🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 42 (from laksa046)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa042.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700","crawl_time":1775370452,"first_indexed_time":1739979997,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,nbcnews!www,\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700 s443","src_root_hash":"3867714919315588842","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How Accurate Are Food Expiration Dates? Experts Weigh In","meta_descriptions":["I spoke with experts to learn the key differences between sell-by dates, best-by dates, expiration dates and freeze-by dates. Plus, I share how long foods like chicken, eggs and cheese last."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"We’ve all probably been there: You pull out your milk from the\nfridge\nonly to realize it’s two days past the expiration date. Upon further inspection, it looks and smells just fine, but instinct tells you it’s best to toss rather than risk getting sick. While expiration dates help us stay safe, it’s hard to not wonder if one or even three days past truly makes a difference.\nThe truth is that expiration dates largely depend on the\ntype of food\nand its chemical composition, according to food scientist\nBryan Quoc Le\n. In fact, some foods may start to\nspoil\nbut are not necessarily unsafe to eat. “An example is bread, which can become hard and stale but is still good to eat if used in other forms,” he says. “However, some foods will breed pathogens that can be risky to consume.” This is especially true for animal-based products like dairy and meat.\nSKIP AHEAD\nTerms to know\n|\nFood expiration chart\n|\nWhy Trust NBC Select?\nFood expiration terms to know\nDeciphering what exactly every type of label or date really mean can be confusing, especially if you make it a priority to cut down on food waste and don’t want to toss something unless you truly have to. I spoke with Quoc Le to help me break down common terms.\nExpiration date\nAn expiration date can be somewhat of a nebulous term and is often confused with a best-by date. In general, an expiration date is when a food is considered no longer safe to consume to avoid illness. This is especially true for foods that perish very quickly, such as milk and other dairy products, which typically change in texture and give off a rotten smell and taste when they’ve gone bad.\nFor other foods, like fruits, vegetables and bread, you’ll see mold start to form on the surface. Eggs can be a bit trickier to determine when they’ve expired, but you can keep them up to around three weeks past the expiration date\nif stored properly\n, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and experts I’ve talked to.\nSell-by date\nThis is the last day that it is OK for a grocery store to keep the item on shelves, as determined by the food manufacturer, according to Quoc Le. This especially applies to highly perishable items like milk, meat, and poultry, which spoil quickly when not stored properly. With that said, some foods are still safe to consume after the sell by date, according to\nAnn Ziata\n, a chef at the\nInstitute of Culinary Education\n. “After the sell-by date, you’ll have some time to store it safely at home, usually a few days to a week, before it goes bad,” she says.\nBest-by date\nThis label applies to how something tastes and its quality, rather than food safety, according to Ziata. “A best-by date is the date the manufacturer recommends you consume the product by for the best flavor and texture,” she says. “After this date, food may become stale and less appetizing.” This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat it, but that it may not be as flavorful as when it was at its peak or that it may be best to repurpose it. An example of this is using stale bread to make breadcrumbs or tearing it up to make stuffing.\nFreeze-by date\nPerhaps the most straightforward of all the labels, a freeze-by date is the date by which you should freeze a food item to avoid it deteriorating rapidly afterward, according to Quoc Le. This often applies to meat and poultry, which last only a few days to a week in the fridge but several months and up to a year in the freezer, according to the\nFood and Drug Administration (FDA)\n. Freezing makes a huge difference in keeping food safe to consume because at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, microbes are inhibited from growing.\nFood expiration date chart\nI spoke with Quoc Le and Ziata to get a sense of how long the most common grocery items last. The chart below depicts the amount of time certain foods are safe to keep either in the fridge or freezer, according to experts, the\nUSDA\n,\nFDA\nand the\nU.S. Department of Health & Human Services\n.\nMeet our experts\nAt NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and\/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.\nDr. Bryan Quoc Le\nis a food scientist, food industry consultant and the author of “50 Food Science Questions Answered.”\nAnn Ziata\nis a chef and instructor at the\nInstitute of Culinary Education\nin New York, NY.\nWhy trust NBC Select?\nI’m a\ncommerce editor\nat NBC Select, where I cover  home and kitchen topics and write about\nkitchen appliances\nand\nfood storage\nexplainers. I spoke with a food scientist and chef for their guidance and included data and information from government agencies, including the\nUSDA\n,\nFDA\nand the\nU.S. Department of Health & Human Services\nfor this story.\nCatch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of\ntech and tools\n,\nwellness\nand more, and follow us on\nFacebook\n,\nInstagram\n,\nTwitter\nand\nTikTok\nto stay up to date.","attrs_markdown":"IE 11 is not supported. 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When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. [Learn more](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/about-ncna1280612).\n\n[Home & Kitchen](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/home-kitchen)\n\n# Key food expiration dates explained: Sell-by vs best-by vs freeze-by and more\nPlus, I break down how long foods like chicken, cheese, milk and eggs really last.\n\nFeb. 19, 2025, 3:16 PM UTC\n\n[![](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_focal-100x100,f_auto,q_auto:best\/newscms\/2025_20\/3688782\/screenshot_2025-05-15_at_8-50-41_am.png) Cory Fernandez Commerce Editor](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/author\/cory-fernandez-ncpn1308317)\n\nSkip to table of contents\n\n![If you store them properly, you can eat eggs, condiments and even some cheeses, past their expiration date, according to experts. ](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_fit-560w,f_auto,q_auto:best\/rockcms\/2025-02\/250214-food-expiration-dates-kb-main-f10fe8.jpg)\n\nIf you store them properly, you can eat eggs, condiments and even some cheeses, past their expiration date, according to experts. Getty Images\n\nWe’ve all probably been there: You pull out your milk from the [fridge](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/how-to-clean-fridge-rcna145521) only to realize it’s two days past the expiration date. Upon further inspection, it looks and smells just fine, but instinct tells you it’s best to toss rather than risk getting sick. While expiration dates help us stay safe, it’s hard to not wonder if one or even three days past truly makes a difference.\n\nThe truth is that expiration dates largely depend on the [type of food](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/best-pantry-essentials-rcna191546) and its chemical composition, according to food scientist [Bryan Quoc Le](https:\/\/www.bryanquocle.com\/). In fact, some foods may start to [spoil](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/how-to-store-eggs-rcna191843) but are not necessarily unsafe to eat. “An example is bread, which can become hard and stale but is still good to eat if used in other forms,” he says. “However, some foods will breed pathogens that can be risky to consume.” This is especially true for animal-based products like dairy and meat.