“Best By” and “Best Before” Dates: Why Most People Get Them Wrong
Many people throw away perfectly good food because of a small printed date on the package. Terms like “Best By” and “Best Before” are often misunderstood, leading to unnecessary food waste and confusion about food safety. The truth is, these dates usually don’t mean what most people think they do.
What “Best By” and “Best Before” Really Mean
These dates are primarily about quality, not safety.
Best By: Indicates when the product is expected to be at its best flavor, texture, or performance.
Best Before: Means the same thing—after this date, the food may gradually lose quality, but it’s often still safe to eat.
Manufacturers choose these dates based on taste tests and shelf-life estimates, not on when the food suddenly becomes unsafe.
What These Dates Do Not Mean
They are not expiration dates
They do not automatically mean food is spoiled
They do not indicate the presence of harmful bacteria
In most countries, only a small number of products (such as infant formula) are required to have true safety-based expiration dates.
Why People Get Confused
Several factors contribute to the misunderstanding:
Inconsistent labeling terms
Lack of public education
Fear of food poisoning
Marketing practices that favor caution
Because the language sounds serious, people assume the food becomes dangerous the day after the date passes.
When You Should Actually Be Careful
Instead of relying only on the date, use your senses:
Smell: Sour or rotten odors are warning signs
Look: Mold, unusual color, or excessive slime
Texture: Changes that seem abnormal
If food shows signs of spoilage, discard it—regardless of the printed date.
Foods That Often Last Well Past the Date
When stored properly, many foods remain usable long after the “Best By” date, including:
Dry pasta and rice
Canned foods
Frozen foods
Condiments
Snacks and cereals
These items may lose quality slowly but rarely become unsafe overnight.
How Understanding Dates Reduces Food Waste
Misinterpreting date labels leads to massive food waste worldwide. Learning the difference between quality and safety dates helps households:
Save money
Reduce environmental impact
Make smarter food choices
Final Thoughts
“Best By” and “Best Before” dates are guidelines—not deadlines. They tell you when food is likely to taste best, not when it becomes dangerous. By understanding what these labels truly mean and using common sense, you can waste less food, spend less money, and still eat safely.
Sometimes, the most important ingredient in the kitchen is knowledge.
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