Saving Smarter: The Rise of “Best Before” Shops
As South African households grapple with climbing food prices, a growing number of “best before” shops are providing a lifeline. These smaller, independently owned stores are challenging the big supermarket chains by selling canned foods, dried goods, toiletries, and other shelf-stable items past their “best before” date often at half the price.
Stores like Foodz along the Garden Route, Looters and Foodies in Cape Town, and Best Before in Johannesburg are drawing attention for their unique approach. Customers are finding that buying past-date products doesn’t compromise safety but can make a serious dent in monthly grocery bills.
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Understanding “Best Before” vs. “Use By”
A common misconception is that “best before” means “unsafe after this date.” In reality, these labels simply indicate when the product is expected to be at peak quality, taste, texture, or aroma. Shelf-stable items like tins of soup, pasta, and shampoo can remain perfectly safe for months or even years if unopened and stored correctly.
“Use by” dates, on the other hand, are reserved for perishables such as dairy, meat, and ready-made meals, which do require more careful attention. Best before shops exclusively stock items that can last well beyond their peak date, making them a practical option for families looking to save.
Big Savings, Little Risk
The appeal of best before stores isn’t just safety—it’s the savings. Customers can expect discounts of 30–50% compared to major supermarkets. Here’s a snapshot of the difference:
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Granola (750g): Shoprite – R85 | Looters – R60 (700g)
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Maize Meal (2.5kg): Pick n Pay – R47 | Looters – R32
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Macaroni (500g): Checkers – R16 | Best Before – R14
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Gherkins (760g): Pick n Pay – R57 | Best Before – R32 (680g)
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Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (400ml): Clicks – R115 | Foodz – R56
For families filling multiple grocery bags, the savings add up quickly, providing relief in an era of relentless price hikes.
Changing the Way South Africans Shop
Social media has buzzed with praise for these stores, with shoppers sharing tips, haul photos, and strategies for stretching their rands. Some Cape Town residents report swapping full supermarket trips for weekly visits to Looters or Foodz, enjoying quality brands at a fraction of the cost.
This trend also reflects a larger cultural shift: South Africans are increasingly savvy about how they shop, balancing cost with quality, and embracing alternatives outside traditional retail. Beyond savings, there’s a growing awareness about food waste and sustainability, with best before shopping helping households make use of products that might otherwise be discarded.
Tips for Safe Shopping
While buying past-date goods is generally safe, experts advise a few simple rules:
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Check tins and packaging for dents, swelling, or leaks.
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Store products in cool, dry conditions.
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Be mindful of strong smells or unusual textures.
With these precautions, shoppers can enjoy significant discounts while keeping their families safe and well-fed.
A Budget-Friendly Future
As food prices continue to rise, “best before” shops are not just a niche trend, they’re becoming a practical part of everyday life for South African families. By combining affordability, safety, and sustainability, these stores are helping households stretch their budgets without compromising on quality.
For many, the choice is simple: why pay full price when smart shopping can deliver the same trusted brands for less?
Source: IOL
Featured Image: Daily Investor