\n\n**SKIP AHEAD** [***Terms to know***](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-cd571a) ***\\|*** [***Food expiration chart***](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-0b6b30) ***\\|*** [***Why Trust NBC Select?***](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-d2e32d)\n\n### Related\n[![](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_focal-80x80,f_auto,q_auto:best\/rockcms\/2025-02\/2502010-how-to-store-eggs-lm-main-654028.jpg)](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/how-to-store-eggs-rcna191843)\n\n[select](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select)\n### [select](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select)[How to store eggs to keep them fresh as long as possible](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/how-to-store-eggs-rcna191843)\n\n[Food expiration terms to know](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-cd571a)\n\nDeciphering what exactly every type of label or date really mean can be confusing, especially if you make it a priority to cut down on food waste and don’t want to toss something unless you truly have to. I spoke with Quoc Le to help me break down common terms.\n\n## Food storage accessories our editors love\n[![](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_focal-240x240,f_auto,q_auto:best\/rockcms\/2024-10\/AMAZON-11c011.jpg)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Souper-Cubes-Extra-Large-Silicone-Freezing\/dp\/B07GSSR5V2?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n### [Souper Cubes](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Souper-Cubes-Extra-Large-Silicone-Freezing\/dp\/B07GSSR5V2?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n[\\$39.90 Amazon](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Souper-Cubes-Extra-Large-Silicone-Freezing\/dp\/B07GSSR5V2?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n[![](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_focal-240x240,f_auto,q_auto:best\/rockcms\/2025-02\/AMAZON-Hefty-Calendar-Slider-Gallon-Freezer-Bags-1-Gallon-Size-Slider-Bags-with-Stand-and-Fill-Expandable-Bottoms-Helps-Prevent-Freezer-Burn-25-Count-Pack-of-4-a14530.jpg)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hefty-Slider-Freezer-Calendar-Gallon\/dp\/B0B34YLF6V?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n### [Hefty Calendar Slider Freezer Bags](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hefty-Slider-Freezer-Calendar-Gallon\/dp\/B0B34YLF6V?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n[\\$20.88 \\$21.96 Amazon](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hefty-Slider-Freezer-Calendar-Gallon\/dp\/B0B34YLF6V?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n[![](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_focal-240x240,f_auto,q_auto:best\/rockcms\/2025-02\/AMAZON-Stasher-Platinum-Silicone-Food-Grade-Reusable-Storage-Bag-Clear-Bundle-4-Pack-Small--Reduce-Single-Use-Plastic--Cook-Store-Sous-Vide-or-Freeze--Leakproof-Dishwasher-Safe-Eco-friendly-4df5f7.jpg)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Stasher-Bag-Leakproof-Dishwasher-Safe-Eco-friendly\/dp\/B087XBR564?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n### [Stasher Reusable Food Storage Bags](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Stasher-Bag-Leakproof-Dishwasher-Safe-Eco-friendly\/dp\/B087XBR564?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n[\\$40.55 \\$54.99 Amazon](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Stasher-Bag-Leakproof-Dishwasher-Safe-Eco-friendly\/dp\/B087XBR564?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n[![](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_focal-240x240,f_auto,q_auto:best\/rockcms\/2025-02\/AMAZON-Freshware-Food-Storage-Containers-24-Set-32-oz-Plastic-Deli-Containers-with-Lids-Slime-Soup-Meal-Prep-Containers--BPA-Free--Stackable--Leakproof--MicrowaveDishwasherFreezer-Safe-9cc7f8.jpg)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Freshware-Containers-Stackable-Leakproof-Dishwasher\/dp\/B0159YQCPI?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n### [Freshware Food Storage Containers](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Freshware-Containers-Stackable-Leakproof-Dishwasher\/dp\/B0159YQCPI?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n[\\$14.75 Amazon](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Freshware-Containers-Stackable-Leakproof-Dishwasher\/dp\/B0159YQCPI?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n[Expiration date](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-8c2ebd)\n\nAn expiration date can be somewhat of a nebulous term and is often confused with a best-by date. In general, an expiration date is when a food is considered no longer safe to consume to avoid illness. This is especially true for foods that perish very quickly, such as milk and other dairy products, which typically change in texture and give off a rotten smell and taste when they’ve gone bad.\n\nFor other foods, like fruits, vegetables and bread, you’ll see mold start to form on the surface. Eggs can be a bit trickier to determine when they’ve expired, but you can keep them up to around three weeks past the expiration date [if stored properly](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/how-to-store-eggs-rcna191843), according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and experts I’ve talked to.\n\n[Sell-by date](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-9999d6)\n\nThis is the last day that it is OK for a grocery store to keep the item on shelves, as determined by the food manufacturer, according to Quoc Le. This especially applies to highly perishable items like milk, meat, and poultry, which spoil quickly when not stored properly. With that said, some foods are still safe to consume after the sell by date, according to [Ann Ziata](https:\/\/www.ice.edu\/about\/chefs\/ann-ziata), a chef at the [Institute of Culinary Education](https:\/\/www.ice.edu\/). “After the sell-by date, you’ll have some time to store it safely at home, usually a few days to a week, before it goes bad,” she says.\n\n[Best-by date](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-a38b97)\n\nThis label applies to how something tastes and its quality, rather than food safety, according to Ziata. “A best-by date is the date the manufacturer recommends you consume the product by for the best flavor and texture,” she says. “After this date, food may become stale and less appetizing.” This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat it, but that it may not be as flavorful as when it was at its peak or that it may be best to repurpose it. An example of this is using stale bread to make breadcrumbs or tearing it up to make stuffing.\n\n[Freeze-by date](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-552368)\n\nPerhaps the most straightforward of all the labels, a freeze-by date is the date by which you should freeze a food item to avoid it deteriorating rapidly afterward, according to Quoc Le. This often applies to meat and poultry, which last only a few days to a week in the fridge but several months and up to a year in the freezer, according to the [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)](https:\/\/www.fsis.usda.gov\/food-safety\/safe-food-handling-and-preparation\/food-safety-basics\/freezing-and-food-safety). Freezing makes a huge difference in keeping food safe to consume because at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, microbes are inhibited from growing.\n\n## Bestsellers on sale\nSelect earns a commission on purchases through these links.