Is Best before vs use by bad for you?
Also listed as: expiry date, best before, use by date
Short answer
‘Use by’ is about safety: don’t eat after it. ‘Best before’ is about quality: food is often fine after it if stored properly and it looks and smells normal.
What it is
Two kinds of date marks on packaged food.
Where you’ll see it
Use by: fresh milk, meat, fish and ready meals. Best before: biscuits, cereals, snacks and canned food.
+ The good side
- Understanding the difference reduces food waste
− The other side
- Storage matters: a product left warm can spoil before its date
- Once opened, many products have a shorter life (check ‘consume within X days of opening’)
Who should pay attention
Everyone, especially for dairy, meat and baby food.
💡 What to do: For quick-commerce orders, check dates on arrival; short-dated stock is common late at night.
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General food information, not medical advice. Exact limits and labelling rules vary by country. If you have a medical condition or allergy, follow your doctor’s or dietitian’s advice.