Zero-Waste: Food Preservation Basics Everyone Should Know

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Best By, Use By, Sell By: What These Dates Really Mean

One of the biggest causes of food waste is a misunderstanding of the best by, use by and sell by dates. Frequently, when we see a date on food packaging, we automatically assume it's the expiration date. But each wording serves a distinct purpose—know the difference, and don't be too hasty to throw out your food!

• Best by: The best-by date indicates quality, not spoilage, when displayed on perishables like milk and meat. While you may start to notice a marked difference in quality and freshness, oftentimes, these products are still perfectly edible. Of course, you should inspect the food for any changes in color, texture, and smell—if you suspect that it may be spoiled, don't taste it. 
• Use by: "Use By" is often seen on shelf-stable and frozen products. Like "best by," this date has little bearing on the safety of the food. The use-by date indicates that prior to that date, the product is at "peak quality," and starts to decline after that. It's still possible to eat these foods, but as the date passes, they will become less enjoyable, and later, inedible. "Use by" can also be used interchangeably with "best by." 
• Sell by: Sell-by dates let retailers know how long a product should be on the shelf—sometimes for the simple reason that it's seasonal—to help them with "inventory management." More so than the other labels, "sell by" means nothing about the safety of the product. So, if the sell-by date has passed, don't let that put you off. You may be able to enjoy the product even still.