Short-lived products in supermarkets have always attracted those looking to save money. Often labeled with attractive discounts, they seem like the perfect opportunity to lighten the bill, especially for larger families. But are they really that convenient? And above all, are they always safe to consume? The answer is yes, but only if you pay attention to a few important details.
The golden rules to follow
Check the expiration date carefully
The first step seems obvious: always look at the expiration date. Short-lived products are often on offer as the recommended use-by date approaches, but they may have already expired. Remember that there is an important difference between the words “best before” (expiration), which indicates the date by which the food should be consumed and “best before” (minimum shelf life), which refers to the date by which the product maintains its optimal qualities while remaining edible even after.
Evaluate the type of product
Some products, such as yogurt, flours, frozen products and canned food, may remain safe well beyond their expiration dates. On the contrary, fresh products such as meat, fish and dairy products are more delicate and need to be consumed immediately. Buying the latter at short notice can be more risky, especially if you don’t have time to consume them before the indicated date.
Check the integrity of the food
Regardless of the expiry date, it is essential to check that the product is in good condition. Damaged packaging, swollen packages or cracks in the plastic can be signs of early deterioration. In these cases, it is better to avoid making purchases. Also, pay attention to the appearance, color and smell of the product – any significant change could be a clear sign that it is no longer safe to eat.
Pay attention to conservation
Another fundamental aspect to guarantee the safety of short-term products is correct storage. If you buy fresh food that needs to be kept in the fridge or freezer, keep an eye on the supermarket refrigerated counter and remember to store it as soon as possible after purchase. The more time it spends out of the refrigerator or freezer, the greater the risk of spoilage and bacterial growth. If you’re short on space to properly store food, it’s best not to risk it.
Ask yourself if you can consume the product quickly
Finally, a point that is often underestimated: do you have time to consume the product before it expires? If you are not sure if you will be able to eat it in time, especially if it is a food such as milk, mozzarella or fish, avoid buying it.
The low price isn’t always worth it!
An expiring product may seem like a bargain, but it isn’t always. Always consider whether the lower price is really worth it compared to spending a few cents more for a product with a further expiry date. True convenience is linked to the ability to make informed purchases, not just at a bargain price.
