This Explanation Of Expiration Dates Might Actually Save You A Lot Of Money

Have you ever gone to the grocery store and noticed the expiration dates for various foods are all labeled differently? From "Sell By" to "Use By" to "Best Enjoyed By," the labels are all over the place.

Well, as I learned from a 99% Invisible podcast episode a few months ago, expiration dates on food are basically bullsh*t.

Now, a video produced by the Mayo Clinic confirms that theory, saying all expiration dates are merely suggestions, with the only exception being baby formula.

So, unless you're eating baby food, don't rely on that sell-by date more than your own common sense. That is, if it smells okay and looks alright, go ahead and eat it.

Citations: A Very Simple Explanation For Food Expiration Dates (Digg)