You’ve probably stood in front of your fridge, holding a container of yogurt or a package of deli meat, trying to decide whether that date printed on the label means it’s still safe to eat. Is it expired? Will it make you sick? Should you toss it just to be safe?
You’re not alone. Expiration date confusion is common—and often leads to unnecessary food waste. The good news is that many foods are still perfectly safe to eat after their printed dates, depending on how they’ve been stored and the type of label they carry. Learning the difference between “best by,” “sell by,” and “use by” can help you make smarter, safer choices and reduce waste in your kitchen.
The Truth Behind Food Date Labels
Most food date labels aren’t about safety—they’re about quality. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not require manufacturers to include expiration dates on most foods (except for infant formula). Instead, food companies choose dates based on when they believe the product will be at its peak flavor, texture, or freshness.
That means many foods remain safe and edible well past the listed date, especially if they’ve been stored properly. Understanding what these labels actually mean can help you feel more confident about what’s still good to eat.
“Best By” or “Best Before”: A Guide to Peak Quality
A “best by” or “best before” date is about taste, not safety. This label indicates the date by which a product is expected to be at its best flavor, texture, or appearance. After this date, the item may not taste quite as fresh, but it’s usually still safe to eat.
You’ll often see this label on:
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Cereal and grains
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Snacks and chips
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Canned goods
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Frozen meals
If the product shows no signs of spoilage (like mold, foul odor, or weird texture), it’s probably still fine to consume for some time after the “best by” date.
“Sell By”: A Guide for Retailers, Not Consumers
“Sell by” dates are intended for grocery stores, not shoppers. They tell retailers how long to display a product before pulling it from shelves. But this date doesn’t indicate when a food becomes unsafe.
Products like dairy, meat, and baked goods often have “sell by” dates. If you purchase an item on or just before the “sell by” date and store it correctly at home, it may remain fresh and safe for several days—or even longer—after that date.
For example, milk can usually stay good for about a week past the “sell by” date if it’s kept cold and sealed properly.
“Use By”: The Closest Thing to an Expiration Date
A “use by” date is the manufacturer’s recommended deadline for consuming a product at peak quality. For perishable items like deli meats, fresh juices, or ready-to-eat salads, this date carries more weight. While it’s not an absolute expiration date, you should pay closer attention to it—especially with foods prone to bacterial growth.
Once a product is past its “use by” date, it may still be safe, but use your senses to judge:
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Look for discoloration, mold, or separation
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Smell for sour or off odors
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Touch for unusual texture or sliminess
If in doubt, err on the side of caution, especially with high-risk foods like raw meat or seafood.
Trust Your Senses (and Storage Practices)
Expiration labels don’t tell the whole story—how you store your food matters just as much. Keep your refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, and freeze anything you won’t eat in time. Label leftovers with the date you cooked them, and follow a “first in, first out” rule when organizing your fridge and pantry.
Here are a few general guidelines:
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Eggs can stay safe 3–5 weeks past the “sell by” date if refrigerated.
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Dry pasta and rice are often good for months (or even years) past the “best by” date when stored in airtight containers.
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Hard cheeses like cheddar may still be edible even if there’s mold—just cut off the affected part.
Relying on your senses and safe storage habits can help you stretch your grocery budget and cut down on waste.
Smarter Shopping, Safer Eating
Learning to decode food labels doesn’t just help you avoid tossing perfectly good items—it also empowers you to shop, cook, and store your food more confidently. While dates like “best by,” “sell by,” and “use by” offer helpful guidelines, they aren’t the final word on food safety. With a little knowledge and attention, you can reduce waste, save money, and avoid unnecessary worry about what’s in your fridge.