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Next time you’re shopping for groceries, take a closer look at the packaging. You may notice that the expiration dates on some items are harder to find than they used to be—or, in some cases, missing altogether. This isn’t a coincidence. Some supermarkets and food manufacturers are deliberately making expiration dates less visible, and in some cases, they are removing them entirely. While they claim it’s to reduce food waste and prevent unnecessary product disposal, the reality is much more complicated. Supermarkets are using expiration date confusion to increase profits, reduce losses, and manipulate consumer buying habits.
Expiration Date Confusion Works in Their Favor
Many shoppers rely on expiration dates to determine whether a product is safe to consume, but the truth is that food labeling is already a confusing mess. Terms like “sell by,” “best by,” and “use by” all mean different things, and many consumers don’t know the distinction.
By making expiration dates harder to find, supermarkets can take advantage of this confusion. Some stores are deliberately placing expiration dates in inconspicuous spots on packaging, such as the bottom of a bottle or in small, hard-to-read print. Others are using ink that fades quickly, making the date difficult to read. This forces customers to spend extra time searching for expiration information, and in many cases, they give up and buy the product without verifying its freshness.
Reducing Waste—or Just Selling Old Products?
One of the primary justifications for hiding expiration dates is that it helps reduce food waste. Millions of pounds of food are discarded every year, much of it still safe to eat, simply because consumers throw it away based on the date printed on the package. Supermarkets claim that by obscuring or removing expiration dates, they are preventing unnecessary waste and encouraging customers to rely on their senses instead.
However, this also allows supermarkets to keep older products on the shelves longer without consumers noticing. When a shopper can’t find the expiration date, they are more likely to purchase an item without questioning its freshness. This is especially beneficial for supermarkets trying to clear out old inventory without discounting or discarding it. Instead of reducing waste, some stores are simply ensuring that expired or nearly expired products get sold instead of thrown away.
Some Stores Are Replacing Expiration Dates with QR Codes
Another tactic being used is replacing traditional expiration dates with QR codes. Some food brands and supermarkets now require shoppers to scan a code with their phone to check freshness information. While this may seem like a modern, tech-savvy solution, it adds an extra step to the buying process. Many shoppers don’t bother scanning QR codes, especially if they’re in a hurry, which means they may unknowingly purchase food that is close to expiring.
By moving expiration dates to a digital format, supermarkets shift the burden onto consumers rather than providing clear, easily accessible information. This not only increases the chances of selling older products, but it also discourages customers from being more selective with their purchases.
Expiration Dates Are Being Rebranded as “Freshness Labels”
Some supermarkets and manufacturers are going a step further by replacing expiration dates with vague “freshness indicators.” Instead of a clear “best by” or “use by” date, you may now see phrases like “tastes best before” or “best quality before.” These terms don’t provide any definitive information about food safety, but they do create the illusion that a product is still good, even if it’s past its prime.
This kind of labeling benefits stores by reducing the number of products they have to mark down or discard. If customers believe that food is still fresh even without a specific date, they are less likely to look for discounts or request a fresher version of the product.
You’re Paying the Same Price for Older Food
One of the biggest problems with supermarkets hiding expiration dates is that consumers are unknowingly paying full price for food that is much closer to expiring. In the past, many stores would mark down items that were approaching their expiration date, allowing customers to buy them at a discount.
Now, by making expiration dates less visible or replacing them with vague indicators, supermarkets can keep prices high while still selling older food. This means customers are paying premium prices for products that should have been discounted or removed from shelves.
Which Products Are Most Affected?
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While expiration date tricks can be found across the store, certain products are more affected than others. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are often labeled with hard-to-find expiration dates, making it difficult for shoppers to determine freshness. Packaged meats and deli items are also a major concern, as these products can become unsafe to eat if kept too long.
Canned and frozen foods are another category where expiration dates are frequently obscured. Since these products have longer shelf lives, some stores are more lenient about keeping them on the shelves past their prime. Snack foods and processed goods are also commonly affected, with expiration dates sometimes printed in hard-to-read locations or hidden behind package folds.
How to Protect Yourself from Buying Old Food
To avoid unknowingly purchasing expired or close-to-expired food, there are a few steps you can take. Always check packaging carefully, even if it takes extra time. Expiration dates are often hidden in unusual places, such as the bottom of a carton, under a flap, or on the back label. If a product has a QR code instead of a printed date, take the time to scan it and check the information before purchasing.
If an expiration date is missing or difficult to read, ask a store employee for assistance. Some stores keep internal records of freshness dates, and employees may be able to provide more information. When buying perishable items, pay attention to smell, texture, and color. If something looks or smells off, trust your instincts and choose a fresher option.
For non-perishable items, check the packaging for any signs of wear, dents, or damage, as these can be indicators that a product has been sitting on the shelf for a long time. If you notice a pattern of missing or hidden expiration dates at a specific store, consider shopping elsewhere where transparency is a priority.
Why Expiration Date Transparency Matters
Consumers have a right to know when their food was produced and how long it will stay fresh. While reducing food waste is an important goal, it should not come at the expense of transparency and consumer trust. Supermarkets that hide expiration dates are prioritizing profits over customer satisfaction, and shoppers should be aware of these tactics.
If more people demand clear labeling and expiration date transparency, supermarkets may be forced to reconsider their strategies. In the meantime, being a vigilant shopper can help you avoid paying full price for older products and ensure that you’re getting the freshest food possible.
How do you ensure that foods are still fresh enough to eat when shopping? Have you ever gotten some bad food? Let us know in the comments below.
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Latrice is a dedicated professional with a rich background in social work, complemented by an Associate Degree in the field. Her journey has been uniquely shaped by the rewarding experience of being a stay-at-home mom to her two children, aged 13 and 5. This role has not only been a testament to her commitment to family but has also provided her with invaluable life lessons and insights.
As a mother, Latrice has embraced the opportunity to educate her children on essential life skills, with a special focus on financial literacy, the nuances of life, and the importance of inner peace.