Can you drink Baileys after the best before date?
BAILEYS is an Irish delicacy that we frequently enjoy at Christmas time.
But what if it’s past Christmas and it’s past the best before date? Can you help yourself to a creamy treat?
Can you drink Baileys after the best before date?
According to A Spectacled Owl, you can still drink Baileys as it should be okay for a few weeks or months.
However, the taste may not be up to par.
However, if it’s curdled then we don’t recommend drinking it.
This could cause you to become unwell or upset your stomach.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) states: “The best before date, sometimes shown as BBE (best before end), is about quality and not safety. After the best before date listed on a product, the food will be safe to eat but may not be at its best.”
How long is Baileys good after the expiration date?
According to Fitbility.com, you should try and consume your Baileys before the expiration date.
However, it can last longer than its expiration date if stored properly but the quality isn’t guaranteed.
You’ll need to check the look, smell and taste of the product. If you observe any spoilage changes such as curdling, you’ll need to bin the bottle.
The FSA also states consumers should look out for the use-by date stating: “A use-by date on food is about safety. This is the most important date to remember. Never eat food after the use-by date, even if it looks and smells okay, as it could make you very ill.”
How to tell if your Baileys has gone off
If your Baileys has become thick or curdled it may be spoiled.
A change of colour can also indicate the drink shouldn’t be consumed.
Another sign if that it smells sour or has an unusual odour.
Alternatively, if you have a sip and the taste has changed or is sour then it’s time to chuck the bottle in the bin.
How to keep Baileys fresh
According to their website Baileys Original lasts 2 years from the day it’s bottled whether opened or unopened.
However, this is when it’s stored at the optimum temperature from 0° to 25°C.
However, for other Baileys products, the shelf life varies depending on the flavour.
The Foods Guy recommends storing Baileys in a cool, dark place as sunlight causes the cream to curdle.
What other drinks should you ditch and are there any you can keep after the best before date?
Whilst many drinks should be consumed before their “best before” date has passed, many can be kept.
Beer can be drunk after the best before date but the taste will gradually change over time.
Beer kept in a dry place should be consumed within six to nine months.
Milk may be a worry but as long as it tastes and smells okay then the date can be ignored.
However, raw juices are unpasteurised and prone to contamination. Therefore, checking the date is important.