Can I eat it? Understanding these tags is the first step to saving money
Living in the United States, many friends throw away an average of $1500 worth of food every year, largely because they cannot read the various date labels on packaging. In fact, most of the dates on the packaging are the "best taste suggestions" given by the manufacturer, rather than the red line of food spoilage. Except for the Use-By date of Infant Formula, which is strictly regulated by federal law, the date labels of other foods are actually quite flexible. As long as you master the true meaning of these labels and use some simple storage techniques, you can accurately determine whether the ingredients are still usable and help your family save a lot of wasted money.
Understand the subtle differences between Sell-By and Use-By
When you buy something in a supermarket or check various food information on this website, you will find a variety of statements on the label. It is common for manufacturers to write dates conservatively in order to avoid responsibilities or ensure brand reputation. Understanding these terms will give you more confidence when handling refrigerator inventory:
- Best If Used By/Before: This is the most common label, which simply means "it tastes best before this date."After this day, the cookies may not be as crisp, or the aroma of the juice will be a little weaker, but as long as there is no hair or odor, there is generally no problem eating them.
- Sell-By: This is for supermarket employees.It tells the clerk when the product should be removed from shelves. Generally speaking, products like Milk can still be drunk with confidence for a week after the Sell-By date.
- Use-By: This label is a little more serious and usually refers to the last day when the manufacturer believes the product is at its highest quality.Except for a very small number of cooked foods that are prone to bacteria, most foods may not go bad immediately after a day or two.
- Freeze-By: This is very simple. It reminds you that if you can't finish it, throw it into the freezer before this date, so that the taste can be locked in its best state.
The "real life" of common ingredients is often longer than you think
Many people want to throw it away when the date is over. In fact, the release resistance of different categories varies greatly. According to experience, most ingredients placed in the freezer have a buffer period. Eggs, for example, are usually safe for 3 to 5 weeks after the packaging date. You can try putting eggs into the water. The ones that sink to the bottom are fresh, and the ones that float up show that there is too much air inside and not fresh.
Another example is Yogurt. Even after a week or two after the packaging date, as long as it is unopened and is refrigerated, the taste usually does not change much. As for Canned Foods or Dry Goods (dry goods such as pasta or rice), as long as the packaging is not damaged, rusty, or bulging, it will be stored for a year or two or more. If the portion you order is too large when ordering, it is generally recommended to eat the Leftovers you take home within 3 to 4 days. If you feel that you can't finish it, it is the smartest way to split it and freeze it as soon as possible.
Anti-waste suggestions when querying menus and prices on this site
When you check the brand menu or the latest prices on this site, you will find that many brands will mark the specific weight of Regular Size or Family Meal. Taking the time to read these descriptions before ordering is necessary to help you avoid ordering too much. It is common for people to have no idea of the restaurant's Portion Size, resulting in a bunch ordering and ending up in the trash.
Search for a specific brand name on this site and enter the corresponding menu page to see if there are options for Small Portion or Individual Meal. If you check the price and find that you can upgrade to a large portion with a few dollars more, don't place an order just because you think it's a good deal. Think about whether there are any seats in the refrigerator at home. In addition, when ordering, you should pay attention to the fact that Sales Tax and Tip are not included in the menu price. Calculating a good budget can also help you consume more rationally and reduce the double waste of goods and money caused by "buying too much".
Sensory judgment is actually more reliable than the date
To be honest, your nose and eyes are often more reliable than printed numbers. If the surface of the meat becomes slimy or green, it will definitely have to be thrown away; if the bread is only dry and no mold, it will be good to roast it or make it into bread crumbs. If milk does not smell sour and tastes bitter, it can still be used. If Ice Crystals appear in frozen food, it is usually just Freezer Burn, which affects the taste but does not affect safety. It can also be done by cutting off that piece or adding more seasoning to boil it.
If you want to extend the life of food, the location of the refrigerator is also particular. Milk and Eggs are best not placed on the refrigerator door, because the door is often opened and closed, and the temperature fluctuates most and is easily damaged. Put them in the innermost position of the refrigerator for the most stable temperature. The vegetables you buy can be wrapped in wet tissue and then bagged. They can last for a few days. When these small details of life are accumulated, it is not difficult to save that $1500 a year.
If you have questions about the shelf life of a specific brand of food or the storage method of take-out packages, it is recommended to go to the brand page or menu page of this site to check the latest price and product details, and make a judgment based on the actual situation.
