We’ve all been there—standing in the kitchen, staring at a can or box, wondering:
“Is this still good?”
At PC Food Pantry, we want to clear up some confusion around expiration dates. You might be surprised to learn that many foods are still perfectly safe (and tasty!) even after the date on the label.
Let’s break it down.
🏷️ Understanding the Different Dates
There’s more than one kind of date you might see on your food. Here’s what they mean:
1. “Best By” or “Best If Used By”
- Not about safety—this just tells you when the food is at its best quality.
- Safe to eat after the date, especially if unopened and stored properly.
2. “Sell By”
- Meant for stores, not consumers.
- It’s a guideline for how long stores can display the product.
- Food is still safe to eat after this date.
3. “Use By”
- This is the closest to an expiration date.
- After this date, the food might not taste or perform the same, but it may still be safe (especially if frozen or sealed).
4. No Date?
- If there’s no printed date, trust your senses and storage guidelines.
âś… Safe to Eat Past the Date (If Stored Properly)
| Item | Safe After Date? | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Canned goods | Yes (1–2 years) | Look for dents, rust, or swelling |
| Dry pasta/rice | Yes (6–12 months) | Keep in a dry, sealed container |
| Cereal/crackers | Yes (1–2 months) | May lose crunch but still safe |
| Frozen foods | Yes | Quality may drop, but safe if frozen |
| Bread | Yes (frozen) | Freeze to extend shelf life |
❌ When to Throw It Out
- Cans that are bulging or leaking
- Moldy or strange-smelling food
- Anything with signs of pests or insects
- Baby formula past its “Use By” date (this one is a real expiration date)
đź’ˇ Storage Makes a Big Difference
Keeping food in a cool, dry, dark place (like a pantry or cabinet) can help it last much longer—even past the printed date.
đź’› Waste Less, Eat More
Food doesn’t always go bad when the calendar says it does. By learning how to read labels and trust your senses, you can save money, reduce waste, and make the most of every item in your kitchen.
At PC Food Pantry, we’re all about helping you get more out of every meal.
