Best by date and expiration date are two different words that are used to describe the dates on which a food item is good for its shelf life.
The best-by date refers to the date at which the product is considered to be in perfect condition, while the expiration date is a day after the product is deemed unsafe to be consumed.
Summary Table
| Best by Date | Expiration Date |
| The date when the product loses its quality. | The date when the product is no longer safe to consume. |
| The product is still safe to consume/use even after the best by date. | The product should be consumed before the expiration date. |
Definitions
Best by date is generally used on perishable products such as fruits, vegetables, and milk. Best by date is not a legal term, but rather a term used in the food industry to indicate that a particular product should be consumed before it goes bad.
However, the products are still safe to use even after the best-by-date passes.
On the other hand, if there is an expiration date printed on the package of any given food item, then it means that this item should be consumed before the date stated.
Expiration dates are printed on all types of packaged food items such as fruits and vegetables, packaged meat and poultry products as well as any other kind of packaged product.
The purpose of these dates is to help consumers avoid eating rotten food products. A food item that has an expiration date must be consumed before it goes bad.
Difference Between Best By Date and Expiration Date
The main difference between the best-by date and the expiration date is that the best-by date refers to the time at which a food item is considered to be in perfect condition.
It is not required that a food item should be consumed within a particular period after it has been purchased. In contrast, the expiration date indicates that an item should be consumed before it goes bad.
The difference between the best-by date and expiration date depends on how the items are processed, stored, and packaged. If food items are stored in an airtight container, then they will remain fresh for a longer period than if they are exposed to air.
Therefore, best-by dates are typically printed on perishable items such as fruits and vegetables. The expiration dates on these products indicate that they must be consumed before their best-by-dates expire.
On the other hand, foods that are not stored in airtight containers may remain fresh for a longer period even if they have an expiration date.
This is because it is difficult to know how long these products will stay fresh until you eat them, so consumers can safely consume them after their best-by-dates expire.