\n\n[![](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_focal-240x240,f_auto,q_auto:best\/rockcms\/2025-03\/AMAZON-ACTIVE-Ice-Machine-Cleaner-Maker-Descaler---24-Clean-Tablets-Compatible-with-Frigidaire-Opal-GE-Profile-Kitchenaid-Nickel-Safe-Scale-Remover-for-Countertop-Nugget-Ice-Makers---Bulk-1-Year-Supply-654938.jpg)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0D8N44YQQ?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n### [Active Ice Machine 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Amazon](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0D8N44YQQ?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n[![](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_focal-240x240,f_auto,q_auto:best\/rockcms\/2025-03\/AMAZON-Washing-Machine-Cleaner-Descaler-24-Pack---Deep-Cleaning-Tablets-For-HE-Front-Loader--Top-Load-Washer-Septic-Safe-Eco-Friendly-Deodorizer-Clean-Inside-Drum-and-Laundry-Tub-Seal---12-Month-Supply-e091e5.jpg)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B08DVFZTTG?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n### [Active Washing Machine 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Amazon](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0C8ZSWK4B?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n[![](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_focal-240x240,f_auto,q_auto:best\/rockcms\/2025-03\/AMAZON-One-Touch-Electric-Can-Opener-Fits-Almost-All-Can-Sizes-for-Seniors-with-Arthritis-Hand-Held-Battery-Operated-Can-Opener-with-Smooth-Edge-Food-Safe-Kitchen-Gadgets-Automatic-Can-Opener-for-Kitchen-bb6580.jpg)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CRH81VDR?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n### [One Touch Electric Can Opener](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CRH81VDR?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n[\\$24.99 \\$29.99 Amazon](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CRH81VDR?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n[![](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_focal-240x240,f_auto,q_auto:best\/rockcms\/2025-03\/AMAZON-Chefn-GarlicZoom-Garlic-Chopper-66ccf3.jpg)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B07DNPCZMZ?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n### [Chef'n GarlicZoom Garlic Chopper](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B07DNPCZMZ?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n[\\$16.73 Amazon](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B07DNPCZMZ?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n[Food expiration date chart](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-0b6b30)\n\nI spoke with Quoc Le and Ziata to get a sense of how long the most common grocery items last. The chart below depicts the amount of time certain foods are safe to keep either in the fridge or freezer, according to experts, the [USDA](https:\/\/www.fsis.usda.gov\/), [FDA](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/) and the [U.S. Department of Health & Human Services](https:\/\/www.foodsafety.gov\/).\n\n![](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best\/rockcms\/2025-02\/250218-food-expiration-chart-oo-266975.jpg)\n\n[Meet our experts](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-1eb5bd)\n\nAt NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and\/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.\n\n- [**Dr. Bryan Quoc Le**](https:\/\/www.bryanquocle.com\/) is a food scientist, food industry consultant and the author of “50 Food Science Questions Answered.”\n\n- [**Ann Ziata**](https:\/\/www.ice.edu\/about\/chefs\/ann-ziata) is a chef and instructor at the [Institute of Culinary Education](https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__https:\/www.ice.edu\/__;!!PIZeeW5wscynRQ!oLOBiYResLreIPEFu0AMSdYQJdWdV68A5SUHYp4bYsONGiSBAGNUaNTGQHvYHgOZjnANdMovMcMoCje5SQ$) in New York, NY.\n\n[Why trust NBC Select?](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-d2e32d)\n\nI’m a [commerce editor](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/author\/cory-fernandez-ncpn1308317) at NBC Select, where I cover home and kitchen topics and write about [kitchen appliances](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/home-kitchen\/appliances-tools) and [food storage](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/how-to-store-eggs-rcna191843) explainers. I spoke with a food scientist and chef for their guidance and included data and information from government agencies, including the [USDA](https:\/\/www.fsis.usda.gov\/), [FDA](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/) and the [U.S. Department of Health & Human Services](https:\/\/www.foodsafety.gov\/) for this story.\n\n***Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of*** [***tech and tools***](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/tech-tools)***,*** [***wellness***](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/wellness) ***and more, and follow us on*** [***Facebook***](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/NBCSelect)***,*** [***Instagram***](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/shopwithselect\/)***,*** [***Twitter***](https:\/\/twitter.com\/nbcselect) ***and*** [***TikTok***](https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@nbcselect) ***to stay up to date.***\n\nDeal of the Day\n\n[![Deal of the Day](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_fit-260w,f_auto,q_auto:best\/rockcms\/2026-04\/AMAZON-Ultra-Slim-3-in1-Bidet-Warm-Water-Self-Cleaning-PosteriorFeminine-Wash-Retractable-Dual-Nozzles-Non-Electric-Bidet-Attachment-for-Toilet-Seat-Adjustable-Water-Pressure-Stainless-Steel-Inlet-7220aa.jpg)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Ultra-Slim-Self-Cleaning-Retractable-Non-Electric-Attachment\/dp\/B0GFCNRPP7?tag=newsdealofthedaynccl1313050-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n[Pocaland Ultra Slim Bidet Attachment](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Ultra-Slim-Self-Cleaning-Retractable-Non-Electric-Attachment\/dp\/B0GFCNRPP7?tag=newsdealofthedaynccl1313050-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n[\\$39.99 \\$169.99 Amazon Now 76% off](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Ultra-Slim-Self-Cleaning-Retractable-Non-Electric-Attachment\/dp\/B0GFCNRPP7?tag=newsdealofthedaynccl1313050-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n[![](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_focal-60x60,f_auto,q_auto:best\/newscms\/2025_20\/3688782\/screenshot_2025-05-15_at_8-50-41_am.png)](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/author\/cory-fernandez-ncpn1308317)\n\n[Cory Fernandez](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/author\/cory-fernandez-ncpn1308317)\n\nCory Fernandez is a commerce editor for NBC Select, and an authority on all things food, cooking, kitchen, home, and general lifestyle.