Food date guide: How long is food still good?

Some foods may be safe long after the date on the package. Others can be extended by freezing. Find out what is still good and what should be thrown away.

What do those dates mean?

“Best By” or “Best Before” 

    • An estimate of when quality may be best

    • The product is still safe to eat

“Sell By” 

    • The date fresh foods must be removed from store shelves

    • The product is still safe to eat

“Expiration” or “EXP”

    • Seen on baby formula, medicines and vitamins

    • Throw these items away

To know if a food is safe to eat, check for an off smell, color, flavor or texture.

Type of food Shelf life after date
Dairy
Milk 1 week
Yogurt 2 weeks
Hard cheese 6 months
Soft cheese 1-2 weeks
Butter 3 months, 1 year if frozen
Canned foods
Meat and fish 2-5 years
High-acid foods, such as fruit or tomato-based foods 1-2 years
Low-acid foods, such as most soups and vegetables 2-3 years
Beans 3 years
Condiments
Ketchup, cocktail, or chili sauce 18 months
Mayonnaise 3-6 months
Mustard 2 years
Olives, pickles 2 years
Salad dressing 1 year
Salsa 12-18 months
Spaghetti sauce 18 months
Vinegar 2 years
Dry goods
Dried beans year
Bread 3-5 days, 3 months if frozen
Cereal and oatmeal 1 year
Crackers 8 months
White flour 1 year
Whole wheat flour 6 months, longer in freezer
Dried fruit 6 months
Mac and cheese 9-12 months
Pasta 2-3 years
Peanut butter 18 months
Popcorn 2 years
Brown rice 1 year
White rice 2 years
Shelf-stable beverages
Soy or rice milk 6 months
Nutritional aids, such as Ensure 1 year
Juice 9 months
Meat
Ground meat or poultry 1-2 days, 3-4 months if frozen
Chicken or turkey 1-2 days, 9-12 months if frozen
Beef, pork, lamb 3-5 days, 4-12 months if frozen

Note that a color change in meat doesn’t mean it’s bad—spoiled meat will also have an odor or feel sticky or slimy.

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