At Waste Not Want Not (WNWN) we offer food that's close to, or just past, its Best Before date, at greatly discounted prices.

You may also see phrases like Short Dated used to refer to food that's close to it's Best Before date. You may find the date also referred to as Best Until, Sell By or Display Until stamped on the sides of packages

We'll always clearly display the Best Before date of the product being sold, and we will never sell food past its use by date.

What do the experts say about Short Dated food?

Best before dates are about quality, not safety. The food will be safe to eat after this date but may not be at its best.

 

Best before dates are about quality, not safety. When the date is passed, it doesn't mean that the food would be harmful, but it might begin to loose its flavour or texture.

 

Both sources say there is no issue with the safety of food past its Best Before date. We're also aware that manufacturers will use a very safe Best Before date, to avoid compromising the quality of their product. That's why we at Waste Not Want Not regularly test the food we sell to ensure it still has the texture and flavour you'd expect.

Why should I buy Short Dated food?

Aside from saving lots of cash, you're also reducing food waste. According to the Food Standards Agency, 7 million tonnes of food and drink is thrown away from our homes every year – the majority of which could have been eaten. Which means billions of pounds' worth of perfectly good food is thrown out unnecessarily.

But it doesn't have to be that way, and the key is in the terminology on the package.

What does Best Before mean?

Food sold in the UK has one of two dates on the packet, one is the Best Before date, and the other the use by date. The Best Before date refers to the perceived quality of the item, whilst the use by date refers to its safe consumption.

Where do the Short Dated products come from?

Our Short Dated food comes from our other stores like Fultons Foods & premium range from Posh Nosh, where we move the products into the Waste Not Want Not category around 2 weeks before it's Best Before date.

We also get new stock that's close to it's Best Before date from major suppliers, which they offer at huge discounts that we pass on to you.

We don't sell Out of Date food!

You may see the phrase Out of Date, which really only refers to the Use By Date. You'll see "use by" dates on food that goes off quickly, such as smoked fish, meat products and ready-prepared salads. This is because using it after this date could put your health at risk.

Still not sure?

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.