Think ‘Best Before’ & ‘Expiry Date’ Are the Same? Here's What Each Really Means

Admit it—many of us have stared at a food label, wondering whether the ‘Best Before’ date means “Is it still okay to eat?” or “Is this a fast track to food poisoning?”

Date labels like Best Before, Use By, and Expiry can be confusing, often leading people to throw food away as soon as the date passes. But understanding what these labels actually mean can save you money, keep your stomach happy, and reduce food waste. So, let’s decode these labels and understand how they differ.

‘Best Before’ refers to food quality

Image Credit: Prince George Citizen

This label doesn’t necessarily mean the food is unsafe to eat after the date has passed. However, the quality such as taste, texture, or nutritional value—may have declined.

Most of the time, this date label can be found on goods like frozen foods, canned foods, and cheeses. These products may still be safe to consume after the printed date, as long as they have been stored properly, show no signs of spoilage (such as mold, off smells, or unusual textures), and the packaging remains intact.

‘Use By’ indicates food safety

Image Credit: 7NEWS

Commonly found on perishable items like meat, dairy, and ready-to-eat meals, the Use By date tells you the last day the product is considered safe to eat.

Unlike Best Before items, you shouldn’t rely on a sniff test or visual inspection. Even if the food looks and smells fine, it may still harbor harmful bacteria after the Use By date.

‘Expiry Date’ marks the end of guaranteed safety and quality

Image Credit: Canadian Institute of Food Safety

In short: if a product has passed its Expiry Date, it should be thrown out even if the packaging is intact. Don’t test it “just to be sure.”

This label also means the product is no longer legally marketable. You’ll often find Expiry Dates on items like infant formula, baby food, and certain medications or supplements.

---

Featured Image Credit: 7NEWS, Freepik