Beets are a nutritional powerhouse and a colorful addition to many meals, but sometimes they linger in the fridge a little longer than planned. Wondering what to do with old beets? Slightly older beets may become less crisp and crunchy but are still incredibly versatile. Older beets are edible as long as they aren’t moldy or spoiled, and you can transform them into delicious dishes while reducing food waste. Looking for more ways to reduce food waste? Check out our guide for Eating the Beet from Root to Leaf.
Here are seven deliciously creative ways to use old beets and give them a second life in your kitchen.
1. Roast Beets for a Sweet, Caramelized Side Dish
Roasting is one of the easiest ways to revive older beets. The dry heat concentrates their natural sugars, giving them a rich, slightly caramelized flavor.
Simply peel and cube the beets, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F for about 30–40 minutes. Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
Roasted beets pair beautifully with:
Goat cheese
Arugula
Walnuts
Citrus vinaigrette
2. Blend Them Into a Vibrant Beet Hummus
Older beets are perfect for blending into dips. A bright beet hummus is a colorful twist on traditional hummus and a great way to use beets that are a little soft.
Blend together:
Cooked beets
Chickpeas
Tahini
Lemon juice
Garlic
Olive oil
The result is a creamy, nutrient-packed dip full of fiber and plant compounds that support heart health.
3. Make a Naturally Sweet Beet Smoothie
If your beets are a little wrinkly but still good, they work wonderfully in smoothies. Their earthy sweetness blends well with fruit.
Try this combination:
Cooked beet
Frozen berries
Banana
Almond milk
A squeeze of lemon
Beets naturally contain nitrates that help support circulation and energy, making beet smoothies a popular choice for athletes and active lifestyles.
4. Pickle Beets for a Tangy Snack
Pickling is one of the best preservation methods for aging vegetables. Slightly older beets absorb flavors beautifully.
To quick-pickle:
Slice cooked beets.
Heat vinegar, water, salt, and a little honey or sugar.
Pour the mixture over the beets and refrigerate.
Add spices like mustard seeds, cloves, or bay leaves for extra flavor. Pickled beets are delicious in salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls.
5. Turn Them Into Beet Soup
Older beets are ideal for soups because cooking softens them and enhances their flavor.
A simple beet soup can include:
Beets
Onion
Garlic
Vegetable broth
A splash of vinegar or lemon
Blend until smooth for a creamy texture. A dollop of yogurt or sour cream on top adds richness and balances the earthy flavor.
6. Bake Them Into Chocolate Beet Brownies
It might sound surprising, but beets work beautifully in baked goods. Their natural moisture and subtle sweetness make them an excellent ingredient in brownies or cakes.
Pureed cooked beets can replace some of the oil or butter in brownie recipes while adding nutrients like fiber and antioxidants.
The result? Fudgy brownies with a hidden veggie boost.
7. Make a Beet Walnut Dip/Spread
Cooked beets can be mashed or blended into a flavorful spread similar to a vegetable pâté.
Combine:
Cooked beets
Greek yogurt or tahini
Garlic
Lemon juice
Fresh herbs
Spread it on toast, crackers, or sandwiches for a colorful and nutrient-dense snack.
The Bottom Line
Older beets don’t have to end up in the compost. From smoothies and soups to brownies and hummus, there are plenty of creative ways to use them while enjoying their natural sweetness and health benefits.
By getting creative in the kitchen, you can reduce food waste, save money, and enjoy every last beet.