Use By vs. Best By: Understanding the Difference

Ah, the age-old mystery of the food label! It’s the Sherlock to your Watson, the beans to your toast, and dare we say, the jam to your scone — food dating labels are here to both assist and utterly confuse us all. ‘Best By’ and ‘Use By’ are two of the most common, yet many people are left wondering “what does the 'Best By' date actually mean?” Are they simply different ways of saying the same thing, or is there more to it? Let’s break down these terms so you can navigate your kitchen confidently and avoid any unnecessary waste.

What Does the ‘Best By’ Date Mean?

So, what does the ‘Best By’ date mean? The ‘Best By’ date is more about quality than safety. It’s the manufacturer’s recommendation for when the product will be at its best — whether that’s your crisps being perfectly crunchy or your tea having the freshest flavour. It’s not a deadline but a gentle nudge, letting you know when to enjoy the item at its finest.

But here’s the twist with 'Best By' vs. 'Use By': a food item can still be perfectly safe to eat after the ‘Best By’ date has come and gone. It may not be at the height of its deliciousness, but it won’t necessarily turn into something from a Dickensian horror story. So, feel free to dunk that slightly soft digestive into your cuppa –– it’s not gone bad, just not as brilliant as it once was.

Understanding the “Use By” Date

The ‘Use By’ date, on the other hand, is a more serious matter. What does the 'Use By' date mean? Well, it’s about food safety, not just quality. This date indicates when a product should be consumed by, especially for perishable items like dairy, meat, and ready meals. Consuming them after this date could pose a risk, so it’s best to follow this guidance closely.

Unlike what the ‘Best By’ date means, the ‘Use By’ date isn’t up for negotiation. If your yoghurt is past its ‘Use By’ date, it’s time to let it go. It’s all about keeping you safe and avoiding any unpleasant consequences.

Why These Dates Matter

Understanding exactly what the 'Best By' date means can help you reduce food waste and make the most of what you have in the cupboard. We’ve all been guilty of throwing away perfectly good food because we misunderstood the label. By knowing what the 'Use By' date means, you can shop more wisely, save money, and feel good about not contributing to the mountain of food waste we see every year. And let’s be honest, there’s something satisfying about making sure every last crumb is put to good use.

A Taste of Home at The Hamlet

At The Hamlet British Store, we offer a wide selection of British favourites, from crisps and biscuits to teas and coffees, all shipped to you with plenty of time to spare on those dates. Whether you’re after a nostalgic dessert or something new to try, our range of food and beverages is sure to delight. When you shop with us, you’re not just buying a product –– you’re getting a little slice of Britain, right here in the States! Browse our selection today and bring a bit of Britain into your home — freshness guaranteed.

***Please keep in mind that British dates are written differently from American dates***

Ex. - British: 10/08/2024 = August 10, 2024

American: 10/08/2024 = October 10, 2024

There can be some confusion surrounding Best By Dates vs Use By Dates. In the UK, food products often come with various date labels that help consumers understand how long a product will remain at its best quality and when it may no longer be safe to eat. Here’s an explanation of the common date labels you’ll find:

Best By or Best Before

• Label: "Best Before" or "Best Before End" (BBE)
• Meaning: This date indicates when the product is expected to be at its best quality, including texture and flavor. It is not about safety. Foods can often be consumed after the best before date, but they may not taste as good.
• Important Note: Food is still safe to eat after the best before date as long as it has been stored correctly and the packaging is intact.

Use By

• Label: "Use By"
• Meaning: This date is about food safety. It indicates the last day that the food can be safely consumed. Consuming food after the use by date can pose health risks.
• Important Note: Always follow storage instructions and do not consume food past this date.