What you need to know about the best-before date of food

Absolutely! Here’s an informative and practical article for **”What You Need to Know About the Best-Before Date of Food”**:

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## **What You Need to Know About the Best-Before Date of Food**

We’ve all done it—glanced at the date on a food package, spotted that it passed yesterday (or last week), and tossed the item straight into the trash. But what does a **best-before date** really mean? And is it always necessary to throw food away once it passes?

Understanding food labeling can help reduce food waste, save money, and even keep your pantry stocked more confidently. Here’s what you need to know about the **best-before date**—and why it’s not always a deadline.

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### 🏷️ **What Is a Best-Before Date?**

The **best-before date** (also called “best if used by”) refers to the point **before which a food product is at its peak quality** in terms of taste, texture, and nutritional value. It is **not** an expiration date or a food safety guarantee.

Unlike the **“use-by” date**, which typically applies to perishable products like meat, dairy, or prepared meals (and **should be followed for safety reasons**), the best-before date is more about **quality than safety**.

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### 🍞 **Examples of Foods with Best-Before Dates**

* Dry pasta and rice
* Canned goods
* Crackers and cookies
* Frozen foods
* Baking ingredients (like flour or baking powder)

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