How Long Can Food Be Expired Before You Shouldn’t Eat It?

We’ve all been there—you’re in the middle of cooking, realize you’re missing an ingredient, and turn to a neighbor for help. But what happens when they hand you something that looks… questionable? That’s exactly what happened to me when I asked my neighbor for a can of green beans. What I got in return was something so old I couldn’t even trust it. I threw it out immediately and went to the store, but it got me thinking: how long can something be expired and still be safe to eat?

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should trust an expired item in your pantry or fridge, let’s break it down. Food expiration dates can be confusing, and just because something is past its date doesn’t always mean it’s unsafe. However, there are clear guidelines for what’s still edible and what belongs in the trash.

Understanding Expiration Dates: What Do They Really Mean?

There are several types of expiration dates you’ll find on food packaging, and they don’t all mean the same thing:

“Best By” or “Best Before” Date → This refers to quality, not safety. Food may not taste as fresh but is usually still safe to eat after this date.
“Sell By” Date → This is for stores to manage inventory. It doesn’t mean the food is bad after this date.
“Use By” Date → This is the manufacturer’s estimate of when the food is at its peak freshness. It may still be safe a little while after, but it depends on the type of food.
“Expiration Date” → This is the one you need to take seriously. If a product has an expiration date, especially perishable items like dairy, meat, or baby formula, it’s best to discard it.