Why "Best By" Dates Don’t Really Matter: A Guide to Smarter Grocery Shopping
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When you shop for groceries, you’ve likely noticed "best by," "sell by," or "use by" dates stamped on nearly every product. But what do these dates really mean? If you’ve ever tossed out perfectly good food because the date had passed, you’re not alone. The truth is, best by dates don’t matter as much as you think—and understanding why can help you save money and reduce waste.
Let’s dive into why you shouldn’t worry too much about those dates and how shopping smart can benefit your wallet and the environment.
What Do “Best By” Dates Actually Mean?
Contrary to popular belief, best by dates are not expiration dates. They are simply a manufacturer's suggestion for when the product will be at its peak flavor or quality. It’s important to know that these dates are not regulated by the government for most foods (except for baby formula in some countries), and they don’t indicate when a product becomes unsafe to eat.
Here’s what some common labels really mean:
- Best By: The manufacturer’s recommendation for when the product tastes its best, but it’s still safe to eat after that date.
- Sell By: Used by retailers to indicate when a product should be sold by, but again, it’s still safe to consume after this date.
- Use By: This is more about freshness, not safety. The product might not be as fresh after this date, but it’s typically still safe.
Why Best By Dates Don’t Indicate Food Safety
The main reason best by dates don’t matter much is that they are more about quality than safety. Most foods are perfectly fine to eat long after their best by date, especially if they’ve been stored properly. For example, dry goods like pasta, rice, and canned foods can last months (or even years) beyond their printed date with no risk to your health.
Even refrigerated products like milk or eggs are often safe to consume for days or weeks after their date—just make sure to check the smell or appearance before consuming.
Food Waste: The Hidden Cost of Following “Best By” Dates
In the U.S. alone, it's estimated that about 40% of food gets wasted, and a large portion of that waste comes from people tossing out perfectly good food just because the date on the packaging has passed. This leads to unnecessary food waste and lost money. By understanding that best by dates are not strict expiration markers, we can reduce this waste and save on our grocery bills.
How You Can Save Money by Ignoring Best By Dates
At BargoBox, we rescue groceries that are perfectly good but might be near or just past their best by date. This means we can offer them to you at unbeatable prices, often up to 50% off or more compared to traditional grocery stores. Because the food is still fresh and safe, you get the double benefit of huge savings and less waste.
Here are some tips for shopping smarter when it comes to best by dates:
- Trust Your Senses: If it looks, smells, and tastes fine, it likely is! For foods like bread, dairy, and meat, use your nose and eyes to judge freshness.
- Know the Shelf Life: Dry goods, canned products, and frozen foods can last well beyond their best by date. Do a little research on the actual shelf life of different food types to get a better understanding.
- Buy Discounted Groceries: Stores like BargoBox offer items near or just past their best by dates at incredible discounts. You’ll get the same great products without paying full price.
The Benefits of Buying Beyond the Best By Date
Choosing to buy products near or past their best by date offers several benefits:
- Cost Savings: You’ll pay a fraction of the price for items that are still perfectly good.
- Less Waste: By buying these items, you’re helping reduce food waste, which benefits the environment and makes our food system more sustainable.
- Perfectly Safe: Most products are safe to consume well after their best by date, meaning you’re not sacrificing quality or safety when you shop smart.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Fear the Date!
Next time you see a "best by" date, remember—it’s just a suggestion. With a little knowledge, you can confidently purchase groceries past their prime date and enjoy safe, delicious, and affordable food. At BargoBox, we make it easy for you to find amazing deals on perfectly good bent and dent groceries, so you can shop smarter, save more, and reduce waste.
Start shopping with confidence today—your wallet and the planet will thank you!