Manufacturer’s guess at peak flavor, texture, and freshness
Still safe to eat after this date—just may taste slightly stale or dull (e.g., chips, cereal, canned goods)
“Use By”
Last date for optimal quality and safety—common on perishables like meat, dairy, yogurt
Use caution. Best to follow this date, especially for raw meats and seafood. But still check smell, color, texture before tossing
“Sell By”
For store inventory only—tells retailers when to remove from shelves
Safe to eat for days (or weeks) after this date if stored properly (e.g., milk often good 5–7 days past “Sell By”)
“Expires On”
Rare. Used for items where potency/safety declines over time (infant formula, medications, some supplements)
Follow strictly. Don’t consume after this date
Key Insight: There is no federal standard for most expiration dates in the U.S.—manufacturers set them however they want.
How Long Can You Actually Keep Common Foods?
Don’t throw it out—check this guide first:
Food
How Long After Date?
Signs It’s Gone Bad
Canned Goods (soup, beans, veggies)
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