When we talk about food waste in America, we often think about spoiled produce or uneaten leftovers. But a huge contributor to the problem? Wasted groceries, such as packaged foods that get tossed long before they’re actually expired. That’s where short-dated items come in—and where Misfits Market helps make a difference.
What is a Short-Dated Food Item?
Short-dated simply means that a product is approaching its best by or use by date—usually within a few months rather than a full year. It’s still safe to eat, often still delicious, and totally usable. But most grocery stores have strict rules: if a product has less than 9 months of shelf life, they won’t take it. This leads to wasting food and creating tons of unnecessary waste in the supply chain.
Keep Reading: Food Expiration Dates Are Kinda Baloney
Why is Food Waste a Problem?
If you’ve ever wondered how much food is wasted in the US, the food waste statistics are staggering: Over 30% of food is wasted in America, and much of that comes from retail and consumer-facing channels. When food is wasted, all of the energy and resources used to grow, package, and transport it go to waste too—contributing to a larger food carbon footprint and increasing our need for more sustainable food systems. In short, wasting food isn’t just bad for our wallets—it’s bad for the planet.
How Misfits Market Helps Reduce Food Waste
We partner with brands to rescue short-dated foods—items like nut butters, granola bars, chips, and even shelf-stable milks. These are foods that are still totally safe and enjoyable, but are at risk of being discarded. By selling them through our platform, we help extend their life, reduce waste, and give you access to high-quality products at a better price. This is one of the many food waste solutions we use to support the sustainability of the food system.
Though we may not seem like your average food waste app, it’s part of our mission to offer a more sustainable grocery store experience—one that helps our customers make smarter, more eco-friendly food choices and cuts down on the staggering volume of food waste in the United States every year.
The Bottom Line
Short-dated doesn’t mean expired. It means an opportunity: to save money, to enjoy great food, and to help solve one of the biggest challenges in our food system. By choosing short-dated items, you’re actively supporting food sustainability, reducing food waste, and embracing a more sustainable way of grocery shopping. Making the switch to a more sustainable grocery store is an easy way to incorporate sustainable living into your lifestyle.
Keep Reading: Learn more about how to reduce food waste with upcycled food.