Food Expiration Dates Explained: What "Best By" Actually Means (And What to Ignore)
"Sell by", "best by", "use by" — they all mean different things. This guide explains each label and which foods are safe to eat past their dates.
Americans throw away $165 billion in food annually, and confused date labels are a leading cause. "Best by", "sell by", "use by" — what do they actually mean? Is food dangerous the day after the date?
Short answer: usually not. Here's the full guide.
"Sell By" Date
Who it's for: The store, not you.
What it means: The store should sell or remove the product by this date.
Is it safe after? Yes. Milk is typically good 5-7 days past "sell by." Eggs are good 3-5 weeks past.
"Best By" / "Best Before" Date
Who it's for: You, as a quality guide.
What it means: The product is at peak quality until this date.
Is it safe after? Almost always yes. Canned goods are safe years past "best by." Cereal, crackers, and dry goods are fine weeks to months after. Taste may decline, but safety is not an issue.
"Use By" Date
Who it's for: You, as a safety guide.
What it means: The manufacturer's last recommended date for peak quality.
Is it safe after? Usually yes for a few days, but this is the date to take most seriously. Infant formula is the only product where "use by" is a federal safety regulation.
Foods That Last Longer Than You Think
| Food | Past "Best By" | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eggs | 3-5 weeks | Do the water test: if it sinks, it's good |
| Milk | 5-7 days | Smell test is reliable |
| Yogurt | 1-2 weeks | If no mold, it's fine |
| Bread | 5-7 days | Freeze to extend by months |
| Canned goods | 1-5 years | If can isn't dented/bulging |
| Rice/pasta (dry) | 1-2 years | Store in airtight containers |
| Cheese (hard) | 3-4 weeks | Cut mold off + 1 inch; rest is safe |
| Frozen food | Indefinitely | Quality declines but safety is maintained |
Foods to Be Strict About
- Deli meats: 3-5 days after opening, regardless of date
- Raw meat/poultry: Cook or freeze within 2 days of purchase
- Fresh berries: 3-5 days; mold spreads fast
- Leftovers: 3-4 days in the fridge, max
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