How-To Guides · Kitchen
"Best By" vs "Use By" vs "Sell By": What Food Dates Really Mean
Best by, use by, sell by. Do those dates mean the food goes bad that day? Usually, no. Here's what they really mean, according to the USDA.
1. "Best If Used By"
Best if used by, or best before, is about quality. It's when the food tastes its best. It's not a safety date.
2. "Sell By"
Sell by is for the store. It tells them how long to keep it on the shelf. It's not a safety date either.
3. "Use By"
The use by date is the last day for peak quality. For most foods, it's still not a safety date.
4. The One Exception
Infant formula is different. Its use by date is required, and it matters. Don't buy or use baby formula after that date.
5. So How Do You Know?
If food has been handled and stored properly, it can still be safe after the date, until it shows signs of spoiling. An off smell, off flavor, or weird texture means toss it. Don't eat it.
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Sources
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