Does the "Best By" date mean expiration date?

Question

I hate how everything now a days has the "best by" date instead of the expiration date. I dont care when it is best used, I want to know when it expires! So if the product is pass the "best by" date should I just toss it??

Answer 1

Use your best judgement, although I admit to recently using a cake mix from 2006. Foods that have a best before date are usually safe to eat after the date has passed, although they are likely to have deteriorated either in flavour, texture, appearance or nutrition.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shelf_life

Answer 2

Yes

Answer 3

umm yes

Answer 4

I believe you have 2-3 days after the best by...date

Answer 5

depends on what it is, there is a documentary on TV concerning advances in technology brought on by wars. canned food was one of them. recently there was a guy who ate  a can of food that was made during WWII. he said it tasted just fine and didn't get sick. To me, it just depends on how its packaged.  

Answer 6

A product will remain fresh and of good quality right up to the 'best before' date (and sometimes beyond) if it is properly stored, both at home and at the supermarket.

You can read more about it on the link I provided.

Answer 7

It will help keep the economy going if you do because you'll be spending more on food than you need to spend.  There is no a manufacturer can know when the product will not be usable because there are a huge number of uncontrolled variables in storage and treatment.  We consumers must use our heads (I know--horrors!!!) and throw out food that is off taste or color or smell.  My uncle used to tell of folks dragging off bloated, smelly dead animals from his farm to be butchered and eaten.  We have become very wasteful in many ways because we can afford to be that way.

Answer 8

I wouold toss it because best buy and an expiration date is the same thing some companies feel like best by sounds better than expiration it's a marketing tool throw that stuff out what ever it is!!!

Answer 9

k it says BEST BEFORE not BAD AFTER, so go ahead and eat it. It should be good for about a month after the best before date depending on what it is.

Answer 10

yup its the same just different words

Answer 11

better meaning is "Best Use Before"