Best before date vs. Use-by date - what's the difference?
Date Added: 27/08/2021
We’ve all been there: staring at the labels on our food, trying to work out exactly what all those numbers actually mean. And there is one thing that always seems most perplexing… what is the different between the ‘use-by date’ and the ‘best before date’?
A lot of food goes to waste because people aren’t sure what each of these dates mean. We’re here to help. And by knowing the difference, you could save money on your food shop, by reducing your food waste.
The best before date
Best before dates relate to quality, not safety.
These dates are typically displayed on foods such as dry pasta, rice, bread, tinned fruit, and vegetables and vary depending on the type of food and their storage guidance.
Food that has passed the best before date is considered safe to eat - however, it may lose some of its flavour, texture, or quality.
Top tip: To keep your food fresher for even longer, consider transferring it into an airtight container.
The use-by date
Use-by dates are typically applied to animal products such as meat and dairy. Eating food after this date can cause you to become ill. After the use-by date, don't eat, cook or freeze your food.
Top tip: Consider popping a note on your fridge as a reminder of what food you have and when it’s nearing its use-by date. Planning ahead with meals will help you waste less by helping you consume food before its use-by date.
A note on ‘display until’ and ‘sell-by’ dates
Retailers sometimes use 'sell by' and 'display until' dates on their shelves, mainly for stock control purposes. These are typically used as instructions for shop staff, not shoppers.
Find more food waste tips
What food to place in your bin
Do you hold a LGV2 driving licence?
Our waste collection partners, FCC Environment, are recruiting for LGV2 licence holding drivers. They are offering recruits a Monday – Friday working week, 20 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, Sick Pay, a Pension Scheme, Life insurance and stable secure employment.
If you hold an up-to-date LGV2 Licence and want to join a committed team of Key Workers, get in touch today on [email protected] or call 01243 975060
Apply now