What is the difference between best-by, sell-by, and use-by dates?

Last updated: April 26, 2026

Best-by, sell-by, and use-by dates are three different labeling systems that indicate food freshness and safety, though they mean different things. Best-by and sell-by dates are about quality, while use-by dates are about safety.

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Best-by date	Indicates when food is at peak quality and flavor; food is usually safe to eat after this date
Sell-by date	Tells stores when to remove items from shelves; consumers can safely eat food after this date
Use-by date	The last date recommended for consuming food for safety reasons; relates to food-borne illness risk
Government regulation	Only infant formula is federally required to have a date label in the United States
Food safety	Expiration dates are not always accurate predictors of when food becomes unsafe

Best-by Date

A best-by date, also called best-before date, tells you when a product is at its best quality in terms of taste, texture, and nutritional value. After the best-by date passes, the food may not taste as good or have the same texture, but it is usually still safe to eat. This date is about quality, not safety. Manufacturers choose this date based on testing, but it is not a hard deadline.

Sell-by Date

A sell-by date is meant for store employees, not consumers. It tells stores how long they can display the product on shelves. After the sell-by date, stores should remove the item, but this does not mean the food is unsafe or has gone bad. Consumers can safely purchase and eat food after the sell-by date has passed, sometimes for several days or weeks depending on the product and how it is stored.

Use-by Date

A use-by date is the most important from a food safety perspective. It is the last date you should use or consume the product to avoid potential food-borne illness. Use-by dates are typically found on highly perishable items like deli meats, seafood, and dairy products. After the use-by date, bacteria may have multiplied to unsafe levels, even if the food looks and smells fine.

How Dates Are Determined

Manufacturers set these dates based on food testing, storage conditions, and scientific evidence about how quickly products deteriorate. Different foods have different rates of spoilage. Factors like temperature, light, air exposure, and packaging all affect how long food stays fresh. The dates assume proper storage at home or in stores.

What the Law Requires

In the United States, there is no federal requirement for date labels on most foods. The only exception is infant formula, which must have a use-by date. However, many states have their own rules, and manufacturers voluntarily add dates to help consumers. This means date labels can vary by product and manufacturer.

Using Common Sense

Dates are helpful guides, but use your senses too. Smell, look, and feel food before eating it. Safe food should not have an off smell, visible mold, or unusual texture. When in doubt about a product, throw it away. Proper storage, like keeping items at the right temperature and sealing packages, can help food last longer than the printed date.

Sources

fda.gov (fda.gov)
usda.gov (usda.gov)
foodsafety.gov (foodsafety.gov)