We often get questions regarding the best before dates (BBE) on the food products we sell and thought the subject would make an interesting blog post.
Customers wonder how long past this date the food can be safely eaten. The simple answer is they remain edible pretty much forever, providing the packaging has not been damaged and the product has been stored properly.
Below we go into a bit more depth regarding what a BBE actually is and what it means.
BEST BEFORE vs USE BY
It’s important to understand the difference between these two dates. ‘Best Before’ dates relate to food quality and ‘Use By’ dates relate to food safety.
BEST BEFORE DATES
The best before date or BBE (best before end) simply means that after that date the food will still be safe to eat but may not be at its best. Flavour, texture and nutritional values may be effected to some degree beyond this date.
The further past this date you go the more likely it is you will notice a change in the foods quality.
Some sundry items found in ration packs such as chewing gum, sweets and chocolate can deteriorate quite rapidly where as the wet meals stay tasty for many years. We have personally eaten packs that where 3+ years past the BBE with no discernible change in taste or quality.
Having said this, given the choice I would sooner eat a ‘fresh’ meal than an ‘out of date’ one…
This is why we are so transparent when it comes to dates. Most of our listings show the current BBE’s of the product. For the ones that don’t you can message us before you buy and we will always provide it.
Way too many retailers of Army Ration Packs send out old stock that is months and years past it’s best hiding behind the fact ‘it’s only a best before’ We have never and will never do this.
USE BY DATES
If a product carries a use by date it means it must not be eaten past this date. Even if it looks and smells ok it may still contain harmful bacteria that could make you seriously ill.
Luckily we don’t sell any products with a ‘use by’ so rest assured any food you get from us will last and is perfect for long term storage.
Thanks for reading and we hope you have found this blog post informative. If you have any further questions or comments on the subject please leave a comment below.