Difference Between Expiry Date and Best Before

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Is the Expiry Date on Food Products and Why Does It Matter?

The expiry date on a food product is a clear safety guideline telling you the last day the product should be eaten or used. This date is typically found on highly perishable items such as dairy products, fresh meats, baby formula, and some medications. After this date, the food may develop harmful bacteria or toxins that can cause foodborne illnesses. For example, if a carton of milk shows an expiry date of July 10, consuming it on or before July 10 is considered safe, but after that date the risk of illness increases.

Many people confuse expiry dates with quality indicators, but the expiry date is strictly about safety. Ignoring it can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or worse. Because of this, it’s best to treat expiry dates as firm deadlines, and never consume products past them. The expiry date is often backed by scientific testing and legal regulations, meaning manufacturers must demonstrate a product’s safety up to that date.

To manage expiry dates effectively at home, make a habit of checking these dates right when you buy groceries and rotate items so that the ones expiring soonest are used first. This prevents accidental consumption of unsafe products and reduces waste. Keep a list or use apps to track expiry dates of frequently used items like dairy or vitamins.

What Does Best Before Date Mean and How Is It Different from Expiry?

A best before date is a quality indicator rather than a safety deadline. It tells you until when the manufacturer guarantees the product’s optimum flavor, texture, and nutritional value. This date is most common on products that have a longer shelf life or are less perishable, such as canned foods, dry pasta, crackers, or frozen vegetables.

For example, a box of cereal with a best before date of September 1 may still be perfectly safe to eat weeks or even months after that date, but the cereal might become stale or lose some crunch. The best before date helps consumers enjoy the product at its peak quality but does not mean the product must be discarded immediately after.

Understanding best before dates allows you to avoid unnecessary food waste. Many people throw away items past the best before date out of caution, but using your senses to check for spoilage—looking for mold, off smells, or texture changes—can help you decide if the food is still good. For instance, canned beans past their best before date might still be safe if the can is undamaged and the contents smell normal.

Manufacturers use best before dates to balance food safety and quality assurance, but these dates are usually not legally required in all states, so you might see some products without them. Handling and storage conditions also affect how long a product stays at its best.

How Do Expiry and Best Before Dates Work? A Clear Example to Follow

To understand how expiry and best before dates operate, consider this hypothetical example: You purchase a container of yogurt with a best before date of August 15 and an expiry (or use by) date of August 20. Up until August 15, the yogurt is guaranteed to have its intended fresh flavor and creamy texture. Between August 16 and August 20, the quality might slightly decline; it might taste a bit tangier or be less creamy, but it is still safe to eat.

However, after August 20—the expiry date—the yogurt should not be consumed, because bacteria may have grown to unsafe levels that can cause illness. If you open the yogurt after August 15 and notice a sour smell, mold, or an unusual texture, it’s best to discard it even if the expiry date has not passed.

This example highlights the two different purposes of these dates: best before for quality and expiry for safety. It also shows how sensory checks—smell, look, texture—are important tools to help you decide.

For products without an expiry date, always rely on best before guidance and your senses. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Why Should Everyone Know the Difference Between These Dates?

Knowing the difference between expiry and best before dates protects your health and helps you save money. Many people mistakenly treat best before dates as safety dates and throw away perfectly edible food, leading to unnecessary waste and expense. On the flip side, some people ignore expiry dates, risking food poisoning or more serious health issues.

Foodborne illness symptoms can range from mild stomach upset to serious infections requiring medical attention. By respecting expiry dates, you reduce this risk. For parents, caregivers, and those managing a household budget, understanding these dates can prevent costly mistakes and avoid the hassle of dealing with spoiled food.

Additionally, being informed helps you plan meals better. For example, if you notice a meat product is approaching its expiry date, you can prioritize using it immediately or freezing it to extend its life. Similarly, knowing a snack’s best before date helps you decide when to consume it for best enjoyment.

This knowledge also supports reducing food waste, a significant environmental concern. By using food safely and efficiently, you contribute to sustainability efforts.

What Other Terms Related to Food Dates Should You Know?

