“Use By” vs. “Expires On”: What Those Dates on Your Groceries Really Mean

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Ever grabbed a yogurt from the fridge, saw the date printed on the lid, and wondered, “Is this still good?” You’re not alone. Food date labels can be confusing — and let’s be honest, most of us have tossed something perfectly fine just because of a date stamp.

Here’s a quick guide from Delulu’s Deals to help you understand what those food and drink dates really mean — so you can shop smart, waste less, and save more 💸

🥫 “Use By” Dates

These dates are all about food safety.

• Found on: perishable foods like milk, deli meat, and ready-to-eat meals
• Meaning: The product should be used or frozen before this date for safety reasons. After that, bacteria growth could make it unsafe to eat — even if it looks or smells fine.
• Tip: If you know you won’t use it in time, freeze it before the use-by date to stretch your dollar and your groceries.

🍞 “Best Before” or “Best If Used By” Dates

These are about quality, not safety.

• Found on: pantry staples like cereal, snacks, pasta, or canned goods
• Meaning: It’s still safe to eat after this date — it just might not taste as fresh.
• Tip: A bag of chips a few days past the date? Still fine. Just reseal tightly next time to keep them crisp.

🧃 “Expires On” or “Expiration Date”

This one’s a bit stricter — but still not always a dealbreaker.

• Found on: supplements, baby formula, some beverages, and medicine
• Meaning: After this date, the product may lose its intended potency or safety.
• Tip: For anything you drink or rely on for nutrients (like protein shakes or vitamins), respect the expiration date.

🫙 What About Foods Just Past Their Date?

Here’s the truth — just because something expired yesterday doesn’t mean it’s instantly bad today. Many refrigerated items like yogurt, milk, or cheese are often still safe for a few days past their date if they’ve been stored properly.

• Check with your senses: Look for changes in texture, smell, or color. If it smells fine and looks normal, it’s likely still good.
• Cold is key: If your fridge has stayed under 40°F and the food was sealed, it’s safer to trust your judgment than the printed date alone.
• Exceptions: Always toss baby formula or anything that’s been opened too long — those are not worth the risk.

Think of expiration dates as guidelines, not countdown clocks. When in doubt, do a quick look and sniff test — not a panic toss into the trash!

🧊 Delulu’s Tip for Smart Storage

A lot of wasted food isn’t actually spoiled — it’s just stored wrong!

• Keep your fridge at 40°F or below
• Use airtight containers for leftovers
• Label your freezer bags with what it is + the date you froze it

That way, you’ll know exactly what’s safe to use and when.

💡 Save More, Waste Less

Understanding food dates helps you:

• Shop markdowns confidently (especially those “quick sale” stickers 👀)
• Use your pantry efficiently
• Cut down on food waste — and unnecessary grocery trips

Because at Delulu’s Deals, we’re all about making every dollar (and dinner) count.

Written by Delulu’s Deals
Find more money-saving grocery tips at DelulusDeals.com
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