What You Need to Know About Food Expiration Dates — Stop Wasting Food (and Money!)

Do you pour it down the drain… or pour it in your coffee?

If you’ve been tossing food based on those little dates, you’re not alone—but you’re probably throwing away perfectly good food.

Here’s the truth: Expiration dates in the U.S. are about quality—not safety (with a few critical exceptions).

Let’s clear up the confusion—so you can save money, reduce waste, and eat with confidence.

🚫 Myth: “Expiration Dates = Safety Deadlines”

Reality: Most dates are manufacturer suggestions for peak freshness—not legal requirements or safety warnings.

📌 The USDA states:

“Except for infant formula, dates on food products are not required by federal law and are not indicators of safety.”

📅 Decoding Common Date Labels: