Best by, use by, sell by: what food date labels really mean
Updated · 5 min read
A lot of perfectly good food gets thrown out because of the date on the package. In the U.S., those dates are mostly about quality, not safety - and knowing which is which saves money and waste.
What each label means
| Label | What it means |
|---|---|
| Best if used by / before | When it tastes and looks its best - not a safety date |
| Use by | The last day recommended for peak quality |
| Sell by | How long the store should display it - for the store, not you |
| Freeze by | When to freeze it to keep the best quality |
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, except for infant formula, these dates aren't safety dates. Food that's been stored properly can usually be eaten past them, until it shows signs of spoiling.
The exceptions that matter
- Infant formula: never use it past its "use by" date - the nutrients and quality are only guaranteed until then.
- Raw meat, poultry and fish: go by how long they've been in your fridge, not the package date - usually 1–2 days for ground meat and poultry, 3–5 for steaks and chops. Freeze them if you won't cook them in time.
- Anything once it's opened or cooked: the clock restarts. Opened lunch meat lasts 3–5 days and leftovers 3–4 days, whatever the package says.
- Ready-to-eat foods for people at higher risk - pregnancy, older adults, young children or a weakened immune system - deserve extra caution with deli meats and soft cheeses close to their dates.
How to tell if it's still good
- Shelf-stable food (canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal) usually just loses quality slowly. Toss cans that are bulging, leaking or badly dented.
- Dairy, produce and bread show it: sour smell, mold, slime or an off texture means it's done.
- When in doubt, throw it out. Some germs that cause food poisoning don't change how food looks or smells - so don't taste-test anything you're unsure about.
A simple rule of thumb
For pantry food, the date tells you when to use it up, not when to throw it out. For fresh meat, fish and leftovers, count days in your fridge instead.
More guides
- How long food lasts in the fridge and freezerA quick chart of how long meat, fish, leftovers, eggs and dairy keep in the fridge and freezer, based on USDA guidance, plus the rules that keep it safe.
- How to cut food waste at homeWhere household food waste really comes from, ten habits that cut it, and a simple way to track what you throw out so you can see it shrink.
- How to organize your fridge so food lasts longerWhich shelf is coldest, where raw meat belongs, what the crisper drawer settings do, and the right temperature - a simple fridge layout that keeps food safe and fresh.