Food expiration dates: What all the dates mean and if you can keep things past the ‘best by’ date

Food expiration dates are a common sight on the labels of various food products we purchase. They play a crucial role in ensuring our food is safe to eat and maintaining its quality. However, understanding these dates can be a bit confusing. This article aims to demystify food expiration dates by explaining what they mean, how to interpret them, and the importance of following them.
Types of Food Expiration Dates
“Use By” Date: This date is typically found on perishable items like dairy products, meats, and prepared foods. It signifies the last date the product is expected to be at its peak quality, and it’s recommended not to consume the product after this date.
“Best By” Date: This date is seen on non-perishable items like canned goods, dry goods, and some snacks. It indicates the date until which the product is expected to maintain its optimal quality, such as taste and texture, but it can still be safe to consume afterward.
“Sell By” Date: This date is primarily for retailers, helping them manage stock rotation. Consumers can often consume products after the “sell by” date if they have been stored properly.
Can you keep things past the “best by” date?
Yes, you can often keep and consume food past the “best by” date. The “best by” date is primarily an indicator of when the product is expected to be at its peak quality in terms of taste, texture, and freshness, according to the manufacturer. It is not a strict safety deadline like the “use by” date.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering whether to use a product past its “best by” date: