Understanding Best Before vs Expiry Dates

Ever stood in front of your fridge wondering if that yogurt or cheese is still okay to eat? You're not alone. Best before dates and expiry dates are often confused, but they mean two very different things when it comes to your food's safety and quality.

Here’s a quick breakdown so you can feel more confident the next time you check a label:

**Best Before Date: What It Really Means**
This label tells you when the product is at its peak freshness, taste, and nutritional value. It’s not a safety deadline. Most foods are still safe to eat shortly after the best before date, especially if stored properly.

Common examples:
- Cheese
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Eggs

Use your senses: if it looks, smells, and tastes normal, it's likely still good.

**Expiry Date: The Real Deadline**
Expiry dates are for products that can lose their effectiveness or become unsafe after a certain point. Once the expiry date has passed, the product should not be consumed.

Common examples:
- Baby formula
- Nutritional supplements
- Meal replacements
- Some pharmaceuticals

If it has an expiry date, it’s best not to take the risk.

**How to Make the Most of Your Fresh Food**
- Store produce properly in breathable containers or bags
- Keep your fridge at the right temperature (4°C or below)
- Eat what you buy in the order it ripens
- Check our blog for recipes that help use up food before it spoils

At Fresh N’ Dish, we aim to pack only what you can use, meaning less stress about dates and more confidence in your kitchen.

Want fresh food that lasts longer?
Check out our weekly produce boxes

📍 Delivery available in Toronto, North York, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Mississauga, Oakville, and Etobicoke.