Most People Get This Wrong and Toss Out the Can: The Right Way to Read ‘Best By’ or ‘Best Before’ Dates
Food waste is a global problem, and a significant portion of it stems from misunderstandings about expiration labels. Many people see "Best By" or "Best Before" dates and assume food is no longer safe to eat once the date has passed. In reality, these dates are more about quality than safety. Here's a step-by-step guide to understanding these labels and making informed decisions to reduce waste and save money.
What Do ‘Best By’ and ‘Best Before’ Really Mean?
These dates indicate optimal quality as determined by the manufacturer, not the safety of the food. The food is often perfectly fine to consume after this date, although the taste, texture, or freshness might slightly diminish. Understanding this distinction is key to reducing unnecessary waste.
Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding and Using ‘Best By’ and ‘Best Before’ Dates
Step 1: Know the Different Types of Labels
- Best By/Best Before: Indicates the peak quality of the product. It’s not a hard expiration date.
- Example: A can of soup might taste its best before the date but remain safe and edible long after.
- Example: A can of soup might taste its best before the date but remain safe and edible long after.
