Understanding Best Before vs Expiry Dates: What You Need to Know

When shopping for snacks—especially imported or exotic snacks—you’ve likely come across different labels like “Best Before,” “Use By,” and “Expiry Date.” While these terms are often used interchangeably, they actually mean very different things. At InOutSnackz, we’re here to help clear up the confusion and explain what these dates really mean for your snack shelf.

1. What is a Best Before Date?

A Best Before date is the most common label you’ll see on snacks and dry goods. It tells you the period during which the product is expected to be at its best quality—flavor, texture, and freshness. It’s not an expiration date and doesn’t mean the food is unsafe to eat after that date.

✅ Key Points:

• Found on chips, cookies, candy, and packaged drinks.
• Still safe to consume after the date, especially if sealed.
• Flavour and texture may slightly decline over time.

2. What is an Expiry Date?

An Expiry Date is used for products with strict nutritional content or safety concerns, such as baby formula, meal replacements, or certain medications. After this date, the product may no longer be safe or effective to consume.

⚠️ Important:

• Rarely used on snacks.
• Meant for highly perishable or regulated food items.

3. What Does “Use By” Mean?

“Use By” is similar to expiry dates, used mostly for fresh foods like deli meats, dairy, or ready-made meals. It’s a safety marker: once the date passes, the product should not be consumed.

🥛 Common on:

• Refrigerated goods
• Perishable foods

At InOutSnackz: What You Need to Know

All of our products at InOutSnackz come with Best Before dates, not Expiry dates. Our collection of imported snacks from Japan, Korea, the UK, USA, and more are shelf-stable and sealed to preserve their quality for months beyond the printed date.

🛒 We ensure:

• All items are safe and clearly dated.
• No items past best before are sold without transparency.
• Every label follows the import rules of the country of origin.
• Why Some Products Say ‘Expiry Date’ Even If They Don’t Expire

In some countries, especially in Asia and Europe, manufacturers are required by labeling laws to include the word “Expiry Date” on packaging—even if the food is shelf-stable. In fine print, many will also include “Best Before” as the real reference.

📦 For example:

• A Japanese snack might say “Expiry Date: 2025.01.10” but also “Best Before” in small text nearby.
• A UK chocolate bar may feature both a best before date and a storage note indicating it’s safe if unopened.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Dates, Enjoy Your Snacks

Understanding the difference between Best Before and Expiry Dates helps reduce food waste and lets you enjoy imported snacks with confidence. At InOutSnackz, we pride ourselves on providing full transparency, proper labeling, and only selling safe, top-quality snacks.

Want to try something new? Shop our latest international snack arrivals and check the label for yourself—chances are, they’re good for much longer than you think.