«Use by» or «Best before»: the difference that saves food

Look at two packages in your fridge: one says «use by», the other says «best before». They might seem the same, but they're not. And confusing them is one of the most common reasons we throw away perfectly good food: according to the European Commission, up to 10% of food waste in Europe is linked to how dates on packaging are interpreted.

«Use by»: the expiry date

This is the actual expiry date. It's found on highly perishable products that can become a health risk after a short time: fresh meat and fish, fresh milk, some dairy products, chilled ready meals.

After this date, the product should not be consumed, even if it looks and smells normal. Some dangerous bacteria don't change the smell or taste of food.

What to do to avoid throwing it away:

• Keep products with this label visible, at the front of your fridge;
• If you realize you won't eat them in time, many can be frozen before the expiry date;
• Follow the storage instructions written on the packaging, starting with the temperature.

«Best before»: the minimum durability date

This label indicates the minimum durability date, often abbreviated as MDD. It's the date until which the manufacturer guarantees that the product maintains all its qualities: taste, aroma, texture.

After this date, the product does not become dangerous overnight, provided the packaging is intact and it has been stored correctly. It might lose a bit of its fragrance or taste. You'll find it on pasta, rice, biscuits, cereals, preserves, coffee, chocolate, and many other long-life products.

Before throwing it away, use your senses: look, smell, taste a small piece. If the packaging is swollen, suspiciously dented, or there's mold, then yes, it should be discarded.

Eggs, a special case

On eggs, you'll find the label «best before», set at a maximum of 28 days from laying. Store them in the fridge and, as the date approaches, prefer them well-cooked: in desserts, omelettes, savory pies.

In short

• «Use by» = expiry: after, don't eat.
• «Best before» = quality guaranteed until that date: after, check and often still edible.

With Freshy, you mark the date when you put away your groceries, and the app notifies you before it arrives. This way, fresh milk won't slip your mind, and when the alert is for a «best before» date, you know there's no need to rush to throw it away: just check it.