Best before date quiz

1
When buying groceries, how do you treat best before dates?
I reach for the item with the furthest date - fresher is safer.
I just grab what's at the front. I'm not too concerned.
I sometimes buy discounted short-dated food to save money.
I compare dates, but also think about how fast I’ll use it.
2
How often do you throw away food because it's past its date?
Often — I don’t mess with best before dates dates.
Rarely — I hate wasting food and trust my senses.
Almost never — I think most dates are overly cautious.
Occasionally — depends on the food and how it’s stored.
3
You find a tub of yogurt in the fridge that's 3 days past its "best before" date. What do you do?
Toss it immediately — the date is there for a reason.
Open it and check the smell and texture — if it seems fine, I eat it.
I always eat yogurt past the date — it’s usually fine.
I check the date label to see if it's "best before" and then I take a look and smell to see if it looks okay to eat.
4
A friend invites you for dinner tomorrow because they got ground beef 30% off as the best before date was today. Your reaction as she shares her good deal?
No thank you - I’ll make my own dinner.
Meh, if it smelled fine and was cooked properly, they’ll be fine.
I’ve done worse.
I’d want to know how it was stored and if it looked/smelled okay.
5
Milk smells a little funky, but it’s still within the best before date. What’s your move?
Ew, I’m pouring it down the sink. No risks.
I sniff and taste — if it passes the test, I keep it.
I’ll use it in pancakes or something cooked.
I double-check the date and assess how off it actually is.
6
You go to visit grandpa at the nursing home. You notice he has a chocolate boost meal replacement that is past its expiry date. How well do you understand the difference between "best before" and "expiry date"?
Not well — I treat them the same
I know the difference, but I trust my senses more than either.
I ignore both most of the time.
I know "expiry date" is about safety, and "best before" is about quality.
7
You made chicken stirfry 3 days ago and you need a quick lunch for today. What’s your attitude toward leftovers?
I only keep them for a day or two - I’m not eating that today.
I smell and inspect before eating — could be fine after several days.
I love leftovers — I’ve eaten week-old stuff and survived.
I keep track of when I made them and reheat thoroughly.
8
You find canned food that’s a year past the best before date. It looks intact. What do you do?
I wouldn’t risk it — it’s too far gone.
I open it and check — if it looks/smells okay, I’ll use it.
I don’t care — canned food lasts forever.
I check for signs of spoilage, then research how long canned food really lasts.
9
Score
10
Date Devotee

You like to play it safe. Best before, use by — if it’s expired, it’s out. Nothing wrong with caution, but you may be throwing out perfectly good food!

Helpful Tips:

You’ve got food safety locked down, now let’s help you save food and money!

Use your freezer and your eye for Best Before Dates to your advantage. If you know you won’t use food by the date, pop it in the freezer in convenient portion sizes. Thaw and use as you need.

Remember, Best Before Dates only apply to unopened packages. If that leaves you feeling anxious about opened food items, write your own “use by” date on the package using our Shelf Life Guide. For example, if you open a tub of cottage cheese, you have at least 5-7 days to use it up or freeze it.
11
Sensible Sniffer

You trust your senses. Sight, smell, and a little taste guide your decisions more than any date stamp.

Helpful Tips:

Great instincts! Just remember that not all spoilage is visible or smelly — play it safe with foods like deli meats, cooked rice, seafood, unpasteurized beverages, leftovers and soft cheeses.

Set a “3-4 day rule” for leftovers: No matter how good it smells, use or freeze cooked leftovers within 3-4 days.
12
Waste Warrior

Food waste is your enemy. Expiry dates are suggestions at best. You push the limits — sometimes too far!

Helpful tips:

Love your enthusiasm for reducing food waste, but be cautious!

Be aware that some people may be more sensitive to foodborne pathogens. This is especially true for pregnant women, young children, older adults or anyone with a weakened immune system.

Know the danger zones. Some foods can look and smell fine but can make you sick. Be extra cautious with storing deli meats, cooked rice, seafood, unpasteurized beverages and soft cheese.
13
Informed Flexitarian

You combine knowledge, logic, and senses. You understand the difference between dates and safety and make balanced decisions.

Helpful tips:

You’ve found a great balance - keep up the good work.

Want to go next level? Consider doing a waste audit. Keep track of any food waste for a week and note what you throw out and why. Talk about your findings with your family and brainstorm ideas to improve.

Share your tips and ideas with others who may be over cautious or overconfident. Raising awareness about proper use of Best Before Dates and Food Waste is in all our best interests.
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