When you grab a snack from the pantry or a carton of milk from the fridge, do you ever wonder what those little date labels really mean? For many students, the difference between “Best Before” and “Use By” is confusing. But knowing the distinction isn’t just about avoiding waste. It can help you save money and, more importantly, protect your health.

Food labels do more than list ingredients. They tell you:

• How long food stays safe
• When it’s at its best quality

Getting them wrong can mean:

• Throwing away good food too soon
• Eating food that could make you sick

Best Before Date = Quality

• About quality, not safety
• After this date, your food may lose taste, texture, or nutrition
• Still safe if stored properly
• Example: Chips losing crunch or cereal tasting less fresh, but they are still safe to eat

 Use By Date = Safety

• About safety, not quality
• Never eat food past this date, even if it looks or smells fine
• Common on milk, cheese, fresh meat, fish, and ready-to-eat meals
• Eating past this date = higher risk of food poisoning

Smart tips for students

• Plan ahead: Check your fridge before shopping. Use or freeze items close to their Use By date
• Check labels: Pick longer dates if you won’t eat food right away
• Store properly: Dates only apply if stored as instructed
• Don’t mix them up: Yogurt with Use By ≠ Chips with Best Before
• Trust your senses (carefully): For Best Before items, look, smell, taste. For Use By items, never risk it

Tip: If you cannot rely on your sense of smell, stick to the Best Before date on the pack.

Reducing waste, staying safe 

By knowing the difference between Best Before and Use By, you can save money, cut down on food waste, and protect yourself from foodborne illness. This simple habit makes a big difference in student life. Whether you are cooking in a shared kitchen, shopping for groceries, or grabbing a quick snack, a quick glance at the label helps you eat safely and wisely.

Remember:

• Best Before = about quality
• Use By = about safety

So next time, check the date before you bite!

Written by Dr Yong Heng Yaw, Lecturer, School of Health Sciences, IMU University