In the world of packaged foods, the phrases “Best By” and “Best Before” are everywhere, yet many people don’t fully understand what they actually mean. A common misconception is that these dates mark the point when food becomes unsafe to eat, which leads countless consumers to toss out cans and other packaged goods that are still perfectly fine.
This misunderstanding fuels a massive amount of food waste across the country. In truth, these labels are not about safety—they’re about quality. Learning to read them correctly, especially when it comes to canned food, can help you avoid waste, save money, and make more sustainable decisions. The “Best By” date is set by food manufacturers to indicate the time period during which the product is expected to be at its peak flavor, texture, and overall quality. These dates take into account the type of food, the packaging used, and how the item is typically stored. However, with the exception of infant formula, these dates are not federally regulated. This means they serve as a guideline rather than a strict deadline.
A major mistake many people make is interpreting the “Best By” date as an expiration date, which causes them to throw away food that is still safe. This is especially true for canned foods and other shelf-stable items. While some minor changes in taste or texture might occur after the date passes, the food can remain safe to eat for quite some time as long as it’s been stored properly. To better navigate these labels, it’s also important to distinguish between “Best By” and “Use By.” The “Best By” date relates to quality, while the “Use By” date, more commonly found on highly perishable items like dairy and deli meats, is a stronger recommendation for food safety. Understanding this difference helps prevent unnecessary food waste and ensures you’re not needlessly tossing out items that are still edible.
When it comes to canned foods, proper storage makes a big difference in shelf life. If stored in a cool, dry place and the can remains sealed and undamaged, many canned goods can last well beyond their labeled date. Canned vegetables often last one to two years past the “Best By” date, soups and stews can go up to five years, and canned fruits typically hold up for at least a year beyond their date. Still, it’s important to use your senses when evaluating food safety. Start by examining the can—avoid any that are bulging, rusted, leaking, or dented near the seams.
If the outside looks good, open the can and take a whiff. A sour, metallic, or rotten odor is a clear sign the food should not be consumed. If it passes the visual and smell tests, taste a small amount. If the flavor is off, trust your instincts and don’t eat it. How and where you store canned food also matters. Temperature should stay between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, so avoid leaving cans in hot garages or damp basements. Humidity and light can degrade both the packaging and the contents over time, so aim for a cool, dry, and dark storage area. Smart storage can greatly extend the shelf life of your food and help reduce waste. Food waste is not just a personal problem—it has broader environmental and financial consequences. In the United States, more than 30% of all food is wasted every year, much of it due to misinterpreted date labels. This waste ends up in landfills, where it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and places unnecessary strain on natural resources. It’s also a waste of money for households throwing out food that could still be eaten. Fortunately, improving your understanding of food labels can help. Don’t let date stamps scare you into wasting food that’s still good. Practice rotating items in your pantry so older ones get used first—this is known as FIFO, or First In, First Out. Shop thoughtfully, only buying what you know you’ll use, and if you have non-perishables that you won’t consume before their “Best By” date, consider donating them to a local food bank. In conclusion, knowing how to read and interpret “Best By” and “Best Before” dates can have a huge impact on your household’s sustainability and spending. Trust your senses, pay attention to storage conditions, and understand that these labels are about peak quality—not safety cutoffs. With the right knowledge, you can get the most out of your canned goods and reduce the amount of perfectly edible food that ends up in the trash.
