How to Tell the Expiration Date on Food Products

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before starting to check a food product’s expiration date?

Before checking expiration dates, prepare a well-lit space where you can clearly inspect food packaging. A magnifying glass or a smartphone with zoom capabilities can help read small or faded print. Have a notepad or your phone ready to jot down or photograph dates, especially for multiple items. It’s helpful to be familiar with common expiration terms such as “EXP,” “Use By,” “Sell By,” and “Best Before,” so you know what each means. Also, gather any product information like the brand name or batch number, which can assist in decoding unclear dates. Check all parts of the packaging—tops, bottoms, sides, lids, and even seals—because dates may appear anywhere. Understanding typical shelf life ranges for your foods (e.g., fresh milk usually lasts about a week refrigerated) prepares you to assess if the date seems reasonable. Having these tools and knowledge ready makes finding and interpreting expiration dates easier and more reliable.

How do you find the expiration date on a food product?

Finding the expiration date involves these steps:

1. Scan the packaging thoroughly: Look on the lid, base, sides, near the barcode, or the flaps on boxes. Dates may be printed, stamped, or embossed. For example, canned goods often have the date on the bottom, while milk cartons typically have it on the top flap.
2. Identify the labeling term: Common phrases include: “EXP” or “Expires On”: The last date the manufacturer guarantees safety. “Use By”: The recommended date to use the product safely. “Best Before” or “Best If Used By”: Indicates peak quality, but not necessarily safety. “Sell By”: A guide for retailers when to remove the product, not a safety date.
3. Read the date carefully: Dates may be written in different formats like MM/DD/YY or DD/MM/YY. For example, “03/12/25” could mean March 12 or December 3 depending on the format. If the format isn’t clear, look for clues on the packaging or the brand’s website.
4. Check for batch or lot codes: If no clear date is visible, look for codes that may represent production or expiration dates. These usually require decoding through manufacturer instructions.

By following these steps, you can locate and understand the expiration date on most food products confidently.

How can you tell it worked—that you found the right expiration date?

You know you’ve found the correct expiration date when the date is clearly labeled with terms like “EXP” or “Use By,” and is printed or embossed in a place typical for such information. The date should make sense based on the product type; for example, fresh meat with a date several months ahead might be a packaging error. Check the date against your purchase date—if it’s expired, discard the product. If you find a date like “Best Before 06/15,” it means the food is at its best quality until that date but may still be safe to consume shortly after. If the date is faint or smudged, use a magnifying glass or zoom in with your phone camera. Confirm the date format by comparing it with other dates on similar products or checking the packaging for format instructions. When you can confidently explain the date’s meaning and confirm it matches the product’s expected shelf life, you’ve successfully identified the expiration date.

What should you do if you can’t find or understand the expiration date?

If the expiration date is missing or unclear:

• Recheck all packaging surfaces carefully under bright light or use a magnifier for faint print.
• Look for batch or lot numbers that might require decoding on the manufacturer’s website or by contacting customer service.
• Inspect the food itself: Smell it and look for mold, discoloration, or texture changes. For example, sour smell in milk or slimy texture on meat indicates spoilage regardless of the date.
• Use approximate shelf-life knowledge: Fresh milk typically lasts about a week refrigerated, canned goods can last months or years unopened.
• Avoid consuming perishable foods if unsure: It’s safer to discard items with questionable dates or appearance.
• Contact the store or manufacturer: They may provide information or confirm the correct date format.
• Take precautions for vulnerable individuals: For babies, elderly, or those with weak immune systems, always err on the side of caution.

Using these steps helps ensure you don’t eat spoiled food even without a clear expiration date.

How can you adjust checking expiration dates for different food types?

Different food categories require different approaches:

• Dairy and fresh meat: Always pay close attention to “Use By” or “Sell By” dates since these indicate safety limits. For example, ground beef “Use By” date means it should be cooked or discarded by that date.
• Canned and dry goods: Usually have “Best Before” dates focused on quality. These foods tend to remain safe beyond that date if cans are intact and dry goods are stored properly. For example, canned beans with a “Best Before” date can often be eaten safely weeks or months after that date if the can is not bulging or rusted.
• Frozen foods: May have freezing or “Use By” dates. Keep frozen continuously to maintain safety, but some quality loss might occur over time. For example, frozen vegetables might lose flavor after a long period but remain safe.
• Baked goods: Typically have short “Sell By” or freshness dates. Bread labeled “Best Before” should be used before the date for best texture but may be edible a day or two after if no mold is present.
• Baby food and formula: Strictly observe “Use By” dates because infants are more vulnerable to spoilage risks.
• Packaged snacks and beverages: Usually have “Best Before” dates indicating quality rather than safety. For example, chips may lose crunch but won’t cause illness after the date.

