Best by, use by, sell by: is food past its date safe to eat?
Quick answer
In the US, the dates on most food packages are about quality, not safety, and except for infant formula, federal law doesn't require them. Food that has been stored properly and shows no signs of spoilage can often still be eaten after the date. If it smells off, looks wrong, or you're not sure how it was stored, throw it out.Is it safe?
Is it safe to eat food after the expiration date?
Often, but not always. The date assumes the food was stored the way the label says. A package that sat out on the counter, or a fridge running warmer than 40°F (4°C), can spoil food well before its date.[1]
When in doubt, throw it out. Don't taste food to check it. Food can make you very sick even when it doesn't look, smell, or taste spoiled.[1]
Skip it, whatever the date, if:
- it needed refrigeration and sat at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90°F[1]
- the package is bulging, leaking, or torn
- it smells off, has mold, or the texture has changed
Infant formula and some baby foods are the exception: they must be used by the "use by" date on the package.[1]
Basics
Best by vs. use by vs. sell by: what's the difference?
| Label | What it means | Past the date? |
|---|---|---|
| Best if Used By / Best Before | Peak flavor and quality | Often fine if stored well |
| Sell By | How long the store displays it | Not a safety date |
| Use By | Last date for peak quality | Not a safety date, except infant formula |
| Freeze By | Freeze by then for best quality | Not a safety date |
The FDA backs "Best if Used By" as the standard wording for quality dates, because many people read any date as a deadline. Confusion over date labeling accounts for an estimated 20 percent of consumer food waste.[2]
Storage
Three habits that stop food from expiring on you
- Write the date on leftovers and opened packages. A piece of tape and a marker is enough.
- Freeze what you won't eat soon. Food kept at 0°F (-18°C) stays safe, though quality drops the longer it's frozen.[1]
- Keep perishables on the shelves, not in the door. The door is warmer than the shelves.[1]
If you'd rather not keep track yourself, you can add ingredients to MyRecipeNote and get a reminder before they expire.
Tips by ingredient
- How long do eggs last?: carton dates, storage, and the float test
- How long does milk last?: after the date and after opening
- Easy tofu recipes: storing leftover tofu
- Easy potato recipes: sprouted and green potatoes
- Mushroom recipes by type: why enoki must be cooked
FAQ
Does freezing stop the clock?
Freezing at 0°F keeps food safe, but quality drops over time. Freeze it before the date for the best results, and write the freezing date on the package.[1]
Do dates still apply after opening?
Once a package is opened, follow its "after opening" directions and use it soon, even if the printed date is further away.
Why doesn't every food have a date?
Except for infant formula, manufacturers aren't required by federal law to put quality-based date labels on packaged food.[2]
Sources
These are general guidelines. If it smells, looks, or feels off, don't eat it.