Can We Still Use Products That Have Exceeded the Best Before Date?

In this article, we will go over what you need to know about products that have exceeded the Best Before Date.

What Does the Best Before Date Mean?

In order to understand what the best before date means, it's important to understand that with food products there are generally two types of dates:
1. Use By Date: relates to food safety and means you should never eat food that has past its Use By Date as it has a high chance to make you sick or ill. Even if the food looks or smells good, it is advisable not to consume the food after its Use By Date, as you are not always able to see or smell the bacteria that can make you ill.

2. Best Before Date: relates to food quality. Food that has past its Best Before Date are usually still safe to eat, but may not be at its best quality. After the Best Before Date, food products begin to lose quality or taste. Therefore it is always recommended to use a product that is before the Best Before Date. It is important to note that the Best Before Date is only accurate if the food is stored according to the instructions on the packaging
(food.gov.uk, 2021)

Is it Safe to Eat Chocolate Past the Best Before Date?

After this date, it’s normally safe to eat, but the taste, texture or smell might not be at its best and most optimal condition. Therefore, we recommend to use or consumer Tulip Chocolate products before the Best Before Date in order to get the most optimal taste and quality that our chocolate can offer.

How to Store Your Tulip Chocolate Products?

The recommended way to store Tulip Chocolate products is to keep it in a cool and dry place away from sunlight. Ideally between a temperature of 18-22°C. Not everyone may have a temperature-controlled space to store their chocolate products. If this is the case for you, then read our knowledge base article "How to Store Tulip Chocolate Product.