Decoding Food Labels: Best By vs Use By vs Sell By

Have you ever stood in your kitchen, holding a food item, and wondered whether that "Best By" date means it's still safe to eat? You're not alone. Food date labeling is one of the most confusing aspects of grocery shopping and food storage, leading to unnecessary food waste and sometimes even foodborne illness when misunderstood.

The Problem with Food Date Labels

In the United States alone, an estimated 30-40% of the food supply is wasted, and confusing date labels contribute significantly to this problem. Surprisingly, except for infant formula, product dating is not required by federal regulations. The dates you see are typically added at the manufacturer's discretion and often relate to quality rather than safety.

Breaking Down the Terminology

"Best By" or "Best Before"

This is the most common date label you'll encounter. It indicates when the product will be at its peak quality in terms of flavor and texture. Foods past their "Best By" date aren't necessarily unsafe—they just might not taste as good as they did before that date.

Examples: Canned goods, dry pasta, cereals, snacks

What it really means: "This product will taste its best if consumed by this date, but it's likely still safe to eat afterward if stored properly."

"Use By"

This is the manufacturer's recommendation for the last date the product should be consumed for peak quality. It's typically found on more perishable items. While not a safety date (except for infant formula), it's wise to be more cautious with "Use By" dates than "Best By" dates.

Examples: Dairy products, fresh meats, prepared foods

What it really means: "We recommend consuming this by this date for the best experience, but use your senses to check if it's still good afterward."

"Sell By"

This date is actually meant for retailers, not consumers. It tells stores how long to display the product for sale. You'll usually have some time after the "Sell By" date to consume the product at home.

Examples: Refrigerated items like milk, eggs, yogurt

What it really means: "Stores should pull this from shelves by this date, but consumers can still use it at home for some time after."

How to Determine If Food Is Still Good

Rather than relying solely on date labels, use these methods to assess food quality:

Look: Check for mold, unusual discoloration, or changes in texture
Smell: If it smells off, sour, or unpleasant, it's best to discard
Touch: Slimy textures on meats or tacky surfaces on produce indicate spoilage
Taste: A small taste test (spit out if bad) can confirm if flavors have deteriorated

Storage Tips to Extend Freshness

Proper storage can significantly extend the life of your foods beyond their labeled dates:

Keep your refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below
Store dry goods in airtight containers in cool, dark places
Freeze items you won't use before their quality dates
Follow the "first in, first out" rule—use older items before newer ones

Special Cases: When Dates Matter More

While most date labels are about quality, there are exceptions where dates are more critical:

Infant formula: The only product where dating is federally regulated for nutrition and safety
Deli meats and soft cheeses: Higher risk for listeria contamination
Fresh sprouts: Prone to bacterial growth
Pre-cut fruits and vegetables: More susceptible to contamination

Understanding food date labels can help you reduce waste, save money, and eat safely. By learning what these terms really mean and combining that knowledge with your senses and proper storage techniques, you'll become more confident in making decisions about the food in your kitchen.