eli5: Why do some refrigerated products have a “Best buy” date, instead of an expiration date?

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Edit : Best if used BY*

I went to Ralph’s today for this queso dip I usually get. It’s a refrigerated product kept in the dairy department. It had a Best By date of AUGUST of THIS year (don’t ask me why. I almost thought about informing a staff member but didn’t want to look stupid if it wasn’t a huge deal). The queso did not have any expiration date written on the product. I sadly just decided to not get it. I understand that Best If Used By dates are technically different from Expiration dates.. but how much different when it comes to refrigerated products? If I purchased it& waited a few days to a week or two before consumption , I wouldn’t know when it would for sure expire..

In: 70

10 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Factors other than just time change things, so the Best Buy date is going to keep things as safe as possible—but many items can last much longer than it seems.

I keep most of our gallons of milk in a fridge in our garage—because it isn’t opened NEARLY as often, exposed to the elements, and the garage usually remains in darkness, my milk can last a month or two after it’s “Best Buy” date.

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