\n\n- [GreenPan’s popular nonstick cookware set is 51% off at Macy’s](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/greenpan-cookware-set-deal-of-the-day-2026-rcna266609)\n- [Staub’s bestselling All-Day Pan is a kitchen workhorse — and it’s almost 60% off](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/staub-day-pan-58-deal-day-nbc-select-rcna266224)\n- [The best vacuum deals to shop before Amazon’s Big Spring Sale ends](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/amazon-spring-vacuum-deals-2026-rcna264995)\n\nLatest articles\n\nDeal of the Day\n\n[![Deal of the Day](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_fit-320w,f_auto,q_auto:best\/rockcms\/2026-04\/AMAZON-Ultra-Slim-3-in1-Bidet-Warm-Water-Self-Cleaning-PosteriorFeminine-Wash-Retractable-Dual-Nozzles-Non-Electric-Bidet-Attachment-for-Toilet-Seat-Adjustable-Water-Pressure-Stainless-Steel-Inlet-7220aa.jpg)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Ultra-Slim-Self-Cleaning-Retractable-Non-Electric-Attachment\/dp\/B0GFCNRPP7?tag=newsdealofthedaynccl1313050-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n[Pocaland Ultra Slim Bidet Attachment](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Ultra-Slim-Self-Cleaning-Retractable-Non-Electric-Attachment\/dp\/B0GFCNRPP7?tag=newsdealofthedaynccl1313050-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\n[\\$39.99 \\$169.99 Amazon Now 76% off](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Ultra-Slim-Self-Cleaning-Retractable-Non-Electric-Attachment\/dp\/B0GFCNRPP7?tag=newsdealofthedaynccl1313050-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop)\n\nIn this article\n\n- [Food expiration terms to know](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-cd571a)\n- [Food expiration date chart](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-0b6b30)\n- [Meet our experts](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-1eb5bd)\n- [Why trust NBC Select?](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-d2e32d)\n\n- [ABOUT](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/about)\n- [CONTACT](https:\/\/nbcnews.zendesk.com\/hc\/en-us\/requests\/new?ticket_form_id=1260807829690)\n- [HELP](https:\/\/nbcnews.zendesk.com\/hc\/en-us)\n- [CAREERS](https:\/\/www.nbcunicareers.com\/)\n- [PRIVACY POLICY](https:\/\/www.nbcuniversal.com\/privacy\/?intake=NBC_News)\n- [DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION](https:\/\/www.nbcuniversal.com\/privacy\/notrtoo?intake=NBC_News)\n- [CA NOTICE](https:\/\/www.nbcuniversal.com\/privacy\/california-consumer-privacy-act?intake=NBC_News)\n- [TERMS OF SERVICE](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/supplemental-terms\/)\n- [NBC NEWS SITEMAP](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/archive)\n- [AD CHOICES](https:\/\/www.nbcuniversal.com\/privacy\/cookies#accordionheader2)\n- [ADVERTISE](https:\/\/together.nbcuni.com\/advertise\/?utm_source=nbc_news&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=property_ad_pages)\n- [DEALS & SALES](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/deals-sales)\n- [SKIN CARE](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/wellness\/skin-care)\n- [HEALTH](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/wellness\/health)\n- [TECH](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/tech-tools)\n\n[NBCNews.com](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/)\n\n© 2026 SELECT \\| All rights reserved. The use of this website means that you accept the confidentiality regulations and the conditions of service.","attrs_readable_markdown":"We’ve all probably been there: You pull out your milk from the [fridge](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/how-to-clean-fridge-rcna145521) only to realize it’s two days past the expiration date. Upon further inspection, it looks and smells just fine, but instinct tells you it’s best to toss rather than risk getting sick. While expiration dates help us stay safe, it’s hard to not wonder if one or even three days past truly makes a difference.\n\nThe truth is that expiration dates largely depend on the [type of food](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/best-pantry-essentials-rcna191546) and its chemical composition, according to food scientist [Bryan Quoc Le](https:\/\/www.bryanquocle.com\/). In fact, some foods may start to [spoil](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/how-to-store-eggs-rcna191843) but are not necessarily unsafe to eat. “An example is bread, which can become hard and stale but is still good to eat if used in other forms,” he says. “However, some foods will breed pathogens that can be risky to consume.” This is especially true for animal-based products like dairy and meat.\n\n**SKIP AHEAD** [***Terms to know***](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-cd571a) ***\\|*** [***Food expiration chart***](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-0b6b30) ***\\|*** [***Why Trust NBC Select?***](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-d2e32d)\n\n[Food expiration terms to know](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-cd571a)\n\nDeciphering what exactly every type of label or date really mean can be confusing, especially if you make it a priority to cut down on food waste and don’t want to toss something unless you truly have to. I spoke with Quoc Le to help me break down common terms.\n\n[Expiration date](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-8c2ebd)\n\nAn expiration date can be somewhat of a nebulous term and is often confused with a best-by date. In general, an expiration date is when a food is considered no longer safe to consume to avoid illness. This is especially true for foods that perish very quickly, such as milk and other dairy products, which typically change in texture and give off a rotten smell and taste when they’ve gone bad.\n\nFor other foods, like fruits, vegetables and bread, you’ll see mold start to form on the surface. Eggs can be a bit trickier to determine when they’ve expired, but you can keep them up to around three weeks past the expiration date [if stored properly](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/how-to-store-eggs-rcna191843), according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and experts I’ve talked to.\n\n[Sell-by date](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-9999d6)\n\nThis is the last day that it is OK for a grocery store to keep the item on shelves, as determined by the food manufacturer, according to Quoc Le. This especially applies to highly perishable items like milk, meat, and poultry, which spoil quickly when not stored properly. With that said, some foods are still safe to consume after the sell by date, according to [Ann Ziata](https:\/\/www.ice.edu\/about\/chefs\/ann-ziata), a chef at the [Institute of Culinary Education](https:\/\/www.ice.edu\/). “After the sell-by date, you’ll have some time to store it safely at home, usually a few days to a week, before it goes bad,” she says.\n\n[Best-by date](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-a38b97)\n\nThis label applies to how something tastes and its quality, rather than food safety, according to Ziata. “A best-by date is the date the manufacturer recommends you consume the product by for the best flavor and texture,” she says. “After this date, food may become stale and less appetizing.” This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat it, but that it may not be as flavorful as when it was at its peak or that it may be best to repurpose it. An example of this is using stale bread to make breadcrumbs or tearing it up to make stuffing.\n\n[Freeze-by date](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-552368)\n\nPerhaps the most straightforward of all the labels, a freeze-by date is the date by which you should freeze a food item to avoid it deteriorating rapidly afterward, according to Quoc Le. This often applies to meat and poultry, which last only a few days to a week in the fridge but several months and up to a year in the freezer, according to the [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)](https:\/\/www.fsis.usda.gov\/food-safety\/safe-food-handling-and-preparation\/food-safety-basics\/freezing-and-food-safety). Freezing makes a huge difference in keeping food safe to consume because at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, microbes are inhibited from growing.\n\n[Food expiration date chart](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-0b6b30)\n\nI spoke with Quoc Le and Ziata to get a sense of how long the most common grocery items last. The chart below depicts the amount of time certain foods are safe to keep either in the fridge or freezer, according to experts, the [USDA](https:\/\/www.fsis.usda.gov\/), [FDA](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/) and the [U.S. Department of Health & Human Services](https:\/\/www.foodsafety.gov\/).