GROCERY STORAGE FOR THE WIN!

While no food lasts forever, it will last a lot longer when stored properly. Longer storage = fewer trips to the grocery store, plus cash savings—a double-win! Here are some of my best grocery nerd tips:  

01

Surprising freezer-friendly foods

• Eggs: crack and mix up a bunch before freezing
• Peanut butter: mix if needed and freeze right in the jar
• Leftover tomato paste: pop that bit from the can into an ice-cube tray
• Cooked rice: tomorrow’s fried rice doesn’t have to be literally tomorrow
• Milk, butter and cheese: I like to grate my cheese first so it’s easy to add to recipes.

02

How to freeze foods

• Airtight is key, whether in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags
• Store soup 1 to 2 inches below the shoulders of a jar to avoid broken glass
• Line a casserole dish with foil and overhanging sides. Once a lasagna or casserole is frozen, lift it out of the dish, wrap tightly with more foil to save freezer space
• Fill ziplock bags and flatten them.  Freeze flat to make storing more effecient.

03

Expiry Date vs Best Before

These are not the same! Expiry dates are only on 5 types of foods in Canada, and should never be consumed after expiry:

• Baby formula
• Meal replacements
• Nutritional supplements
• Formulated liquid diets
• Pharmacist-sold foods for special diets

04

Best Before

Yes, you can consume unopened foods past the best before dates—they just might not taste as good. Things like:

• Orange juice
• Cookies
• Salsa

Once opened though, best before dates no longer apply. Store foods properly and use within 3 to 5 days.

05

Fridge Storage Tips

• Set your fridge to 40˚F (4˚C) or below
• Wash, dry and store produce in airtight containers: moisture is the enemy here!
• Store eggs and dairy on the top shelf where it’s cold
• Keep meat and fish in the bottom drawer

06

Fridge organizing tips

• Place delicate foods at the front of the fridge: berries, salad greens
• Group like things together: sandwich fixings, breakfast foods
• Create a healthy snack bin for grab-and-go
• Hide the chocolate in the back so only you can find it 🙂