Understand the words on the package
In US guidance, ‘Best if Used By’ generally points to when a product is expected to have its best flavor or quality. ‘Sell By’ is mainly for store inventory. ‘Use By’ often signals the last date recommended for best quality, rather than an automatic safety cutoff. Infant formula is an important exception: follow its use-by date.
These phrases are not interchangeable with a medical or safety assessment. A product can be unsafe before its printed date if it was handled or stored badly. Some foods may remain suitable beyond a quality date, but you should use product-specific guidance and your own safety judgment.
Store the information you can act on
A useful reminder starts with the exact package date and the place you keep the item. BestBy can scan a barcode or printed date, then show food in your fridge, freezer, or pantry by what needs attention first. Review the scanned date before saving it, especially if a package has several dates.
For fresh produce or leftovers without a printed date, the app can suggest a shelf-life estimate. Treat that as a planning aid, not a safety guarantee. Follow official storage advice, the package instructions, and stricter rules for foods that are especially perishable.
Use a reminder to waste less
BestBy's morning summary gives you a chance to plan a meal around something you already bought. Mark what you used or discarded so the app's savings view reflects your actual behavior. This is more useful than merely collecting a list of dates.
BestBy also tracks medicine and makeup, but their dates have different meanings. Follow the product's own instructions and professional advice for medicines. A food-date guide should never be used to decide whether a medicine is safe or effective.
Official reference: USDA FSIS: Food Product Dating
Explore BestBy: Expiry Date Tracker & Reminders, or browse all Coheron Lab apps.