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While our parents or grandparents may have relied on the actual look, taste and smell of a forgotten cup of yogurt to determine its safety and freshness, younger generations may be more inclined to rely on the often conservative estimate on the label.

“We lead a very sanitized life and people in general want things to be perfect when they buy them,” said Mr. Gooch, adding that store owners and managers report entire food displays being shafted by shoppers if even one or two items look past their prime.

According to Health Canada, a best-before date must appear on pre-packaged foods that will keep fresh for 90 days or less. If the product can live on a shelf longer than 90 days, a best-before date isn’t required. Canadians can buy and eat foods that have passed the best-before date, Health Canada says, but they may not find the food to be as fresh or flavourful.

“Remember that “best before” dates are not indicators of food safety, neither before or after the date,” says the agency, which differentiates that category from “expired” foods.

Dry goods can last infinitely: pasta, spices, canned vegetables and beans. Tortilla and potato chips are still safe to eat after a month, although they may taste stale. “I eat yogurt months past its date and I haven’t ever had a problem,” Dana Gunders, a food scientist with the NRDC told the BBC. Chocolate can also last a long time — still good even when a white film coats it, thanks to exposure to the air. Eggs can last three to five weeks if kept at the right temperature. Milk will smell and taste bad long before it makes you ill.