Best by and use by are two labels that are used to indicate the best before or best after the date. It is not the same thing. The best before date is a label that indicates when the foodstuff can be consumed without losing its quality.
Summary Table
| Best By | Use By |
| Indicates when the foodstuff can be consumed without losing the quality | Indicates when the foodstuff can be consumed safely |
| Indicates that the food can be consumed even after the date | Indicates that after the date passes, the food can no longer be consumed |
On the other hand, use by date is a label indicating that foodstuff can be consumed up to a certain date. This data may vary according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as well as according to their safety standards and also quality standards of the food product in question.
Best by dates are usually printed on every packaging of food products, while use by dates may be printed on products that may have an expiry date stamped on them or it may be found written in small print on an ingredient label at the back of each package of a food product.
Definitions
Best by refers to the date at which the product should be consumed to avoid loss of quality. It is a label printed on every package of food products.
Use refers to the date at which the product should be consumed to ensure quality. It is not printed on every package of food products but it is found written in small print on an ingredient label at the back of each package.
Difference Between Best By and Use By
The main difference between best by and use by dates is that use by date is only applicable to certain food products. Best by date applies to all food products.
Best before date can be printed on all types of food products, while use by date may only apply to certain types of food products.
On the other hand, best before date is generally used on all types of food products, while use by date is usually found written on a certain food product.
The difference between best by and use by dates may be because the date printed on a certain food product may not be for its expiration. The use-by date indicates that the foodstuff should not be consumed after its expiry date.
On the other hand, the best-before date can indicate when the product should not be consumed at all. The use by or best before dates are just indicative of what will happen to a certain foodstuff if it is consumed before or after its expiry date.
