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Food waste is a big problem. Many people discard groceries due to “use by” dates, mistakenly believing the food is unsafe. But those dates are often not about safety at all. They’re about quality, freshness, or even just marketing. This confusion costs you money and fills up landfills. Knowing which “use by” dates are misleading can help you save food, cash, and stress. Here’s what you need to know about the most common offenders.
1. Milk
Milk is one of the most tossed-out items in American homes. The “use by” date on milk is usually about peak taste, not safety. Most milk stays good for days after the date if you keep it cold. Smell it. If it smells fine and looks normal, it’s probably safe. The real risk comes from leaving milk out or letting it get warm. Don’t let the date on the jug make you waste good milk. The USDA says most date labels are about quality, not safety. The primary SEO keyword, “use by dates,” is at the heart of this issue.
2. Eggs
Egg cartons often have a “use by” or “sell by” date. But eggs can last weeks past that date. Store them in the coldest part of your fridge, not the door. To check if an egg is still good, put it in a bowl of water. If it sinks, it’s fine. If it floats, toss it. The “use by” date is more about moving inventory than food safety. Many people waste eggs because of this. “Use by dates” on eggs are misleading and can lead to unnecessary waste.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt is full of live cultures that help preserve it. The “use by” date is about taste and texture, not safety. Yogurt can last a week or more past the date if it’s sealed and cold. If it smells sour or has mold, throw it out. Otherwise, it’s probably fine. Stir it if there’s liquid on top. Don’t let the “use by” date scare you into tossing it early. This is another example of how “use by dates” can be misleading.
4. Bread
Bread bags often have a “use by” or “best by” date. But bread rarely goes bad by that date. It might get stale, but it’s still safe. If you see mold, throw it out. Otherwise, toast it or use it for French toast. You can freeze bread to make it last even longer. The “use by” date is about keeping shelves stocked with fresh bread, not about safety. Don’t let it trick you into wasting food.
5. Packaged Salad Greens
Bagged salads and greens come with a “use by” date that’s usually about appearance. The greens might wilt or lose crunch, but they’re not dangerous unless they’re slimy or smell bad. Wash them and check for any bad leaves. If most of the greens look fine, eat them. The “use by” date is there to keep the product looking perfect in stores. It’s not a safety deadline. This is a classic case of “use by dates” being misleading on purpose.
6. Canned Goods
Canned foods often have a “use by” or “best by” date. But canned goods can last for years if the can isn’t damaged. The date is about taste and texture, not safety. If the can is bulging, rusted, or leaking, throw it out. Otherwise, it’s probably fine. The FDA says canned foods are safe long after the date if stored right. Don’t let “use by dates” on cans make you waste good food.
7. Dry Pasta
Dry pasta boxes have a “use by” or “best by” date, but pasta can last for years. The date is about peak quality, not safety. If the pasta looks and smells normal, it’s safe to eat. Store it in a cool, dry place. The “use by” date is there to keep you buying more, not because the pasta will suddenly go bad. Don’t let the date push you to toss out perfectly good pasta.
Rethinking “Use By Dates” in Your Kitchen
“Use by dates” are everywhere, but they’re often more about marketing than safety. Trust your senses—smell, look, and taste—before throwing food away. Most foods are safe past their “use by” dates if stored right. This simple shift can save you money and cut down on waste. The next time you see a “use by date,” remember it’s not always the final word. You have more control than you think.
Have you ever eaten something past its “use by” date? How did it turn out? Share your story in the comments.
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