Misconceptions – Separating Fact from Fiction

At Beyond Best Before, we’ve encountered plenty of misconceptions about what we do. Let’s clear up some common myths!

1. “Beyond Best Before sells expired food.”

Not quite! We don’t just focus on products that are past their best before date—it’s a mix. Our stock includes items that are still within their best before date, products from businesses that have gone into administration, items with packaging changes, and surplus stock from over-forecasting.

The best before date was introduced in the 1970s as a guide to indicate quality, not safety. However, manufacturers are often motivated to set conservative dates to encourage consumers to purchase products more frequently. Many items—like pasta, canned goods, and snacks—remain perfectly fine well after this date

2. “The food is low quality or off.”

Wrong! We stock premium brands that you’d find in high-end supermarkets like Harris Farm or David Jones Food. These products often end up with us due to packaging changes, order cancellations, or overstocking—not because they’re defective. You’ll find top-tier chocolates, gourmet snacks, and pantry staples at unbeatable prices.

3. “Shopping at Beyond Best Before is only for people on a budget.”

While we love helping people save money, our mission is about sustainability just as much as affordability. Whether you're an eco-conscious shopper or just love a good bargain, Beyond Best Before is for everyone who wants to reduce food waste while enjoying premium products.

4. “Beyond Best Before is the same as a food bank.”

We operate differently. Food banks provide free or subsidised food to those in need, whereas we run a social enterprise—rescuing surplus food and selling it at discounted prices. This helps businesses reduce waste and allows everyday shoppers to access high-quality products at a fraction of the cost.

5. “Big supermarkets already do this.”

Supermarkets may have markdowns, but they still waste an enormous amount of food. Many products don’t even make it to store shelves due to strict retail standards. That’s where we come in—giving those items a second chance while changing perceptions around food waste.

6. “Beyond Best Before is just another discount store.”

Nope! Unlike typical discount stores, our focus is on sustainability and education. We want to change the way people think about best before dates, making sustainable shopping trendy and fun. Many bargain stores emphasise low prices above all else, but we prioritise increasing awareness about food loss prevention and encouraging dialogue around sustainability. Beyond Best Before is also Australia’s first online grocery outlet, ensuring that customers nationwide have access to affordable and sustainable food options.

7. “There won’t be anything I like.”

Think again! Our stock is constantly changing, featuring everything from specialty cheeses to gourmet chocolates, organic products, and premium international brands. It’s like a treasure hunt for foodies who love a great deal.

The Bottom Line

Beyond Best Before isn’t just about saving money—it’s about changing the way we think about food waste. By shopping with us, you’re helping to reduce landfill waste, support sustainable consumption, and enjoy premium pantry staples at a fraction of the price.