Throw it out now. The “use it up first” approach rarely works — you end up eating food you shouldn’t to avoid waste. Research by Arkes on sunk cost fallacy shows continuing because of past investment is irrational when stopping is better. The money is already spent; eating it has additional costs. The purge creates immediate environment alignment.
This companion covers the “use it up” trap, sunk cost fallacy, the argument for immediate purge, and practical considerations. (3 min read)