Besides expiry and best before dates, you might see “use by” and “sell by” dates on packaging, which can cause confusion:

• Use By Date: Similar to expiry date, it indicates the last day the product is safe to eat. This date is often on perishable items like ready-to-eat salads or fresh meat. Do not consume food after this date.

• Sell By Date: This date is intended for retailers to manage stock and is not a safety date for consumers. Food can often be safely consumed after the sell by date, often several days or weeks later.

• Pack Date: This tells you when the food was packaged but is not an indicator of freshness or safety. It’s more common on meat and some dairy products.

Understanding these terms helps you make safer, smarter decisions when shopping and using food. If a package says “use by May 5,” do not eat it after that date. But if it says “sell by May 5,” you can often safely use it beyond this date, depending on the product and storage.

How Can You Decide Whether to Use or Toss Food Past These Dates?

When dealing with food past its best before or expiry date, use a combination of label guidance and sensory checks:

• For Best Before Dates: Examine the food’s smell, appearance, and texture. For example, if a box of crackers past its best before date smells fresh and is crispy, it is fine to eat. If it smells rancid or tastes off, discard it.

• For Expiry or Use By Dates: Avoid eating food past these dates, especially perishables like milk, meat, or baby food, because safety can’t be guaranteed even if it looks normal.

• When in Doubt: If you’re unsure, it’s safer to throw the food away. Food poisoning risks outweigh the cost of food waste.

Also, check packaging for signs of damage like bulging cans or broken seals—these are signs the food is unsafe regardless of date.

Some foods, like dried pasta or canned goods, have a long shelf life and can be safe well beyond the best before date if stored correctly in a cool, dry place.

What Are Practical Steps to Manage Food Dates Effectively at Home?

Managing food dates helps preserve safety and reduce waste. Here are steps to consider:

1. Organize Your Storage: Place new groceries behind older items so you use the oldest products first (FIFO—first in, first out).
2. Label Leftovers: Write the date you stored leftovers on containers to keep track.
3. Check Dates Regularly: When unloading groceries, check expiry and best before dates and plan meals accordingly.
4. Freeze Products: Freeze meat, bread, or baked goods before expiry and label with the freezing date.
5. Follow Storage Instructions: Some foods require refrigeration after opening; ignoring instructions shortens shelf life.
6. Use Your Senses: Smell, look, and taste (small amount) to detect spoilage, especially for best before products.

By following these steps, you ensure you consume food safely and reduce unnecessary waste.

Where Can You Find More Information About Food Dates and Safety?

For authoritative guidance on food date labels and safety, government websites such as FoodSafety.gov provide clear, updated information. These sites explain different date labels and offer tips on safe storage and handling.

Local health departments also provide advice tailored to your region’s regulations and climate. Nutritionists and food safety experts can offer personalized guidance, especially if you manage special diets or have young children.

To deepen your understanding, consult resources like Expiration Date vs Best By: What You Need to Know or Best Before Dates Explained: How to Interpret Food Labels. These articles break down complex labeling rules into practical advice.

If you or someone you care for experiences symptoms after eating food past its expiry date, seek medical attention immediately. For mental health support related to food anxiety or distress, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Frequently asked questions

Can canned foods be eaten after the best before date?

Yes, canned foods are often safe to eat past the best before date if the can is intact with no dents, bulging, or rust. Check for off smells or discoloration before use.

How long can frozen food be kept past its expiry or best before date?

Freezing slows spoilage, so many frozen foods remain safe beyond their printed dates if kept at a constant freezing temperature. However, quality may decline over time.

What should I do if a product has no date label?

Some products don’t require labels. In this case, use sensory checks and follow storage instructions. When in doubt, prioritize safety and discard questionable items.

Are expiry and best before dates mandatory on all food products?

Labeling requirements vary by product type and state. Expiry dates are often mandatory on perishable foods, while best before dates are sometimes voluntary quality markers.

How can I reduce food waste related to date labels?

Learn the difference between safety and quality dates, plan meals ahead, store food properly, and use leftovers promptly to avoid throwing away edible food.

Is it safe to consume food after the sell by date?

Yes, sell by dates are for retailers and don’t mean the food is unsafe after that date. Use sensory checks and storage guidelines to decide.