Decode Dates and Prioritize Safety
Confusion over date labels is one of the single biggest contributors to household food waste. People see a date, panic, and toss perfectly safe and edible food. It’s crucial to understand what these labels actually mean, according to the agencies that regulate our food. For official guidance on food safety, consumers can always refer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
Strategy 14: Learn the Lingo: “Best By” vs. “Use By”
These phrases are not interchangeable. With the exception of infant formula, the dates you see on food packages are not safety dates. They are quality dates, determined by the manufacturer, to indicate when the product will be at its peak freshness, flavor, and texture.
A “Best If Used By/Before” date indicates when a product will have the best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date. The crackers might be slightly less crisp, the cereal a little less crunchy, but they are generally safe to consume long after this date if stored properly.
A “Use-By” date is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. It is not a safety date except for when used on infant formula. For other products, it’s still a manufacturer’s suggestion for best quality.
Instead of relying solely on the printed date, use your senses. Look for signs of spoilage like mold, a slimy texture, or an off smell. Your eyes and nose are often better guides to food safety than a conservative date printed on a package.
Strategy 15: The Freezer Is Your Most Powerful Tool
The freezer is essentially a pause button for food. When you see something approaching its expiration date or notice you have too much of an ingredient, freezing it is almost always the answer. You can freeze bread to prevent mold, grate and freeze blocks of cheese, and freeze leftover soups, stews, and sauces in single-serving portions for easy future meals. To prevent freezer burn, which is caused by air exposure, remove as much air as possible from bags and use freezer-safe containers. Blanching vegetables (a quick dip in boiling water followed by an ice bath) before freezing helps preserve their texture and nutrients. A well-managed freezer is a cornerstone of a waste-free kitchen.