\n\n![](https:\/\/media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com\/image\/upload\/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best\/rockcms\/2025-02\/250218-food-expiration-chart-oo-266975.jpg)\n\n[Meet our experts](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-1eb5bd)\n\nAt NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and\/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.\n\n- [**Dr. Bryan Quoc Le**](https:\/\/www.bryanquocle.com\/) is a food scientist, food industry consultant and the author of “50 Food Science Questions Answered.”\n\n- [**Ann Ziata**](https:\/\/www.ice.edu\/about\/chefs\/ann-ziata) is a chef and instructor at the [Institute of Culinary Education](https:\/\/urldefense.com\/v3\/__https:\/www.ice.edu\/__;!!PIZeeW5wscynRQ!oLOBiYResLreIPEFu0AMSdYQJdWdV68A5SUHYp4bYsONGiSBAGNUaNTGQHvYHgOZjnANdMovMcMoCje5SQ$) in New York, NY.\n\n[Why trust NBC Select?](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-d2e32d)\n\nI’m a [commerce editor](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/author\/cory-fernandez-ncpn1308317) at NBC Select, where I cover home and kitchen topics and write about [kitchen appliances](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/home-kitchen\/appliances-tools) and [food storage](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/shopping\/how-to-store-eggs-rcna191843) explainers. I spoke with a food scientist and chef for their guidance and included data and information from government agencies, including the [USDA](https:\/\/www.fsis.usda.gov\/), [FDA](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/) and the [U.S. Department of Health & Human Services](https:\/\/www.foodsafety.gov\/) for this story.\n\n***Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of*** [***tech and tools***](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/tech-tools)***,*** [***wellness***](https:\/\/www.nbcnews.com\/select\/wellness) ***and more, and follow us on*** [***Facebook***](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/NBCSelect)***,*** [***Instagram***](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/shopwithselect\/)***,*** [***Twitter***](https:\/\/twitter.com\/nbcselect) ***and*** [***TikTok***](https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@nbcselect) ***to stay up to date.***","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	How Accurate Are Food Expiration Dates? Experts Weigh In
Meta Description	I spoke with experts to learn the key differences between sell-by dates, best-by dates, expiration dates and freeze-by dates. Plus, I share how long foods like chicken, eggs and cheese last.
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Boilerpipe Text	We’ve all probably been there: You pull out your milk from the fridge only to realize it’s two days past the expiration date. Upon further inspection, it looks and smells just fine, but instinct tells you it’s best to toss rather than risk getting sick. While expiration dates help us stay safe, it’s hard to not wonder if one or even three days past truly makes a difference. The truth is that expiration dates largely depend on the type of food and its chemical composition, according to food scientist Bryan Quoc Le . In fact, some foods may start to spoil but are not necessarily unsafe to eat. “An example is bread, which can become hard and stale but is still good to eat if used in other forms,” he says. “However, some foods will breed pathogens that can be risky to consume.” This is especially true for animal-based products like dairy and meat. SKIP AHEAD Terms to know \| Food expiration chart \| Why Trust NBC Select? Food expiration terms to know Deciphering what exactly every type of label or date really mean can be confusing, especially if you make it a priority to cut down on food waste and don’t want to toss something unless you truly have to. I spoke with Quoc Le to help me break down common terms. Expiration date An expiration date can be somewhat of a nebulous term and is often confused with a best-by date. In general, an expiration date is when a food is considered no longer safe to consume to avoid illness. This is especially true for foods that perish very quickly, such as milk and other dairy products, which typically change in texture and give off a rotten smell and taste when they’ve gone bad. For other foods, like fruits, vegetables and bread, you’ll see mold start to form on the surface. Eggs can be a bit trickier to determine when they’ve expired, but you can keep them up to around three weeks past the expiration date if stored properly , according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and experts I’ve talked to. Sell-by date This is the last day that it is OK for a grocery store to keep the item on shelves, as determined by the food manufacturer, according to Quoc Le. This especially applies to highly perishable items like milk, meat, and poultry, which spoil quickly when not stored properly. With that said, some foods are still safe to consume after the sell by date, according to Ann Ziata , a chef at the Institute of Culinary Education . “After the sell-by date, you’ll have some time to store it safely at home, usually a few days to a week, before it goes bad,” she says. Best-by date This label applies to how something tastes and its quality, rather than food safety, according to Ziata. “A best-by date is the date the manufacturer recommends you consume the product by for the best flavor and texture,” she says. “After this date, food may become stale and less appetizing.” This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat it, but that it may not be as flavorful as when it was at its peak or that it may be best to repurpose it. An example of this is using stale bread to make breadcrumbs or tearing it up to make stuffing. Freeze-by date Perhaps the most straightforward of all the labels, a freeze-by date is the date by which you should freeze a food item to avoid it deteriorating rapidly afterward, according to Quoc Le. This often applies to meat and poultry, which last only a few days to a week in the fridge but several months and up to a year in the freezer, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) . Freezing makes a huge difference in keeping food safe to consume because at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, microbes are inhibited from growing. Food expiration date chart I spoke with Quoc Le and Ziata to get a sense of how long the most common grocery items last. The chart below depicts the amount of time certain foods are safe to keep either in the fridge or freezer, according to experts, the USDA , FDA and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services . Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Dr. Bryan Quoc Le is a food scientist, food industry consultant and the author of “50 Food Science Questions Answered.” Ann Ziata is a chef and instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, NY. Why trust NBC Select? I’m a commerce editor at NBC Select, where I cover home and kitchen topics and write about kitchen appliances and food storage explainers. I spoke with a food scientist and chef for their guidance and included data and information from government agencies, including the USDA , FDA and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for this story. Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
