Food Expiration Dates: Are They Really Expiration Dates?

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Coming from a background steeped in food science, you might assume my family strictly adheres to food expiration dates. You’d be mistaken. The truth is, these dates may not mean what you think they do.

Let’s start by clarifying some common misconceptions. Most dates you see on jars or packages are actually “use by” dates, not true expiration dates. These dates are not indicators of when food becomes unsafe to consume; rather, they suggest when the product is likely to taste its best. Moreover, they are often voluntary. That’s right, aside from infant formula, food dating isn’t mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

As noted by an article in The New York Times, “Food product dating acts solely as the manufacturer’s best guess as to when its product will no longer be at peak quality.” Manufacturers often play it safe, knowing that most people don’t store their food under ideal conditions.

So, whether it’s that jar of capers lurking in your fridge or the tin of cinnamon from two holiday seasons ago, they’re likely still fine to use—just expect a slight loss in flavor. As J. Kenji López-Alt points out, “We all make fun of our parents for using spices that expired in the 1980s, but other than losing potency, there’s nothing criminal in using them.” In an era of rising food insecurity, it seems almost irresponsible to throw away good food simply due to a date printed on its label.

That said, some foods can spoil, but these instances are usually obvious: think of moldy bread, sour-smelling milk, or cottage cheese with an unappealing texture. Those are clear indicators to toss the item.

So, what do those labels really mean?

• Sell-By Date: Indicates how long a store can sell a product. It’s best to purchase before this date, but it’s still safe to consume afterward.
• Best if Used By Date: Suggests when the food will taste best; this is about quality, not safety.
• Use-By Date: Similar to the “Best If Used By” date, this is also focused on quality.
• Closed Dates: These are packing codes that don’t resemble actual dates.

Ignoring these dates might actually be beneficial. According to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), approximately 40% of food produced in America—valued at around $218 billion—goes uneaten each year, largely due to confusion surrounding expiration dates. The NRDC also reports that over 80% of Americans misunderstand date labels, leading to unnecessary food waste as they toss out items to protect their families’ health.

Food waste not only impacts individual finances but also has larger implications for the community and the environment. Instead of stressing over dates, it’s better to focus on proper food handling techniques. The USDA offers an app that can help with food storage and handling, enabling you to keep food fresh longer, minimize waste, and save money simultaneously.

So what does this mean for those of you who have been overly cautious about expiration dates? Take a breath; you’re going to be okay. The good news is that you can rely on your senses to determine if food has spoiled. If something smells off, looks unusual, or tastes strange, then it’s time to discard it.

And the best part? You can cross date-checking off your worry list. With everything going on, we don’t need the added stress of arbitrary dates weighing us down. Plus, you’ll save money and reduce waste. Go ahead and enjoy that perfectly edible ice cream sitting in your freezer—you’ve earned it!

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Summary:

In summary, food expiration dates are often misunderstood. Most labeled dates reflect quality rather than safety, and many foods remain safe to eat beyond these dates. Instead of worrying about these labels, trust your senses to determine food freshness and focus on proper storage methods. This approach not only helps in reducing food waste but also saves you money.