Do you know the difference between a “use by” date and a “best before” date on your food? And what about “display until” or “sell by”? If you find food date labels confusing, you’re definitely not alone — most of us are. Here are our top tips for understanding food dates and cutting down on food waste at home.
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“Sell by” and “display until” labels are used by shops for their own stock rotation — they’re not really meant for shoppers and tend to add to the confusion. The labels that actually matter for your family’s safety are “use by” and “best before”. They mean different things, and only one of them will appear on any given product.
What does a “use by” date mean?
The “use by” date appears on perishable foods that are typically found in chilled sections — things like cooked meats, dairy products and prepared salads. These foods need to be stored the way the label says, and eaten within the “use by” date. Unlike “best before”, the “use by” date is genuinely about food safety, not just quality.
Tips on freezing and cooking
- Raw foods such as meat and poultry that are close to, but haven’t passed, their “use by” date can be cooked and then frozen, or kept and used for up to another 3 days in the fridge.
- Cool cooked dishes within 2 hours before freezing them or storing them covered in the fridge.
- Always defrost food in the fridge, and cook or reheat it thoroughly once it’s fully thawed.
What does “best before” really mean?
“Best before” appears on foods with a longer shelf life. It’s a guideline for when the product will be at its best quality — not a safety cut-off. As long as the food has been stored properly and the packaging hasn’t been opened, you can use your own judgement about whether it’s still good to eat after the “best before” date has passed.
Recommended reading: Tips for Parents to Stop Food Waste
How much food are you wasting?
Households routinely throw out food that’s still perfectly good — usually because it’s past its “best before” date but hasn’t actually gone off. Getting a handle on use by and best before dates is one of the simplest ways to waste less and stretch your food budget further.
Our top tips for avoiding food waste
Before you go shopping
- Check your fridge, freezer and store cupboards and plan menus around what you already have.
- Make a list of anything else you’ll need.
- Eat something before you go — shopping hungry means you’ll buy more than you need.
- Where you can, try shopping without the kids in tow — it helps cut down on impulse buys.
At the shops
- Stick to your list.
- Check use by dates on special offers — they’re often quite short, but can still be great value if you use the item or freeze it in time. In fact, short-dated offers can be a handy way to stock up the freezer.
- Unless you’re cooking for a crowd, buy loose fruit and veg rather than pre-packed.
- Check use by dates so you know you’ll have time to use everything before it goes off.
- Shopping online for basics can help you stick to what you actually need, without the distraction of the shelves.
At home
- Put fresh food away as soon as you get in, and check use by dates as you go so you know what needs eating soon and what can go straight in the freezer.
- If you’ve bought meat like chicken breasts in bulk, freeze whatever you won’t use in the next day or two.
- Measure rice and pasta before cooking so you make enough for everyone — without a mountain of leftovers.
- If food is close to its use by date and you’re not ready to eat it, cooking it can buy you a few extra days. Just cool and refrigerate it quickly afterwards.
- Even sad-looking veg can make a great soup — don’t write it off too early.
Recommended reading: 11 Practical Tips for Keeping Fruit & Veg Fresh for Longer
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between “use by” and “best before”?
“Use by” is a safety date — the food shouldn’t be eaten after this date. “Best before” is a quality guideline — the food may still be fine to eat after this date, though it might not be at its very best.
Can I freeze food that’s close to its use by date?
Yes. Raw meat and poultry close to their use by date can be cooked and frozen, or cooked and kept in the fridge for up to another 3 days. Always cool cooked food within 2 hours before storing or freezing it.
Is it safe to eat food after its “best before” date?
Often, yes — provided it has been stored correctly and the packaging is unopened. Use your own judgement on quality, but always follow safety guidance for “use by” dates, which are non-negotiable.
What do “sell by” and “display until” mean?
These are stock-rotation labels used by retailers, not safety or quality guides for shoppers. Always look for the “use by” or “best before” date instead.
Related articles
- Tips for Parents to Stop Food Waste
- 11 Practical Tips for Keeping Fruit & Veg Fresh for Longer
- Download Your Free Meal Planning Sheet
Over to you now — do you have any tips of your own for avoiding food waste? We’d love to hear them in the comments below.
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