Adjusting your attention to expiration dates based on food type helps you avoid unnecessary waste while maintaining safety.

What are common expiration date formats and how do you read them?

Expiration dates are commonly written in these formats:

• MM/DD/YY or MM/DD/YYYY: Month, day, year. For example, 07/20/25 means July 20 of the year indicated. This format is most common in the United States.
• DD/MM/YY or DD/MM/YYYY: Day, month, year. For example, 20/07/25 means the 20th of July. This format is common internationally.
• YY/MM/DD: Year, month, day. For example, 25/07/20 could mean July 20 in a year ending in 25. Less common but used by some brands.
• Julian dates: A three-digit number representing the day of the year, such as 123 meaning the 123rd day of the year (May 3 in non-leap years). These require decoding charts.
• Text formats: Some products write dates as “Jul 20 25” or “20 JUL 25.”

If unsure about the format, check the packaging or the manufacturer’s website, or contact customer service. Misreading the format can lead to consuming spoiled food or wasting safe products. Always verify formats especially on imported or unfamiliar brands.

Why is understanding expiration dates important and what happens if you ignore them?

Expiration dates guide safe consumption and help maintain food quality. Ignoring them can:

• Increase risk of foodborne illness: Eating perishable foods past their “Use By” date can result in nausea, vomiting, or worse.
• Cause food waste: Treating “Best Before” dates as strict safety limits may lead to discarding food that is still edible.
• Create confusion: Without knowing proper dates, you might buy excess food or consume spoiled products.
• Pose greater risk to vulnerable populations: Babies, elderly, and those with weakened immune systems can suffer severe effects from spoiled food.

Understanding these dates helps you balance safety with reducing unnecessary food waste. For example, canned tomatoes past their “Best Before” date may still be safe if cans are intact, but chicken past its “Use By” date should be discarded. This knowledge helps you plan meals and store food wisely.

How do expiration dates fit into food safety guidelines?

Expiration dates are part of a broader food safety system. They indicate when manufacturers expect a product to be safe or at peak quality, but they are not the only consideration. To stay safe:

• Follow “Use By” dates strictly for perishable foods.
• View “Best Before” dates as quality guides, not safety limits, but still inspect food before use.
• Store food according to instructions: Proper refrigeration or freezing slows spoilage.
• Use your senses: Discard food that smells off, shows mold, or has unusual texture even if the date is current.
• Practice good hygiene and avoid cross-contamination: Proper handling reduces spoilage and illness risk.

Combining expiration date knowledge with safe storage and sensory checks provides the best protection against foodborne illness.

Frequently asked questions

What does “Sell By” date mean on food packaging?

“Sell By” indicates to stores the last day they should display the product for sale. It’s not a safety date, but you should consume or freeze the food within a few days after this date for freshness and safety.

Can canned goods be eaten after the “Best Before” date?

Yes, canned goods are often safe for months or years after the “Best Before” date if the can is intact—no dents, rust, or swelling. Check for off smells or appearance before eating.

How do I contact a manufacturer to clarify an expiration date?

Look for contact information on the packaging or the brand’s official website. Call or email their customer service and provide product details like batch numbers or codes for assistance.

What should I do if I find mold on bread after the expiration date?

Do not eat the bread. Mold can produce harmful toxins. Discard the entire loaf, as mold spores can spread beyond visible spots.

Is it safe to eat yogurt a few days after the “Use By” date if it smells and looks fine?

Generally, no. For perishable dairy like yogurt, it’s safest to follow the “Use By” date strictly, as harmful bacteria can grow without obvious signs.

How should I store fresh meat to keep it safe until the expiration date?

Keep fresh meat refrigerated at or below 40°F, ideally in its original packaging on a plate to catch drips. Use or freeze it by the “Use By” date to prevent spoilage.