Most People Get This Wrong and Toss Out the Can: The Right Way to Read ‘Best By’ or ‘Best Before’ Dates

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably glanced at the “Best By” or “Best Before” dates on food products, seen that they’re past the date, and immediately tossed them in the trash. But what if we told you that doing so could be a mistake? Many of us misinterpret these dates, leading to unnecessary food waste. Knowing how to read these labels correctly can save you money, reduce waste, and ensure you’re consuming products at their best quality.

Let’s dive into what these dates actually mean, and how you can tell whether it’s really time to throw that can or jar away.

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What Do ‘Best By’ and ‘Best Before’ Dates Really Mean?

The terms “Best By” and “Best Before” are commonly used on food packaging, but they often get confused with expiration dates. In fact, these dates are guidelines rather than hard and fast rules. Here’s a breakdown of what they really mean:

1. Best By/Best Before Dates: Quality, Not Safety

• Best By and Best Before dates are usually intended to indicate the peak quality of the product. They suggest when the item is most likely to be at its best in terms of flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
• These dates are not necessarily related to the safety of the food. Many products remain perfectly safe to eat after the “Best By” date, as long as they’ve been stored correctly.

2. Expiration Dates: Safety-Related

• Expiration dates, on the other hand, are often found on products like medications or baby formula. These dates indicate the last day the product is guaranteed to be safe to consume. After the expiration date, the product may not be effective or safe.

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