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When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. [Learn more](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/about-ncna1280612). [Home & Kitchen](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/home-kitchen) # Key food expiration dates explained: Sell-by vs best-by vs freeze-by and more Plus, I break down how long foods like chicken, cheese, milk and eggs really last. Feb. 19, 2025, 3:16 PM UTC [![](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_focal-100x100,f_auto,q_auto:best/newscms/2025_20/3688782/screenshot_2025-05-15_at_8-50-41_am.png) Cory Fernandez Commerce Editor](https://www.nbcnews.com/author/cory-fernandez-ncpn1308317) Skip to table of contents ![If you store them properly, you can eat eggs, condiments and even some cheeses, past their expiration date, according to experts. ](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-560w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-02/250214-food-expiration-dates-kb-main-f10fe8.jpg) If you store them properly, you can eat eggs, condiments and even some cheeses, past their expiration date, according to experts. Getty Images We’ve all probably been there: You pull out your milk from the [fridge](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/how-to-clean-fridge-rcna145521) only to realize it’s two days past the expiration date. Upon further inspection, it looks and smells just fine, but instinct tells you it’s best to toss rather than risk getting sick. While expiration dates help us stay safe, it’s hard to not wonder if one or even three days past truly makes a difference. The truth is that expiration dates largely depend on the [type of food](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/best-pantry-essentials-rcna191546) and its chemical composition, according to food scientist [Bryan Quoc Le](https://www.bryanquocle.com/). In fact, some foods may start to [spoil](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/how-to-store-eggs-rcna191843) but are not necessarily unsafe to eat. “An example is bread, which can become hard and stale but is still good to eat if used in other forms,” he says. “However, some foods will breed pathogens that can be risky to consume.” This is especially true for animal-based products like dairy and meat. SKIP AHEAD [*Terms to know](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-cd571a) \\|* [*Food expiration chart](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-0b6b30) \\|* [*Why Trust NBC Select?](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-d2e32d) ### Related [![](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_focal-80x80,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-02/2502010-how-to-store-eggs-lm-main-654028.jpg)](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/how-to-store-eggs-rcna191843) [select](https://www.nbcnews.com/select) ### [select](https://www.nbcnews.com/select)[How to store eggs to keep them fresh as long as possible](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/how-to-store-eggs-rcna191843) [Food expiration terms to know](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-cd571a) Deciphering what exactly every type of label or date really mean can be confusing, especially if you make it a priority to cut down on food waste and don’t want to toss something unless you truly have to. I spoke with Quoc Le to help me break down common terms. ## Food storage accessories our editors love [![](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_focal-240x240,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2024-10/AMAZON-11c011.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/Souper-Cubes-Extra-Large-Silicone-Freezing/dp/B07GSSR5V2?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) ### [Souper Cubes](https://www.amazon.com/Souper-Cubes-Extra-Large-Silicone-Freezing/dp/B07GSSR5V2?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) [\$39.90 Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Souper-Cubes-Extra-Large-Silicone-Freezing/dp/B07GSSR5V2?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) [![](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_focal-240x240,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-02/AMAZON-Hefty-Calendar-Slider-Gallon-Freezer-Bags-1-Gallon-Size-Slider-Bags-with-Stand-and-Fill-Expandable-Bottoms-Helps-Prevent-Freezer-Burn-25-Count-Pack-of-4-a14530.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/Hefty-Slider-Freezer-Calendar-Gallon/dp/B0B34YLF6V?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) ### [Hefty Calendar Slider Freezer Bags](https://www.amazon.com/Hefty-Slider-Freezer-Calendar-Gallon/dp/B0B34YLF6V?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) [\$20.88 \$21.96 Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Hefty-Slider-Freezer-Calendar-Gallon/dp/B0B34YLF6V?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) [![](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_focal-240x240,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-02/AMAZON-Stasher-Platinum-Silicone-Food-Grade-Reusable-Storage-Bag-Clear-Bundle-4-Pack-Small--Reduce-Single-Use-Plastic--Cook-Store-Sous-Vide-or-Freeze--Leakproof-Dishwasher-Safe-Eco-friendly-4df5f7.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/Stasher-Bag-Leakproof-Dishwasher-Safe-Eco-friendly/dp/B087XBR564?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) ### [Stasher Reusable Food Storage Bags](https://www.amazon.com/Stasher-Bag-Leakproof-Dishwasher-Safe-Eco-friendly/dp/B087XBR564?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) [\$40.55 \$54.99 Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Stasher-Bag-Leakproof-Dishwasher-Safe-Eco-friendly/dp/B087XBR564?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) [![](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_focal-240x240,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-02/AMAZON-Freshware-Food-Storage-Containers-24-Set-32-oz-Plastic-Deli-Containers-with-Lids-Slime-Soup-Meal-Prep-Containers--BPA-Free--Stackable--Leakproof--MicrowaveDishwasherFreezer-Safe-9cc7f8.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/Freshware-Containers-Stackable-Leakproof-Dishwasher/dp/B0159YQCPI?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) ### [Freshware Food Storage Containers](https://www.amazon.com/Freshware-Containers-Stackable-Leakproof-Dishwasher/dp/B0159YQCPI?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) [\$14.75 Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Freshware-Containers-Stackable-Leakproof-Dishwasher/dp/B0159YQCPI?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) [Expiration date](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-8c2ebd) An expiration date can be somewhat of a nebulous term and is often confused with a best-by date. In general, an expiration date is when a food is considered no longer safe to consume to avoid illness. This is especially true for foods that perish very quickly, such as milk and other dairy products, which typically change in texture and give off a rotten smell and taste when they’ve gone bad. For other foods, like fruits, vegetables and bread, you’ll see mold start to form on the surface. Eggs can be a bit trickier to determine when they’ve expired, but you can keep them up to around three weeks past the expiration date [if stored properly](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/how-to-store-eggs-rcna191843), according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and experts I’ve talked to. [Sell-by date](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-9999d6) This is the last day that it is OK for a grocery store to keep the item on shelves, as determined by the food manufacturer, according to Quoc Le. This especially applies to highly perishable items like milk, meat, and poultry, which spoil quickly when not stored properly. With that said, some foods are still safe to consume after the sell by date, according to [Ann Ziata](https://www.ice.edu/about/chefs/ann-ziata), a chef at the [Institute of Culinary Education](https://www.ice.edu/). “After the sell-by date, you’ll have some time to store it safely