Many people believe that food becomes unsafe the moment a printed date passes, but that assumption isn’t always accurate. In most cases, these dates are intended to reflect quality rather than safety. In the United States, infant formula is the only product required by law to carry a true expiration date. For other foods, manufacturers typically choose dates based on when an item is expected to taste, look, or feel its best—not when it suddenly becomes unusable.
Phrases like “Best By” or “Best Before” are meant to guide consumers toward peak freshness. Items such as dry goods, canned foods, and shelf-stable snacks often remain perfectly usable well beyond these dates if they have been stored correctly. “Sell By” dates are primarily for retailers managing inventory, while “Use By” dates on refrigerated foods are best understood alongside basic checks like smell, texture, and appearance rather than treated as strict cutoffs.
How food is stored matters far more than the date printed on the package. Factors such as temperature, humidity, air exposure, and handling all influence how long an item lasts. A product kept sealed in a cool, dry place may remain usable much longer than the same item stored in less favorable conditions. The printed date cannot account for how food is treated once it leaves the store.
Learning how to interpret food labels can help reduce unnecessary waste and save money. Simple practices like storing items properly, freezing leftovers, and using older products first can extend usability without compromising quality. By trusting your senses and understanding what date labels are actually meant to convey, you can make more informed choices and help food last as long as it safely can.