Follow the product’s storage instructions
Check where the pack says to store the bar and whether there are separate instructions after opening. The Food Standards Agency advises following storage directions; the printed date assumes the food has been handled appropriately.
Avoid using a car as permanent snack storage. Conditions inside it can change, and it may not match the conditions specified on the packaging. Pack what you need for the day and return unused food to suitable storage.
Understand the type of date
A use-by date concerns food safety. The FSA says not to eat food after it, even if the food appears normal. A best-before date concerns quality. They answer different questions and should not be treated as the same label.
Check which one is printed rather than assuming all bars use a particular format. If the date or handling information is unclear, ask the manufacturer.
Keep the useful information with the food
If you remove bars from a multipack, make sure you retain any instructions that appear only on the outer box. This is especially helpful when the individual wrapper has less information.
For a shared cupboard, keep flavours identifiable and leave allergen details accessible. A tidy container should not make it harder for someone to find the information they need before eating.
Rotate your supply
Place packs with the earlier relevant date at the front and check what you have before ordering more. A large order is less convenient if it becomes a forgotten pile behind newer snacks.
For Henry, follow the instructions supplied with the bars you receive. Do not assume a shelf life from this article: we have not provided a universal storage duration for the product. The current pack is the reference for your batch.
Sources & further reading
Sources checked on 4 October 2026.