at home, usually a few days to a week, before it goes bad,” she says. [Best-by date](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-a38b97) This label applies to how something tastes and its quality, rather than food safety, according to Ziata. “A best-by date is the date the manufacturer recommends you consume the product by for the best flavor and texture,” she says. “After this date, food may become stale and less appetizing.” This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat it, but that it may not be as flavorful as when it was at its peak or that it may be best to repurpose it. An example of this is using stale bread to make breadcrumbs or tearing it up to make stuffing. [Freeze-by date](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-552368) Perhaps the most straightforward of all the labels, a freeze-by date is the date by which you should freeze a food item to avoid it deteriorating rapidly afterward, according to Quoc Le. This often applies to meat and poultry, which last only a few days to a week in the fridge but several months and up to a year in the freezer, according to the [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/freezing-and-food-safety). Freezing makes a huge difference in keeping food safe to consume because at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, microbes are inhibited from growing. ## Bestsellers on sale Select earns a commission on purchases through these links. 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Chopper](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DNPCZMZ?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) [\$16.73 Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DNPCZMZ?tag=foodexpirationdatesrcna192700-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) [Food expiration date chart](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-0b6b30) I spoke with Quoc Le and Ziata to get a sense of how long the most common grocery items last. The chart below depicts the amount of time certain foods are safe to keep either in the fridge or freezer, according to experts, the [USDA](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/), [FDA](https://www.fda.gov/) and the [U.S. Department of Health & Human Services](https://www.foodsafety.gov/). ![](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-02/250218-food-expiration-chart-oo-266975.jpg) [Meet our experts](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-1eb5bd) At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. - [Dr. Bryan Quoc Le](https://www.bryanquocle.com/) is a food scientist, food industry consultant and the author of “50 Food Science Questions Answered.” - [Ann Ziata](https://www.ice.edu/about/chefs/ann-ziata) is a chef and instructor at the [Institute of Culinary Education](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.ice.edu/__;!!PIZeeW5wscynRQ!oLOBiYResLreIPEFu0AMSdYQJdWdV68A5SUHYp4bYsONGiSBAGNUaNTGQHvYHgOZjnANdMovMcMoCje5SQ$) in New York, NY. [Why trust NBC Select?](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-d2e32d) I’m a [commerce editor](https://www.nbcnews.com/author/cory-fernandez-ncpn1308317) at NBC Select, where I cover home and kitchen topics and write about [kitchen appliances](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/home-kitchen/appliances-tools) and [food storage](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/how-to-store-eggs-rcna191843) explainers. I spoke with a food scientist and chef for their guidance and included data and information from government agencies, including the [USDA](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/), [FDA](https://www.fda.gov/) and the [U.S. Department of Health & Human Services](https://www.foodsafety.gov/) for this story. Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of* [*tech and tools](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/tech-tools),* [*wellness](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/wellness) and more, and follow us on* [*Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/NBCSelect),* [*Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/shopwithselect/),* [*Twitter](https://twitter.com/nbcselect) and* [*TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@nbcselect) to stay up to date.* Deal of the Day [![Deal of the Day](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-260w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2026-04/AMAZON-Ultra-Slim-3-in1-Bidet-Warm-Water-Self-Cleaning-PosteriorFeminine-Wash-Retractable-Dual-Nozzles-Non-Electric-Bidet-Attachment-for-Toilet-Seat-Adjustable-Water-Pressure-Stainless-Steel-Inlet-7220aa.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Slim-Self-Cleaning-Retractable-Non-Electric-Attachment/dp/B0GFCNRPP7?tag=newsdealofthedaynccl1313050-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) [Pocaland Ultra Slim Bidet Attachment](https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Slim-Self-Cleaning-Retractable-Non-Electric-Attachment/dp/B0GFCNRPP7?tag=newsdealofthedaynccl1313050-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) [\$39.99 \$169.99 Amazon Now 76% off](https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Slim-Self-Cleaning-Retractable-Non-Electric-Attachment/dp/B0GFCNRPP7?tag=newsdealofthedaynccl1313050-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) [![](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_focal-60x60,f_auto,q_auto:best/newscms/2025_20/3688782/screenshot_2025-05-15_at_8-50-41_am.png)](https://www.nbcnews.com/author/cory-fernandez-ncpn1308317) [Cory Fernandez](https://www.nbcnews.com/author/cory-fernandez-ncpn1308317) Cory Fernandez is a commerce editor for NBC Select, and an authority on all things food, cooking, kitchen, home, and general lifestyle. - [GreenPan’s popular nonstick cookware set is 51% off at Macy’s](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/greenpan-cookware-set-deal-of-the-day-2026-rcna266609) - [Staub’s bestselling All-Day Pan is a kitchen workhorse — and it’s almost 60% off](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/staub-day-pan-58-deal-day-nbc-select-rcna266224) - [The best vacuum deals to shop before Amazon’s Big Spring Sale ends](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/amazon-spring-vacuum-deals-2026-rcna264995) Latest articles Deal of the Day [![Deal of the Day](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-320w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2026-04/AMAZON-Ultra-Slim-3-in1-Bidet-Warm-Water-Self-Cleaning-PosteriorFeminine-Wash-Retractable-Dual-Nozzles-Non-Electric-Bidet-Attachment-for-Toilet-Seat-Adjustable-Water-Pressure-Stainless-Steel-Inlet-7220aa.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Slim-Self-Cleaning-Retractable-Non-Electric-Attachment/dp/B0GFCNRPP7?tag=newsdealofthedaynccl1313050-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) [Pocaland Ultra Slim Bidet Attachment](https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Slim-Self-Cleaning-Retractable-Non-Electric-Attachment/dp/B0GFCNRPP7?tag=newsdealofthedaynccl1313050-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) [\$39.99 \$169.99 Amazon Now 76% off](https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Slim-Self-Cleaning-Retractable-Non-Electric-Attachment/dp/B0GFCNRPP7?tag=newsdealofthedaynccl1313050-20&asc_campaign=&asc_refurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Fselect%2Fshopping%2Ffood-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700&asc_source=direct_desktop) In this article - [Food expiration terms to know](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-cd571a) - [Food expiration date chart](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-0b6b30) - [Meet our experts](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-1eb5bd) - [Why trust NBC Select?](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-d2e32d) - [ABOUT](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/about) - [CONTACT](https://nbcnews.