As you shop for groceries, cook family meals, and bake homemade treats, it’s probably become second nature to glance at the date on each package to make sure an ingredient is still fresh and usable. Odds are, you look for the date itself and barely register the “best before,” “sell by,” or “use by” wording before it. But those phrases do matter—and without understanding the difference, you can end up tossing perfectly good food.
If you’re guilty of this, you’re in good company! One study found that nine out of 10 people throw away food based on the date alone, assuming it indicates food safety—when, in reality, it often refers to food quality. While expiration date confusion can take a real toll on your grocery budget, it has economic and environmental consequences, too. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, misunderstood food labels contribute to about $7 billion in losses and 3 billion pounds of wasted food in the United States every year.
To help you save money, waste less food, and feel more confident in the kitchen, we’re breaking down exactly what each expiration date really means.
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What Expiration Dates Really Mean
Most of the confusion surrounding expiration dates comes from one common misconception: assuming a product is unsafe to eat after the listed date. In many cases, that date has more to do with quality than safety. Here’s what each label means:
Use By/Best If Used By
“Use by” or “best if used by” dates are estimates from the manufacturer. They signal how long a product will taste its best and have the ideal texture. While the item might lose some flavor or freshness after that date, it doesn’t automatically mean the food is unsafe to eat.
Best By/Best Before
Similar to “use by” dates, “best by” or “best before” dates focus on food quality. When you use an item before the date listed on the label, the flavor and texture should be at their peak. For many nonperishable pantry staples, like canned goods, the food may still be safe to eat after the date as long as the package is intact and it has been stored properly.
Sell By
“Sell by” dates are for the store, not the shopper. When a “sell by” date is listed on a packaged ingredient, it tells the retailer how long to keep that item on shelves for peak quality. For consumers, the date is more of a freshness guideline than a food-safety warning. Generally, if the item has been stored properly, it may still be good for a few days after its “sell by” date.
Freeze By
A “freeze by” date suggests when to freeze a product to maintain its best quality. It doesn’t mean the food will suddenly expire after that date. Instead, it marks the last day the manufacturer recommends freezing the item for peak taste and texture. Once frozen, many foods can last for months, though quality varies depending on the item.
How to Tell Food Has Gone Bad
If expiration dates can be confusing, that begs the question: How can you tell when food is actually bad? Here’s how to check whether something in your fridge or pantry is still safe to eat.
Check the Smell
After opening the item, give it a whiff. Spoiled milk will smell sour, while expired meat and seafood can have a strong, funky scent. If the food smells off in any way, trust your instincts and toss it. And if you aren’t sure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
Look for Visual Changes
When food goes bad, its appearance often changes. Meat can turn grayish, liquids may become cloudy or separate, and some items, like fruit and bread, can develop mold. If you spot any of these signs, the item should go straight in the trash.
Assess the Texture
Texture can also be a giveaway. A slimy film on meat, overly mushy produce, or clumpy dried goods can all be signs that the food is no longer good to eat.
Note the Timing
Even if a food item doesn’t show obvious signs of spoilage, you can still use timing as a guide. As a general rule, leftovers stay good for three to four days in the fridge, especially when stored properly in airtight containers. Raw poultry and raw ground beef are best cooked or frozen within one to two days.
