Best-Before vs Expiry Dates: What They Really Mean & How to Save Money

We've all found a tub of yoghurt in the fridge, or some crackers in the pantry, glanced at the date, and got rid of it “just in case”? But what if I told you that much of what we throw away is still perfectly fine to eat or use?

Understanding the difference between an expiry date and a best-before date is one of the simplest and most impactful ways Australians can reduce household waste, save money, and help the planet. At Go For Zero, we’re passionate about helping you make informed decisions, so let’s break it down.

What’s the Difference Between Expiry and Best Before Dates?

In Australia, food and product labels use two main types of dates:

An expiry date (often called a use-by date) means exactly what it says: you shouldn’t consume that product after this date, even if it looks or smells fine. This is because spoilage can make it unsafe – fresh meat, dairy, or prepared salads usually carry use-by/expiry dates. 

In contrast, a best-before date is about quality, not safety. After this date, food might lose some flavour or texture, but it can still be eaten safely if it’s been stored properly and isn’t spoiled. Pantry items like pasta, rice, cereals or canned goods often have best-before dates. For example, a bag of oats might list a best-before date; weeks later, it could be a bit stale, but perfectly fine to eat if it smells and looks normal.

So in short: 

• Use-By (Expiry) Date = safety
  • Found on perishables like milk, yoghurt, meat, and ready meals.
  • After this date, the product may be unsafe to consume, even if it looks or smells fine.
• Best-Before Date = quality
  • Found on long-life items like pasta, cereal, snacks, and canned goods.
  • You can consume these after the date if stored properly and there are no signs of spoilage. The quality might just be a little lower (think: less crunchy crackers).

Why It Matters: The Real Cost of Confusion

Understanding this difference is key. Wasting perfectly good food (or tossing out safe cosmetics and household goods) hurts our hip pocket and the planet. In Australia, we throw away around 7.6 million tonnes of food every year. That’s roughly 312 kg per person, costing our economy $36.6 billion annually, or about $2,500 per household.

Even more shocking… Over 70% of that wasted food is still edible. One of the biggest culprits is date label confusion. Foodbank Australia and RMIT research both confirm that many Aussies toss food prematurely, mistaking "best before" for "use-by."

So many of us play it safe and throw food out too soon. This means losing money (and groceries!) that were actually edible.

Can You Sell Products After Their Expiry or Best Before Date in Australia?

In Australia, it is illegal to sell food products after their use-by (expiry) date. These products are considered potentially unsafe and may pose a health risk. That’s why it's crucial for companies to label products clearly and manage inventory to prevent expiry.

However, products past their best-before date can legally be sold if they are still fit for human consumption. The product might not be at peak quality, but it is not harmful to health. This is a smart way to prevent waste, especially for shelf-stable goods.

Foodbank also support this approach, noting that "Food can be legally sold or given away after its Best Before date, which is why we play such a pivotal role in rescuing and redirecting quality food."  By distributing food past its best-before date that is still safe to consume, they help minimise environmental impact and support communities in need. Loooove!

What You Can Do to Waste Less and Save More

Here are a few simple actions that can help:

• Double-check the label type: Is it “expiry” or “best before”?
• Trust your senses: If it smells and looks fine, and has been stored properly, it’s likely still good after its best-before date.
• Store correctly: Proper storage extends the life of many products—keep dry goods sealed and perishables refrigerated.
• Get creative with leftovers: Turn “nearly expired” ingredients into smoothies, soups, and baked goods.
  

Go For Zero’s ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ Sale: Fighting Waste With Love, And a Discount

But it's not just food... According to Planet Ark, Australian businesses discard an estimated 10,000 tonnes of cosmetics and toiletries annually due to minor packaging damage, overstocks, or upcoming best-before dates. These products are still perfectly usable, but often end up in landfills.

Not under our watch! At Go For Zero, we’re committed to keeping perfectly good products out of landfills—even if they have a shorter shelf life, a scratch or a dent. That’s why we created our Perfectly Imperfect Sale.

These are products that are just a little “different”—but still 100% usable, safe, and even more lovable if you ask me. By buying them, you not only save money but also help us save waste. You can find, for example, Nutra Organics Health Powders, still chock full of nutrients, just with a shorter best-before date. See all our perfectly imperfect babies here.

Make the Most of Every Product—Even After the Date

Understanding the difference between expiry and best-before dates is such a small shift, but it has a massive impact. It helps you save money, reduces your environmental footprint, and rescues products that might otherwise be tossed.

Let’s stop wasting good food and good products. Let’s stop rejecting “imperfect” things. And let’s work together to change how we shop, eat, and live. Check out our Perfectly Imperfect Collection here and join us in giving these beauties the second chance they deserve.

Want more tips on low-waste living and conscious shopping? Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media. 

Lots of love, 

Ellie - sustainability advocate and founder of Go For Zero 💚

Resources

• https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/labelling/dates
• https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-11/australian-consumers-struggle-with-best-before-use-by-dates/105399000#
• https://www.foodbank.org.au/food-waste-facts-in-australia/?state=qld
• https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-11/australian-consumers-struggle-with-best-before-use-by-dates/105399000#
• https://endfoodwaste.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NationalBenchmarkingSurvey-Final.pdf#:~:text=There%20is%20still%20confusion%20within,Australian%20household%20food%20manager%20community

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat food after the best-before date?
Yes! If stored properly and it looks/smells fine, it’s usually still good to eat.

Is it illegal to sell food past its best-before date in Australia?
No. As long as the food is safe to consume, it can legally be sold.

What’s the main difference between expiry and best-before dates?
Expiry = safety, don’t eat after. Best-before = quality, still edible if not spoiled.

Can you use cosmetics after their best-before date?
Often, yes. If sealed and stored well, many products are still safe and effective.

How long is food safe after the best-before date?
It depends on the product, but many dry or canned goods can last weeks or even months past the date if unopened and stored correctly.

Can I freeze food before its use-by date to extend its life?
Absolutely! Freezing food before the use-by date can extend its shelf life significantly, as long as it's defrosted and consumed safely.

What happens if I eat something past its use-by date?
It may be unsafe and cause foodborne illness. If it’s a use-by item, it’s best to avoid eating it after the date.

Why do cosmetics have best-before dates?
These dates reflect when a product performs best. After this point, it may lose effectiveness or change texture/scent, but often remains usable if stored well.

How can I tell if food is spoiled?
Look for changes in smell, colour, texture, or the presence of mould. Trust your senses—if in doubt, throw it out.