I often get asked: “What’s the difference between Use By and Best Before dates?”
As a former food technologist, this is one of the very first things we learn, and it’s an important distinction.
Use By date
This date is about food safety.
Foods with a use-by date should not be eaten after this point, as they may pose a health risk. These are typically fresh, highly perishable products.
Best Before date
This date is about food quality, not safety.
Products with a best-before date have usually undergone processing that allows them to last longer. If the packaging is intact and the food has been stored correctly, it may still be safe to eat after this date, though you might notice a decline in taste, texture, or aroma.
Understanding the difference can help reduce unnecessary food waste while still keeping food safety front of mind.
Hope this helps clarify things!