What You Need to Know About Food Expiration Dates – When to Eat, When to Toss (Spoiler: Most Food Lasts Longer Than You Think!)

These terms are not regulated the same way, and none of them are federally required (except for infant formula). Here’s what they actually mean:

“Best if Used By”

The manufacturer’s suggestion for peak flavor and quality.

✅

Still safe to eat after this date!

“Use By”

The last date recommended for best quality — not safety.

⚠️ Often found on perishables like meat or dairy, but still not a hard stop.

“Sell By”

A guide for stores — tells retailers how long to display the product.

❌ Not for consumers — your food is fine after this date!

📌 Bottom line: These are manufacturer suggestions, not government-mandated safety cutoffs.

🥛 How Long Food Actually Lasts (Past the Date!)

Here’s a quick guide to help you trust your senses — not just the label.

🥚 Eggs

“Sell By” date: Good for 3–5 weeks after purchase.

✅ Test: Place in water — if it sinks, it’s fresh; if it floats, toss it.

🥛 Milk

“Use By” date: Safe 5–7 days after opening, even if past the printed date.

✅ Smell & taste test: Sour = spoiled. Still sweet? You’re good.

🧀 Cheese (Hard)

Cheddar, Parmesan, etc.: Can last months in the fridge.

✅ Mold? Cut off 1 inch around it — rest is safe!

Soft cheeses (like Brie): More sensitive — toss if moldy or smells off.

🍗 Meat & Poultry

“Use By” date: Raw meat lasts 1–2 days past date in fridge; freeze for longer storage.

✅ Check: Slimy texture or sour smell = time to toss.

🍘 Yogurt & Sour Cream

Safe 1–2 weeks past “Best if Used By” date.

✅ If no mold and it smells normal — eat it!

🍝 Bread

Stale ≠ spoiled. Dry bread is still safe — toast it!

Moldy? Toss the whole loaf — mold spreads invisibly.

🍱 Canned Goods

Low-acid cans (beans, veggies): Up to 2–5 years

High-acid (tomatoes, fruit): Up to 18 months

✅ Dented or bulging cans? Toss immediately — risk of botulism.

🍪 Pantry Staples (Pasta, Rice, Flour)

Last 1–2 years past printed date if stored properly.

Bugs or rancid smell? Then it’s time to go.

👃 The Best Tool You Have: Your Senses

Forget the date. Ask yourself:

Smell it: Off odor? Toss it.

Look at it: Mold, discoloration, slime?

Taste it (if safe): Sour or bitter? Spit it out.

Your nose and eyes are better food-safety tools than any label.

🛑 Exceptions: When to Take Dates Seriously

While most foods are safe past their date, these few are different:

Infant Formula

Federally regulated — don’t use after “Use By” date

Baby Food

Quality and nutrient levels degrade

Ready-to-Eat Meats (e.g., deli turkey)

Higher risk of listeria — follow “Use By” closely

Perishable Meals (e.g., pre-made salads)

Toss if past date — no second chances

💡 Tips to Reduce Food Waste

✅ Store food properly – Use airtight containers, keep fridge at 40°F or below

✅ Freeze it – Bread, meat, milk, even eggs (beat first!) can be frozen

✅ Label leftovers – Write the date on containers

✅ First In, First Out (FIFO) – Move older items to the front

✅ Compost – Turn scraps into garden gold instead of trash

❤️ Final Thought: Don’t Let a Label Decide What Gets Eaten

Food waste isn’t just about throwing things away.

It’s wasted money.

Wasted resources.

And unnecessary stress.

The next time you’re staring at a “expired” carton of milk or a week-old chicken breast…

Pause.

Check it.

Smell it.

Trust your instincts.

Because real food safety isn’t written in ink —

It’s written in sight, smell, and sense.

So eat with confidence.

Waste less.

And savor every bite. 💛