Born on Date - Marketing Ploy?

Did you ever notice how the "best used by" date is always a few days after you purchase your item? Does the item really go bad as the clock strikes midnight on that date?

According to AI (yes it's a reference) "Best if used by" and similar open dating (like "sell-by") became mainstream in the 1970s due to consumer demand for freshness as processed, packaged food consumption grew. While early, secret dating of dairy occurred in the 1930s (reportedly pushed by Al Capone), the standardized, consumer-facing "best by" date for quality, not safety, is largely a late-20th-century development, with further, recent efforts by the USDA to standardize "Best if Used By" for quality assurance rather than safety.

Somehow, when I think of Al Capone, dairy is not the first word that comes to my mind. Oh boy...

With that being said, how long does food/items last. Here is a brief list that I found interesting:

Coffee stays good up to 2 years so buy it when on sale. It likes to be stored in a dark and cool place.

Spices - 2-4 years. Yes YEARS, they are so expensive and a wonderful investment, so don't toss them so fat.

Cereal - about 1 year. The more sugary your cereal is, the more likely it will be a home for crawly, unwelcomed guests. Store in an airtight container to avoid this.

Dry Pasta - 2-3 years. Store in an airtight container, not the box you purchase it in. Plastic, air tight bags are preferred. Weevils like dry pasta and if you think you may have them, put the pasta in the freezer for 48hrs.

Canned Goods - 2-3 years. This is why they are always a staple in your pantry. Beans are a great source of protein and very versatile.

Dried Beans - Approximately 18 months. Remember to always soak your beans overnight.

Peanut Butter - Approximately 18 months. Because of a slow chemical process called lipid oxidation, which causes the high fat content to go rancid, turning it bitter and metallic, stay to the 18 months or less.

Carbonated Drinks- 3-9 months. No one likes when they lose their fizz.

Jams & Jellies - Approximately 18 months. Let's be honest, doesn't last that long in my house. Especially orange marmalade.

Vinegar & Syrup - up to 2 years.

Honey - Doesn't go bad. Archaeologists have discovered jars of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs, including some rumored to be over 3,000 years old, which were found intact and perfectly preserved due to honey's natural antibacterial, low-moisture. Stock up when on sale.

If your item is obviously or even questionable, don't eat it. There is nothing worse than getting sick from bad food. Use your nose and your taste buds.

Stock up when on sale!