What You Need to Know

What You Need to Know About Food Expiration Dates

When you look at food packaging, you’ll often see labels like “Best By,” “Use By,” or “Sell By.” These dates can be confusing, but most of the time, they’re about quality, not safety.

Common Labels Explained

Best If Used By/Before – The food will taste best before this date, but it’s usually safe to eat afterward if stored properly.

Use By – This is the last date the product will be at its peak quality. For some items (like baby formula), it’s also a safety date.

Sell By – A guide for stores to know how long to display the product. You can usually use it for a while after this date.

Freeze By – Tells you when to freeze the food for best quality.

Safety vs. Quality

Most foods are safe past the printed date if they look, smell, and taste fine.

The main exception is infant formula, which should never be used after the expiration date.

Leftovers should be eaten within 3–4 days or frozen for longer storage.

Tips for Using Food Safely

Check with your senses: If it smells sour, looks moldy, or has a strange texture—throw it out.

Store properly: Keep your fridge at or below 40°F (4°C) and your freezer at 0°F (-18°C).

Don’t waste food: Dates are about freshness, not always safety.

Quick Fact

Food date confusion causes millions of tons of food waste every year. Learning the difference helps save money and reduce waste.