Food Expiration Dates Explained: What They Really Mean

You find a yogurt in the fridge dated yesterday. Is it bin-worthy or breakfast?Understanding food dates could save you hundreds of pounds—and prevent unnecessary waste.

The Different Date Labels

Use By

This is the only date that's about safety. After this date, consuming the product could pose health risks. Found on perishables like meat, fish, and ready-made meals.

Important: Always follow use by dates. Don't smell-test items past their use by date—some dangerous bacteria don't change smell or appearance.

Best Before

This is about quality, not safety. Food is at its peak before this date but is often perfectly fine afterwards—just might not taste as good or have the same texture.

Found on: bread, biscuits, crisps, frozen food, tinned goods, eggs.

Display Until / Sell By

These are for shop staff only. They indicate when items should be rotated or removed from shelves. They have no relevance to home consumers.

How Long Foods Last After "Best Before"

Tinned Goods

Often safe for 2-5 years past the date, as long as the tin isn't damaged, bulging, or rusted. The contents may lose some colour or flavour but remain safe.

Eggs

Usually good for 3-5 weeks after purchase. Do the water test: fresh eggs sink, old eggs float.

Dry Pasta

Can last 1-2 years beyond its date if stored properly in a cool, dry place.

Rice

White rice can last indefinitely if stored properly. Brown rice has oils that can go rancid, so use within 6 months of the date.

Yogurt

Often good for 1-2 weeks past the date if unopened. Look for mould or off smells.

Hard Cheese

Can last 3-4 weeks past the date. If mould appears on hard cheese, cut it off with a margin and the rest is usually fine.

Bread

Fresh bread often good for a week past the date. Any visible mould means the whole loaf should go.

Your Senses: The Best Tool

For foods past their "best before" (not use by), your senses are reliable guides:

• Look: Any visible mould, discolouration, or sliminess?
• Smell: Does it smell off, sour, or unusual?
• Touch: Is the texture strange—slimy, dried out, sticky?
• Taste (if no other concerns): A tiny taste won't harm you if the above checks passed

High-Risk Foods to Be Careful With

• Raw meat and poultry
• Shellfish
• Soft cheeses
• Pre-prepared salads
• Cooked rice (food poisoning risk if not stored properly)

Storage Matters More Than Dates

Proper storage extends food life significantly:

• Keep your fridge at 0-5°C
• Store raw meat on the bottom shelf
• Don't overcrowd—air needs to circulate
• Use airtight containers to prevent cross-contamination
• Cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate within 2 hours

The Environmental Impact

Date confusion causes 10% of EU food waste. That's 9 million tonnes annually thrown away perfectly edible food. Understanding dates isn't just about saving money—it's environmental action.

Stop guessing about expiration dates. Fridgr tracks your food and alerts you before anything actually expires.