Expiration Date vs Best By: What You Need to Know

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

What Is an Expiration Date?

An expiration date marks the final day a manufacturer promises a product is safe to consume. After this date, the risk of spoilage or harmful bacteria increases, which can cause foodborne illness. This date is frequently found on perishable foods like milk, meat, eggs, and some medications.

For example, if milk has an expiration date of June 10, it should not be consumed on or after June 11, even if it smells or looks normal. Bacteria such as Listeria or Salmonella can grow without obvious signs. To stay safe, discard the product once the expiration date passes.

Consumers should also follow storage instructions closely—refrigerating milk below 40°F, for instance—to maintain safety up to the expiration date. These dates are often regulated by government agencies or state laws to protect public health, so ignoring them increases risk.

What Does Best By Mean?

The best by or best before date indicates when a product will be at its best flavor, texture, or nutritional value. It is not a safety deadline. Foods with a best by date past due may have diminished quality but generally remain safe to eat.

For example, a bag of potato chips with a best by date of July 15 might taste less crispy or fresh after that date, but it usually won’t cause illness. Canned goods often have best by dates to mark when the taste or vitamin content starts to degrade, though they may be safe for months or years past that date if the can is undamaged.

Best by dates are voluntary labels used mostly on shelf-stable foods like cereals, crackers, or snacks. They help consumers enjoy optimal quality without forcing unnecessary waste.

How Do Expiration Date and Best By Compare?

This table clarifies that expiration dates prioritize health safety, while best by dates guide quality preferences.

Who Should Pay More Attention to Each Date?

• Expiration Dates: Important for everyone, especially vulnerable groups such as children, elderly adults, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems. For example, a young child should never consume milk after its expiration date because their immune system may not handle bacteria well.

• Best By Dates: Suitable for individuals comfortable assessing food by sensory cues like smell, texture, and appearance. For example, a college student buying cereal can use the best by date to decide if it tastes stale but remains safe to eat.

Consumers with compromised health should avoid taking risks with best by dates and adhere strictly to expiration dates for safety.

What Questions Should Be Asked Before Choosing or Using Food Based on These Dates?

Before buying or eating food, ask:

1. Is the item perishable or shelf-stable? Perishables require strict adherence to expiration dates.
2. How will the food be stored? Will refrigeration or freezing be used? Proper storage extends safety and quality.
3. When will the food be consumed? Foods intended for immediate use may be less risky near dates than those stored long-term.
4. Are high-risk individuals eating it? Stricter safety is necessary for vulnerable people.
5. Can spoilage be detected by senses? Check for off smells, discoloration, mold, or texture changes.

For example, if buying yogurt for a family with infants, prioritizing the expiration date is critical. If buying shelf-stable crackers for occasional snacking, best by dates are more relevant.

Can Consumers Switch Between Date Labels or Interpret Them Differently?

Consumers cannot change a product’s date label but should learn to interpret them correctly. Some manufacturers may switch from best by to expiration dates if regulations or product safety concerns arise.

When encountering different labels:

• Read the packaging carefully to understand each date’s meaning.
• Contact the manufacturer or consult trusted food safety resources if unclear.
• Personal habits can shift: some people always discard food past expiration dates, others rely more on sensory checks with best by dates.

However, for perishable items, following expiration dates remains the safest approach.

What Are the Differences Between Expiration, Sell By, Use By, and Expiry Dates?

• Sell By Date: Directs stores on how long to display a product. Consumers should not use this as a safety guide. Milk with a sell by date of June 10 may still be safe for several days if refrigerated properly.
• Use By Date: Similar to expiration date; indicates the last date recommended for safe consumption.
• Expiry Date: Often used interchangeably with expiration date, especially on medications and perishables.
• Best Before Date: Focuses on quality, not safety, like best by dates.

Knowing these distinctions helps prevent confusion and reduce unnecessary food waste.

Is Best Before the Same as an Expiration Date?

No. Best before dates mark when quality is highest but do not signal safety concerns. Expiration dates indicate when a product should no longer be consumed for health reasons.

For example, dried pasta past its best before date may have a slight quality loss but is generally safe for months or years afterward if stored correctly. In contrast, milk past its expiration date should be discarded to avoid illness.

Many consumers confuse these terms, which can cause premature disposal of safe foods or unsafe consumption of expired perishables. Understanding the difference supports both safety and economy.

How Should Food Be Handled After These Dates?

• Expired Perishables: Discard immediately after the expiration date to avoid health risks. For example, do not consume yogurt or deli meat one day past expiration.
• Products Past Best By: Inspect carefully for spoilage signs before use:
• Smell the product for sour or rancid odors.
• Look for mold, discoloration, or unusual texture.
• Check packaging integrity (no swelling or leakage).
• Use caution with the sniff test; some harmful bacteria do not change smell or appearance.
• Store foods properly—refrigerate, freeze, or keep dry as recommended—to maximize safety and quality.
• When uncertain, discard the product rather than risk illness.

Following these guidelines can prevent many foodborne illnesses and reduce food waste by differentiating between safety and quality concerns.

Frequently asked questions

Can frozen foods be eaten after the expiration date?

Freezing preserves food safety and quality but does not make expired foods safe. Freeze items before the expiration date and use them within recommended thawing times.

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

Sell by dates guide retailers, not consumers. Many foods remain safe days or weeks after this date if properly stored, but always check for spoilage.

Are expiration dates mandatory on all food products?

Expiration dates are legally required for some products like infant formula and medications. For most foods, date labeling is voluntary and varies by state and product type.

How can food waste be reduced when dealing with date labels?

Plan purchases, store foods correctly, use leftovers promptly, and understand that best by dates indicate quality, not safety, to avoid discarding edible food.

What should be done if food smells fine but is past the expiration date?

Do not rely solely on smell; some harmful bacteria do not produce odors. Avoid consuming perishable foods after expiration dates to ensure safety.