Use-by, Best-before, Sterilised Jars - Understanding for Better Consumption
Every year, millions of tonnes of food are thrown away, often when they are still perfectly safe to eat. Confusion between the different date labels is one of the main causes. Let us decode these labels together to adopt more responsible and less wasteful consumption habits.
What is the Difference between Use-by and Best-before?
Use-by Date
The use-by date concerns fresh and highly perishable products : meat, fish, dairy... Once exceeded, consumption may present a health risk. The sale of products past their use-by date is strictly prohibited by law.
Best-before Date
The best-before date applies to dry and sterilised products : preserves, sauces, ready meals and sterilised food in jars. After this date, the product may lose slightly in taste or texture, without presenting any health risk.
Sterilised jar products can therefore be consumed several months or even years after the best-before date, provided they have been stored correctly.
Sterilised Jars : What You Need to Know
Sterilised food jars offer long-term preservation and fit perfectly into an anti-waste approach, particularly in Alsace where this preservation method is a centuries-old artisan tradition.
Check Points before Consumption
The lid must not be bulging
No leaks or rust marks
No unusual smell when opened
If these conditions are met, the product is generally perfectly safe to consume, even after the indicated date.
Can Products be Sold after the Date?
Expired use-by date : sale prohibited
Expired best-before date : sale authorised and legal
Jar products are therefore frequently offered in anti-waste and food clearance channels.
Short Dates and Food Clearance
Food clearance allows the sale of still-consumable products that have been removed from conventional channels for various reasons : short date, packaging change or production stoppage. These products are offered at reduced prices, sometimes up to -50%, while complying with health standards.
Why Choose Short-date Products?
Savings of 30% to 70% on identical products
A concrete reduction in food waste
Support for local and sustainable consumption
Responsible Consumption in Alsace
Choosing sterilised jar products with short dates means supporting local and sustainable consumption in Alsace, while promoting artisan know-how and responsible supply chains.
The discount is calculated and applied automatically based on your order amount, no promo code needed. Valid on all products on the site, and can be combined with free shipping from €69 to a French pickup point.
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