I've used up the stock that has 2024 dates but should be fine for another year, but, i dont want to wait a year. It's 2025 already anyway. And I've started using the stock for 2025.
Of course, I made really sure that it's fine. If I had any doubts about looks smells, or can damage, I threw it out.
Everything I have left now is 2026/2027, so I have a bit more to go.
I have to say, i invest a bit, and try to use great deals, but I thankfully didn't "need" it, the stock is just handy for daily meals, or when I am sick for a week and dont want to deal with groceries. But covid wise or world dangers etc, or just inflation super high and it no longer being in stock in the store: none of that was a reason to start using the stock.
So I am worried about this ukraine and nato situation, so i will try to keep water, batteries and a few other off hte grid essentials, but beyond that I dont think i will worry too much about keeping a stock going. I will just keep an eye out for amazing unique deals and when tension goes up again I will try to get some extras.
But any discount i benefitted from is probably equal to some waste or 'just not as good as fresh food and you pay a bit more'. So i can't say it's super worth it.
Of course, I am grateful that we didn't end up in a situation where stores were zombie stores and worlds are in war and we had no food or power for weeks. And I hope i can say the same in 5 years from now.