Did you know Americans waste billions of pounds of food each year because of expiration date confusion? As food prices continue to rise, learning the truth about these labels could save your family hundreds of dollars annually.
Most date stamps on food packaging – “best by,” “use by,” “sell by” – aren’t actually expiration dates at all. Manufacturers use them to indicate peak quality, not safety. The only exception is baby formula, which should never be used past its “use by” date.
Here’s what you should really look for:
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Canned goods can last years beyond their dates if undamaged and properly stored
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Dry pantry items like pasta and rice often remain safe long after their “best by” dates
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Dairy products usually last 5-7 days past their dates if refrigerated properly
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Frozen foods stay safe almost indefinitely (though quality may decline over time)
Trust your senses more than the dates. If food smells off, changes color, or develops an unusual texture, it’s time to toss it. Otherwise, you’re probably throwing away perfectly good food – and money – unnecessarily.
