I got a good deal on a 3.5 pound bag of Swedish Fish, but they’re “best by” Nov 14.
So which will make me sicker? Eating them all within a week, or eating them after they go bad.
Since you already received the genuine answers:
You need to be really careful. The expiration date isn’t exact, but after that, they’ll quickly ferment and turn into Surströmming on the inside.
It probably won’t make you ill immediately, more likely the texture or flavor would begin to suffer first (hence “best by” rather than “expiration” date). Keeping it stored properly (i.e. not an open bag but something sealed) would likely allow it to last longer.
You should probably not eat 3.5lb of candy within 10 days unless you are trying to make your intestines suffer, but if you choose to binge please update us as to the state of your health so that you may be used as a cautionary tale.
Swede here. As a certified specialist in Swedish fish storage I recommend the following:
Divide the 3.5 pounds into smaller portions and store in separate containers (fx Ziploc bags).
That way they won’t go stale as fast since the unopened bags will retain the moisture.
You should probably just eat them all. Right now. In bed.
