With grocery prices climbing higher each month, many of us are looking for ways to make our food budgets stretch further. One surprising solution? Understanding those confusing dates on food packaging. Contrary to popular belief, most expiration labels don’t actually mean your food is unsafe to eat.
A shocking amount of perfectly good food gets thrown out because of date label confusion. Studies show nearly one-third of all food in America goes to waste, partly because people toss items once they reach the date on the package. But here’s the secret: except for baby formula, these dates aren’t about safety – they’re about quality.
“Best by” dates simply indicate when the product might start losing some flavor or texture. “Sell by” dates help stores manage inventory. Even “use by” dates, while suggesting peak freshness, don’t mean the food automatically spoils afterward. The real test? Your senses. Changes in smell, color, or texture are far better indicators of spoilage than any printed date.
For pantry staples like canned goods, they often remain safe for years past their dates if stored properly. Even refrigerated items can last longer than you think – though for highly perishable foods like deli meats, it’s wise to be more cautious. Freezing is your best friend for extending food life almost indefinitely.
