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 maximise 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 Best Before dates can help avoid unnecessary wastage. In Europe, confusion over date labels leads to about 10% of household food waste (EC, 2018). 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 CHOCOLATE

To extend the life of your chocolate, simply freeze it or transform it into delicious treats like chocolate brownies.

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