What does 'best by' mean on food packaging?

The term ‘best by’ on food packaging indicates the date until which the manufacturer guarantees the product will be at its optimal quality, flavor, and texture. It does not necessarily mean the food is unsafe to eat after that date, but rather that its best eating experience may diminish over time.

Understanding ‘Best By’ and Its Purpose

The ‘best by’ date is a manufacturer’s estimate of when a food product will be at its peak quality. This date is determined based on factors such as ingredient stability, packaging, storage conditions, and processing methods. Food safety agencies, like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), clarify that these dates are not federally regulated for most products, meaning they are not mandatory and can vary by manufacturer.

For consumers, the key takeaway is that ‘best by’ helps guide purchasing and consumption, ensuring the product is enjoyed at its best. It is different from ‘use by’ or ‘sell by’ dates, which may have more direct implications for safety or inventory management.

Differences Between ‘Best By’, ‘Use By’, and ‘Sell By’

Food labels often feature various date codes, which can cause confusion. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Best By: Indicates the date until which the product is expected to maintain its best quality. It is about quality, not safety.
Use By: Usually found on perishable items like dairy or meat, indicating when the product should be consumed for safety reasons.

Sell By: Used by retailers to manage inventory; it guides stores on how long to display the product but does not necessarily reflect safety or quality for consumers.

Understanding these distinctions helps consumers make informed decisions about consuming products past certain dates.

What Happens After the ‘Best By’ Date?

Once the ‘best by’ date has passed, the food may begin to lose its flavor, texture, or nutritional value. For example:

Cookies may become stale or lose their crunch.
Milk might develop off-flavors or spoilage signs.
Spices may lose potency, diminishing flavor in recipes.

However, many foods remain safe to eat after the ‘best by’ date if they show no signs of spoilage, such as foul odor, discoloration, mold, or sliminess. It’s important for consumers to use their senses and judgment rather than rely solely on dates.

In some cases, certain products like canned goods, dry pasta, or sugar can be safely consumed long after their ‘best by’ date if stored properly and without signs of damage or spoilage. Conversely, perishable foods like fresh produce, dairy, and meats require more careful attention.

Practical Tips for Consumers

Check for signs of spoilage before consuming products past the ‘best by’ date.

Store foods according to manufacturer instructions to maximize shelf life.
Use your senses—smell, sight, and touch—to assess freshness.
Understand that ‘best by’ is about quality, not safety; some foods may be safe beyond this date, but their quality might decline.
When in doubt, especially with perishable items, it’s safer to discard products that show signs of spoilage or have been stored improperly.

By understanding what ‘best by’ means and how to interpret it, consumers can make smarter choices, reduce food waste, and enjoy foods at their optimal quality.

What does ‘best by’ mean on food packaging?