What does a "Best if Used By" date on food mean?
"Best if Used By" is about flavor, not safety, so check the food before you toss it.
- Throw it out after that day
- It tastes best by then, but it is not a safety date ✔
- The store has to pull it off the shelf
Why: It is about flavor and quality, not safety. Food that was stored right is usually fine after the date unless it looks, smells, or feels spoiled. The big exception is baby formula: never use it after its Use-By date.
Huh, didn't know that: The big exception is baby formula: never use it after its Use-By date.
What school subject is the fruitiest? History, because it is full of dates.
References
Answer: It tastes best by then, but it is not a safety date. It is about flavor and quality, not safety. Food that was stored right is usually fine after the date unless it looks, smells, or feels spoiled. The big exception is baby formula: never use it after its Use-By date.
- FDA: How to Cut Food Waste and Maintain Food Safety www.fda.gov/food/consumers/how-cut-food-waste-and-maintain-food-safety
Best if Used By” the standard phrase to indicate the date when a product will be at its best flavor and quality.
Checked 2026-10-09. - FDA: Are You Storing Food Safely? www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/are-you-storing-food-safely
Be aware that food can make you very sick even when it doesn't look, smell, or taste spoiled.
Checked 2026-10-09. - FDA: Handling Infant Formula Safely www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/handling-infant-formula-safely-what-you-need-know
Don’t use a package or container of infant formula after this date.
Checked 2026-10-09.
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