Food expiration dates often cause confusion, leading to unnecessary waste. Many people throw away food just because the date has passed, but understanding these labels can help reduce waste and save money.

There are different types of food labels: “Best if Used By” refers to quality rather than safety—food may not taste as good after this date, but it’s usually still fine. “Use By” indicates the manufacturer’s recommendation for peak quality, mainly for perishable items like dairy and meat.

One experience made the importance of these dates clear. “Even though the milk looked and smelled fine, I wasn’t sure if I should use it.” This led to a deep dive into food safety, revealing that food stored properly can often be consumed past its printed date.

Misunderstanding these labels contributes to food waste, impacting both the environment and budgets. By learning what they actually mean, you can make informed choices instead of discarding food unnecessarily.

Next time you check an expiration date, remember: it’s often about quality, not safety.