Fresh supermarket codes reveal how shoppers pick the freshest produce

A UK creator explains how to read internal supermarket codes that reflect the freshness of fruit and vegetables.

Fresh supermarket codes reveal how shoppers pick the freshest produce

A UK content creator known as The Sustainable Spender has shared a method to gauge freshness by looking for internal store codes that replace best before dates on fruit and vegetables. The trend began when retailers started removing best before labels to curb waste, arguing that quality matters more than safety. Forell explains how different stores mark dates and how shoppers can use these codes to guide their picks. The video shows where to find the codes and how to interpret them, highlighting that later dates generally indicate fresher produce and that the system signals quality rather than safety.

Forell notes that Tesco uses codes like H09 where H stands for August and the number for the day, while Sainsbury’s formats place the date between letters and require focusing on the numeric part. Asda follows the Tesco approach, and Morrisons uses a month-based letter system. The takeaway for shoppers is that these codes exist to help identify freshness, but they vary by retailer and require a bit of practice to read confidently.

What stands out is a broader shift in how consumers interact with the supply chain through social media. Shoppers are turning to quick, practical hacks to reduce waste and save money, nudging retailers toward clearer labeling, even as each chain keeps its own system. The move away from straightforward best before dates reflects sustainability goals, but it also creates a patchwork of codes that can confuse new buyers. If retailers want this approach to truly reduce waste, they will need clearer, standardized guidance that travels across brands and regions.

Highlights

Small codes carry big implications for how we shop and waste less