissions and the unnecessary use of valuable resources like water and land. Every small action counts in our collective efforts to help save the planet.

Make the most of your loaf

Turn your leftover bread into tasty dishes like Croque Monsieur or Stale Bread Cookies. Find more food-saving hacks, recipes, and tips on our social media.

Join our mission

Look for our 'Look-Smell-Taste' label on bread and other Best Before products in your local supermarket. This label reminds you that many foods, including bread, 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 positive impact on the planet, one loaf at a time.