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=1260807829690) - [HELP](https://nbcnews.zendesk.com/hc/en-us) - [CAREERS](https://www.nbcunicareers.com/) - [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.nbcuniversal.com/privacy/?intake=NBC_News) - [DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION](https://www.nbcuniversal.com/privacy/notrtoo?intake=NBC_News) - [CA NOTICE](https://www.nbcuniversal.com/privacy/california-consumer-privacy-act?intake=NBC_News) - 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Readable Markdown	We’ve all probably been there: You pull out your milk from the [fridge](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/how-to-clean-fridge-rcna145521) only to realize it’s two days past the expiration date. Upon further inspection, it looks and smells just fine, but instinct tells you it’s best to toss rather than risk getting sick. While expiration dates help us stay safe, it’s hard to not wonder if one or even three days past truly makes a difference. The truth is that expiration dates largely depend on the [type of food](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/best-pantry-essentials-rcna191546) and its chemical composition, according to food scientist [Bryan Quoc Le](https://www.bryanquocle.com/). In fact, some foods may start to [spoil](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/how-to-store-eggs-rcna191843) but are not necessarily unsafe to eat. “An example is bread, which can become hard and stale but is still good to eat if used in other forms,” he says. “However, some foods will breed pathogens that can be risky to consume.” This is especially true for animal-based products like dairy and meat. SKIP AHEAD [*Terms to know](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-cd571a) \\|* [*Food expiration chart](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-0b6b30) \\|* [*Why Trust NBC Select?](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-d2e32d) [Food expiration terms to know](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-cd571a) Deciphering what exactly every type of label or date really mean can be confusing, especially if you make it a priority to cut down on food waste and don’t want to toss something unless you truly have to. I spoke with Quoc Le to help me break down common terms. [Expiration date](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-8c2ebd) An expiration date can be somewhat of a nebulous term and is often confused with a best-by date. In general, an expiration date is when a food is considered no longer safe to consume to avoid illness. This is especially true for foods that perish very quickly, such as milk and other dairy products, which typically change in texture and give off a rotten smell and taste when they’ve gone bad. For other foods, like fruits, vegetables and bread, you’ll see mold start to form on the surface. Eggs can be a bit trickier to determine when they’ve expired, but you can keep them up to around three weeks past the expiration date [if stored properly](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/how-to-store-eggs-rcna191843), according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and experts I’ve talked to. [Sell-by date](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-9999d6) This is the last day that it is OK for a grocery store to keep the item on shelves, as determined by the food manufacturer, according to Quoc Le. This especially applies to highly perishable items like milk, meat, and poultry, which spoil quickly when not stored properly. With that said, some foods are still safe to consume after the sell by date, according to [Ann Ziata](https://www.ice.edu/about/chefs/ann-ziata), a chef at the [Institute of Culinary Education](https://www.ice.edu/). “After the sell-by date, you’ll have some time to store it safely at home, usually a few days to a week, before it goes bad,” she says. [Best-by date](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-a38b97) This label applies to how something tastes and its quality, rather than food safety, according to Ziata. “A best-by date is the date the manufacturer recommends you consume the product by for the best flavor and texture,” she says. “After this date, food may become stale and less appetizing.” This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat it, but that it may not be as flavorful as when it was at its peak or that it may be best to repurpose it. An example of this is using stale bread to make breadcrumbs or tearing it up to make stuffing. [Freeze-by date](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-552368) Perhaps the most straightforward of all the labels, a freeze-by date is the date by which you should freeze a food item to avoid it deteriorating rapidly afterward, according to Quoc Le. This often applies to meat and poultry, which last only a few days to a week in the fridge but several months and up to a year in the freezer, according to the [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/freezing-and-food-safety). Freezing makes a huge difference in keeping food safe to consume because at 0 degrees Fahrenheit, microbes are inhibited from growing. [Food expiration date chart](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-0b6b30) I spoke with Quoc Le and Ziata to get a sense of how long the most common grocery items last. The chart below depicts the amount of time certain foods are safe to keep either in the fridge or freezer, according to experts, the [USDA](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/), [FDA](https://www.fda.gov/) and the [U.S. Department of Health & Human Services](https://www.foodsafety.gov/). ![](https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-02/250218-food-expiration-chart-oo-266975.jpg) [Meet our experts](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-1eb5bd) At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. - [Dr. Bryan Quoc Le](https://www.bryanquocle.com/) is a food scientist, food industry consultant and the author of “50 Food Science Questions Answered.” - [Ann Ziata](https://www.ice.edu/about/chefs/ann-ziata) is a chef and instructor at the [Institute of Culinary Education](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.ice.edu/__;!!PIZeeW5wscynRQ!oLOBiYResLreIPEFu0AMSdYQJdWdV68A5SUHYp4bYsONGiSBAGNUaNTGQHvYHgOZjnANdMovMcMoCje5SQ$) in New York, NY. [Why trust NBC Select?](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/food-expiration-dates-guidelines-rcna192700#anchor-d2e32d) I’m a [commerce editor](https://www.nbcnews.com/author/cory-fernandez-ncpn1308317) at NBC Select, where I cover home and kitchen topics and write about [kitchen appliances](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/home-kitchen/appliances-tools) and [food storage](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/how-to-store-eggs-rcna191843) explainers. I spoke with a food scientist and chef for their guidance and included data and information from government agencies, including the [USDA](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/), [FDA](https://www.fda.gov/) and the [U.S. Department of Health & Human Services](https://www.foodsafety.gov/) for this story. Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of* [*tech and tools](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/tech-tools),* [*wellness](https://www.nbcnews.com/select/wellness) and more, and follow us on* [*Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/NBCSelect),* [*Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/shopwithselect/),* [*Twitter](https://twitter.com/nbcselect) and* [*TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@nbcselect) to stay up to date.*
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