«Use by» and «best before»: what's the difference
Packs carry two different labels, and mixing them up is one of the first causes of waste. One is about safety, the other about quality.
General guidance for a fridge at 0–4 °C and a freezer at −18 °C. Always follow the instructions on the pack and, when in doubt, throw it out.
«Use by»: the expiry date
Found on highly perishable foods: fresh meat and fish, fresh milk, fresh cheese, ready meals. It marks the safety limit: after that date the food must not be eaten, even if it looks fine.
«Best before»: the minimum durability date
Found on pasta, rice, biscuits, preserves, chocolate, coffee. It tells you until when the product keeps its best flavour and texture. After the date, if the pack is intact and it was stored properly, it's usually still fine to eat: it may just be less fresh.
| Label | About | After the date |
|---|---|---|
| Use by | Safety | Don't eat |
| Best before | Quality | Check look, smell and pack |
Careful: dates apply to unopened packs
Once opened, what counts is the time since opening, not the printed date: opened milk lasts a few days even if the date is a week away. Many packs say so: «once opened, consume within…».
How to avoid reaching the date
Put products that expire first at the front and new ones at the back. And keep an eye on dates coming up: that's where waste builds up.
Frequently asked questions
Can I eat pasta after the «best before» date?
Usually yes, if the pack is intact and kept dry: best before is about quality, not safety.
And after the «use by» date?
No: that date is about safety and must be respected.
Does the date still apply after opening?
No: once opened, the time since opening counts, often stated on the label.
Dates coming up, at a glance
ConservoCibo sorts products into expired, expiring and fine, and every morning sends you a single summary of what to eat first.
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