Stop Tossing Good Food: What ‘Best By’ Dates Really Mean (and Why Most People Get It Wrong)
How many times have you opened your fridge, spotted a carton of milk or a bag of salad greens past its “Best By” date, and tossed it straight into the trash — just to be safe? You’re not alone. Millions of people throw out perfectly good food every day because of confusion around food labeling. But here’s the truth: those dates on your groceries are often more about quality than safety.
It’s time to break down the myths about “Best By,” “Sell By,” and “Use By” dates — and how understanding them can help you save money, reduce food waste, and still stay safe.
What Do ‘Best By’ Dates Really Mean?
The majority of date labels on food packaging — like “Best By,” “Sell By,” and “Use By” — are not federally regulated (except for infant formula) and usually don’t indicate when food becomes unsafe to eat.
Here’s what they actually mean:
Best By / Best If Used By
This is about quality, not safety. It tells you when the product is likely to be at its peak flavor or texture. After that date, it may start to lose freshness — but it’s still likely safe to eat.
Sell By
This date is intended for retailers. It tells stores how long to display a product. It doesn’t mean the food is expired or harmful once it leaves the store.
Use By
This is the manufacturer’s suggested date for peak quality. Like “Best By,” it doesn’t necessarily mean the food is unsafe after that day.
The Shocking Truth About Food Waste
According to the USDA, 30–40% of food in the U.S. is wasted, much of it due to confusion over date labels. That’s billions of pounds of edible food going to landfills each year — along with the water, labor, and resources it took to produce it.
And it’s not just bad for the planet — it’s expensive. The average American family of four throws away up to $1,500 worth of food annually.
So, How Can You Tell If Food Is Still Good?
Your senses — sight, smell, and taste — are better judges than an arbitrary date. Here are some quick guidelines:
Dairy: Milk can last 5–7 days past the “Best By” date if kept cold. Smell and taste will tell you if it’s sour.
Eggs: Can stay fresh for 3–5 weeks past the “Sell By” date. Do the float test (if it floats in water, toss it).
Bread: May go stale, but is still safe. Mold? Toss it. Otherwise, make toast or breadcrumbs!
Packaged snacks/cereal: Often fine for months after the date. May just lose some crunch.
Canned goods: Safe to eat for 1–2 years past the date, as long as the can isn’t dented, bulging, or rusted.
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