You’ve probably opened your fridge, spotted an expired date, and wondered: “Is this still safe to eat?”
Food labels can be confusing, especially since terms like “use by” and “best before” don’t actually mean the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you avoid food waste, save money, and maintain your safety.
“Use By” Dates: About Safety, Not Quality
When you see “use by” on a label, it’s the manufacturer’s safety deadline. After that date, the product may no longer be safe to eat, even if it looks and smells fine. This label typically appears on perishable foods, including meat, dairy products, and ready-to-eat meals.
These foods can develop harmful bacteria that aren’t visible or detectable by smell. That’s why it’s important to follow “use by” dates strictly and store items at the recommended temperature. If the “use by” date has passed, it’s safest to throw it out, no matter how fresh it seems.
“Best Before” Dates: About Quality, Not Safety
“Best before” is different. It refers to when the food is at its peak flavor and texture, not when it becomes unsafe to consume. After this date, the product may taste slightly stale or lose its crunch, but it’s usually still safe to eat.
Dry goods, such as pasta, cereal, canned foods, and snacks, often carry “best before” dates. If they’ve been stored properly (in a cool, dry place and sealed), they can last weeks or even months beyond that date. Always inspect the food for changes in smell, color, or texture before consuming.
The Misunderstood Middle Ground
Some foods blur the line between “use by” and “best before.” For example, eggs in many countries are labeled with a “best before” date, but food safety experts recommend cooking them thoroughly after that point. Yogurt and hard cheese may also be safe a few days past their “use by” dates if they’ve been kept cold and sealed, though quality declines quickly.
When in doubt, trust your senses. However, remember that smell and sight can’t detect all bacteria. If you’re unsure and the item is perishable, err on the side of caution.
Why So Many People Confuse Them
Manufacturers use both labels because they serve different legal and practical purposes. The confusion leads to massive food waste—millions of tons of perfectly edible food are thrown away each year because people misread “best before” as “unsafe.” Learning the distinction helps you use more and waste less.
Government agencies worldwide, including the FDA and UK Food Standards Agency, emphasize that “best before” foods are safe to eat beyond the printed date, while “use by” foods are not. Knowing this difference protects both your health and your wallet.
Smart Storage Makes Dates Matter Less
Proper storage can extend a product’s freshness far beyond its label. Here’s how to maximize shelf life:
- Keep fridges below 40°F (4°C) and freezers at 0°F (-18°C).
- Store dry goods in airtight containers to prevent moisture.
- Freeze perishable foods before the “use by” date if you can’t finish them in time.
- Label leftovers with the date you stored them to track freshness easily.
The Bottom Line
Think of “use by” as a safety cutoff and “best before” as a quality guideline. The first protects your health; the second protects your taste buds. By reading labels correctly and storing food smartly, you’ll stay safe, save money, and waste far less.
