Too Good To Go BlogCHEESY GOODNESS: ENJOY YOUR CHEESE PAST ITS BEST BEFORE DATE

When you see a Best Before date on your favourite cheese, 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 CHEESE AFTER ITS BEST BEFORE DATE?

Depending on the type, cheese can often be enjoyed well past its Best Before date if it's stored properly. Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Cheddar can last longer than soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. Keep your cheese in the refrigerator, properly wrapped, to make it last.

CHECK YOUR CHEESE: LOOK, SMELL, AND TASTE

Wondering if your cheese is still good? Trust your senses. If you see a bit of mould on hard cheese, just cut off the mouldy part—about an inch around and below the mould spot—and the rest is safe to eat. For soft cheeses, it's better to discard them if you see mould. Smell your cheese; 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. 40% of Canadians say they throw out food past the Best Before date at least once a week, (Léger, 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 CHEESE

If you have leftover cheese why not turn it into tasty dishes like Mac and Cheese or Cheesy Garlic Bread. Find more food-saving hacks, storage guides, recipes, and tips on our social media.

Together, we can make a positive impact on the planet, one block of cheese at a time.