Here’s What You Need to Know About Expiration Dates

You Should Know: How often do you find yourself in a staring contest with the expiration date on a yogurt container? Those little numbers confuse nearly everyone. In the U.S., there are roughly 50 versions of date labels, and most of them don’t actually signal safety.

Going Deeper: Most expiration dates on labels aren’t about safety. Instead, most “best if used by” and “sell by” dates are usually the manufacturer’s guess for peak flavor or texture, not a warning that food has suddenly gone bad. Infant formula is the one big exception, since the dates for that product are federally regulated. For everything else, there’s no national standard, so state laws only add to the inconsistency.

Takeaway: Many shelf-stable and frozen foods stay safe well past the printed date, since bacteria can’t grow in the freezer. Fresh items like milk, cheese, and produce are different. Once they turn, they can carry harmful bacteria. Don’t be afraid to trust your senses. If it looks or smells off, it’s time to toss it.

Bottom Line: The good news? Most dates are really about quality, not safety. That means you can stay safe and also reduce waste by pairing the label with a little common sense.