Use-By vs Best-Before Dates: What Food Labels Really Mean

Food date labels are found on virtually every packaged or perishable food item in UK supermarkets and convenience shops. Yet many people find them confusing—particularly the difference between "use-by" and "best-before" dates. Understanding food date labels is about more than avoiding unnecessary waste. It ensures food safety, helps maintain product quality, and supports informed shopping and storage habits. Misunderstandings can lead to either eating something potentially unsafe or discarding food that is still perfectly good to eat. This article will clarify the crucial distinctions between use-by vs best-before dates, focusing on evidence-based UK guidance, and help you manage your food safely and confidently.

The "use-by" date is the most important date for food safety in the UK. According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), foods must not be consumed after the use-by date, even if they look or smell normal. This date is used for perishable foods—such as chilled ready meals, pasteurised dairy, packaged meats, and some fresh juices—where harmful microbes could develop that do not always affect taste, smell, or appearance.

Consuming a product past its use-by date can increase the risk of foodborne illness. Therefore, always follow manufacturers’ instructions, which often specify that food should be kept refrigerated and consumed within a certain time after opening, even if that is before the use-by date itself. Sniffing or visually checking food cannot be relied upon for food safety, as dangerous bacteria may be present without obvious signs.

Food safety guidance in the UK is strict about use-by dates. Chilled foods, including cooked meats, ready-prepared salads, and many dairy products, are labelled with a use-by date for a reason. After this date, the product may be unsafe even if it appears unchanged. Freezing food before its use-by date is generally acceptable, provided you follow storage directions on the packaging. Once frozen, the use-by date is paused, but the food must be defrosted and used safely by new instructions on the label.

For opened packs, always read the label: time frames like “eat within three days of opening” supersede the original use-by if they expire earlier. This ensures that once the food has been exposed to air and possible contamination, you do not consume it when bacteria may have had more time to multiply.

The best-before date is about food quality, not food safety. According to the FSA, the best-before date marks the period during which food retains its expected taste, texture, and nutritional value, provided it has been properly stored. Many pantry staples and some chilled foods, including cereals, pasta, tinned foods, and chocolate, carry a best-before date.

Consuming foods after the best-before date usually does not carry safety risks if packaging is intact and storage guidance has been followed, but the product might not be at peak quality—crispness, colour, or flavour may fade. Retailers can legally sell food after the best-before date as long as it is still safe and of acceptable quality, unlike with use-by dates.

Correct storage plays a vital role in maintaining both safety (for use-by foods) and quality (for best-before foods). For use-by labelled foods, refrigeration at or below the recommended temperature (usually below 5°C) is necessary. Do not leave perishable foods out at room temperature, as this allows bacteria to multiply even before the use-by date arrives. Some foods may also specify how quickly to eat them after opening—for example, "eat within two days of opening."

For best-before foods, cool, dry storage is key. Keep items in sealed containers away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. While these foods are generally not a safety concern after the best-before date, poor storage can lead to spoilage or taste changes sooner than expected, especially if packaging is damaged or compromised.

Eating food after the use-by date carries a risk of foodborne illness, as harmful bacteria may have grown without physical signs. This is why official UK guidance urges consumers not to eat or even taste foods beyond their use-by dates—regardless of how they look or smell. There is no home method, including sniffing or tasting, that can make this risk go away.

By contrast, foods consumed shortly after their best-before date are generally safe if the packaging is intact and storage rules have been followed. Flavour or texture may be past its best, but the risk to health is low in most cases. Always check packaging for damage and never consume products that show signs of spoilage, such as mould, unusual odours, or bulging cans, regardless of the date.

Reading and following instructions on labels is necessary for both use-by and best-before foods. Opened packs often come with specific advice, such as “eat within three days of opening.” For foods with a use-by date, if you do not expect to finish them in time, freezing before the use-by is recommended. Always check the label for freezing instructions, as not every food is suitable for freezing.

After thawing, use frozen food within the period advised, and never refreeze unless the label specifically allows it. Proper labelling of frozen foods (with the date of freezing) can help you use them in a timely fashion. For best-before foods, once opened, store in tightly resealed containers or packaging to maintain freshness and avoid spoilage.

While use-by and best-before are the most common food date labels in the UK, you may also encounter terms like “display until” or “sell by.” These are intended for shop staff, not consumers, to help with stock rotation. "Display until" or "sell by" dates are not indicators of safety or quality and can be ignored by home shoppers.

In some cases, labels might indicate more specific storage instructions, such as “keep refrigerated” or “consume within x days of opening.” UK food regulations require that essential information for safe handling and storage is clearly stated on packaging. Always focus on the use-by and best-before dates and follow any associated instructions for safest results.

Becoming familiar with food date labels helps you shop more confidently and reduce unnecessary waste. Planning meals and storage around use-by and best-before dates allows you to use food in the safest and most enjoyable way.

If you want a deeper understanding of how to interpret all information on food packaging, including nutrition details and additives, further resources are available. For a comprehensive guide to understanding more than date labels, visit our article on how to read nutrition labels for deeper insights into making healthier choices at the supermarket.