Most People Get This Wrong and Toss Out the Can: The Right Way to Read 'Best By' or 'Best Before' Dates

Many of us are quick to toss out food that is past its "Best By" or "Best Before" date, believing that the product has gone bad or is no longer safe to eat. However, this is a common mistake. These dates are often misunderstood, and, in reality, many foods are perfectly fine to consume after the expiration date has passed. In fact, knowing how to interpret these dates correctly can save you money, reduce food waste, and help you make informed decisions about your food’s safety and quality.

Step-by-Step Guide to Properly Understanding "Best By" and "Best Before" Dates

1. Understand the Difference Between 'Best By' and 'Best Before'

First, it’s important to clarify the difference between the two terms, as they’re often used interchangeably but can have subtle differences depending on the product or manufacturer.

• Best By: This date refers to the period in which the food will be at its peak quality. It is a recommendation from the manufacturer for when the product will taste the best, retain its texture, or have the most flavor. After this date, the product may not taste as good, but it’s unlikely to be unsafe.

• Best Before: Similar to "Best By," this date indicates when the product will no longer be at its best quality, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unsafe to eat after this point. It’s mostly used for products that are more sensitive to freshness, such as snacks, grains, and cereals.

2. Don't Confuse 'Best By' Dates with 'Use By' or 'Sell By' Dates

It’s important to differentiate between the "Best By" date and other common labels such as "Use By" or "Sell By":

• Use By: This is the most important date when it comes to safety. It refers to the date until which the manufacturer guarantees that the product is safe to consume. After this date, the product may be unsafe and could cause health problems.

• Sell By: This date is directed at retailers to help them manage inventory. It’s not meant to indicate when the product should be consumed. Many items with a "Sell By" date can still be consumed long after the date has passed.

Knowing the specific meaning behind each of these dates will help you make better choices.

3. Consider the Type of Food and Its Storage Conditions

Some foods are more resilient than others. How well you store an item can extend its shelf life, even beyond the printed date. Here’s how to consider the type of food:

• Canned Goods: Canned foods, such as vegetables, soups, and meats, can last long past their "Best By" date if they are stored in a cool, dry place. If the can is dented or rusted, however, that could be a sign of compromised quality or safety. As a rule of thumb, most canned goods can last at least a year beyond the date.

• Frozen Foods: Freezing can extend the life of most foods, and the "Best By" date on frozen items is usually an indication of quality. The product may lose flavor or texture over time but will still be safe to eat if properly stored.

• Dry Goods: Items like pasta, rice, and flour can last months or even years after their "Best By" date if stored correctly in a cool, dry environment.

• Perishable Foods: Items like dairy, meats, and produce are much more sensitive to the "Best By" date. However, this doesn’t mean you need to toss them immediately after the date. They may still be safe, but they should be checked for signs of spoilage like unpleasant odors, discoloration, or mold.

4. Inspect the Product for Signs of Spoilage

Before throwing out a product, it’s always a good idea to check it for visual or sensory cues. Use your senses to assess whether it’s still safe to eat:

• Smell: A sour, rancid, or off odor is one of the easiest ways to tell if food has spoiled.

• Look: Check for mold, discoloration, or any unusual changes in texture, such as sliminess or dryness. These can be signs that the product is no longer safe.

• Taste: If everything looks and smells fine, you can try a small bite. If the flavor is off, then it’s time to dispose of it.

5. Consider the Packaging

Packaging plays a critical role in keeping food safe and fresh. If a product has been opened, it may have a shorter shelf life than one that is still sealed. Here’s what to look for:

• Vacuum-Sealed Packages: These extend the life of the food inside, but once opened, the clock starts ticking.

• Damaged Packaging: If a package is compromised—such as a torn box, punctured bag, or broken seal—then the product inside could have been exposed to air or bacteria, which means it might spoil more quickly.

6. Take the Manufacturer’s Recommendations Seriously

Manufacturers generally provide guidance on storage and use for their products. They often know best when it comes to how long their food can last. If a product is past its "Best By" date, check the packaging for storage tips. For instance, some items may need to be refrigerated or consumed within a certain time frame after opening to prevent spoilage.

7. Trust Your Instincts

Lastly, it’s essential to trust your instincts when evaluating whether a food item is still safe to eat. While the printed dates are helpful, they aren’t always the full story. If you feel uncertain about a product, it’s better to err on the side of caution. But don’t be quick to toss something just because it’s a few days or weeks past the "Best By" date. With careful inspection, many items are still good to go.

Key Takeaways:

1. "Best By" and "Best Before" dates refer to peak quality, not safety.

2. "Use By" dates are related to safety, and should be adhered to strictly.

3. Canned and frozen foods often last long past their "Best By" date, especially when stored properly.

4. Look, smell, and taste your food before tossing it—often, items are fine well after the date.

5. Proper storage can extend the life of many products, so always check the packaging for additional information.

6. Trust your senses—if everything looks, smells, and tastes good, then the product may still be fine.

By following these steps, you’ll make better use of the food in your pantry and fridge, reducing waste and saving money. Most importantly, you’ll be able to differentiate between food that has genuinely gone bad and food that’s still safe to eat beyond the "Best By" or "Best Before" date.