Too Good To Go BlogIS YOUR RICE STILL NICE? HOW TO ENJOY RICE PAST ITS BEST BEFORE DATE

DOES RICE HAVE A BEST BEFORE DATE?

When you see a Best Before date on your rice, it might make you think it’s no longer safe to use 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 flavor and texture. Unlike 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 USE RICE PAST ITS BEST BEFORE DATE?

Yes! Uncooked rice can still be good long after its Best Before date if stored properly in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Milled rice can last for years if stored correctly, while whole grain rice, due to its natural oils, has a shorter shelf life.

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

To check if your rice is still good, trust your senses:

For uncooked rice, start by looking for signs of moisture or pests. If stored in a dry place, uncooked rice should remain good for years. Smell the rice—uncooked rice typically has little to no odor. If it smells musty or sour, discard it. To be sure, you can cook a small batch and taste it. If you still like the taste, your rice is good to use!

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.