Use by. Sell by. Best if used by. Turns out not all food expiration warnings are created equal. Here's how to read between the lines to help gauge what needs to be tossed out from what's still fair game to chow down.


For starters, the post and accompanying video say it's best not to feel locked down by labels. Instead, try to treat expiration dates more as suggestions since they concern the quality, not safety of your favorite foods. Items marked according to a "sell by" label are generally good for several days past that date, while "use by" dates indicate when that food will begin to lose its freshness. "Best if used by," however, is what it sounds, meaning you should try to stick to the date indicated.

According to the video, milk is often good for a few days after its expiration date (we've all experienced this), and yogurt for a few weeks after its label says to discard. Eggs can be enjoyed up to five weeks after the stamped date. (You can also test an egg's freshness by placing it in a cup of water. A fresh egg will sink, and a bad egg will float.) Canned goods fare even better. Technically, they're good forever, even if dented. You should, however, avoid cans that are rusted, leaking, or have broken seals.


Hit up the below post or check out the above demo for more expiration tips, and if you're looking for more ways to test your food's freshness, check out previously mentioned tool StillTasty.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Expiration Dates [Minyanville via Consumerist]