How long do you have, and when should you freeze? Here's the simple guidance — and the one golden habit that gives you the most flexibility.
The golden habit: decide on arrival. When your box lands, split it into this week (fridge) and later (freezer), and freeze the "later" items on the day of delivery, while they're at their freshest. This captures peak quality and frees you from racing the use‑by date.
Typical fridge life (always follow the date printed on the pack):
| Item | Typical fridge life from delivery |
|---|---|
| Fresh mince | ~4 days |
| Steaks, chops, diced, joints | ~5 days |
| Whole poultry | ~3–4 days [Always check the label] |
| Cured deli, unopened | up to 14 days [Always check the label] |
Use‑by vs best‑before.
- Use‑by (fresh meat, poultry, fresh deli) is about safety — don't eat after this date; freeze before it if you won't use it in time.
- Best‑before (honey, dates, some ambient goods) is about quality — fine to enjoy after, just at its best before.
Freezing well. Freeze in the vacuum pack at −18°C or below, label the date, and for best quality, enjoy within ~3 months. Defrost slowly in the fridge, cook within 24 hours of defrosting, and never refreeze raw meat.
FAQs
- My pack is use‑by tomorrow, and I can't cook it. Freeze it today — freezing before the use‑by date preserves it safely.
- Can I eat dates/honey after the best‑before? Yes — best‑before is about quality, not safety; they keep well.
- How long does mince keep? Around 4 days in the fridge from delivery, or freeze on the day for ~3 months.