Sell-by, Use-by, Dates

May 29, 2014, by Ken Jorgustin


While “expiration” dates are rarely found on canned foods, most canned food products have a “use by” date stamped on the top or bottom of the can.

Ever wonder what that actually means?


“Use by” date

This refers strictly to quality, not safety. This date is recommended for best flavor or quality. It is not a purchase or safety date. This is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality, the last day a product will maintain its optimum freshness, flavor, and texture. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product. Beyond this date, the product is still edible.


“Sell by” date

The labeling “sell by” tells the store how long to display the product for sale. This is basically a guide for the retailer, so the store knows when to pull the item. The issue is quality of the item (freshness, taste, and consistency) rather than whether it is on the verge of spoiling. “Sell by” date is the last day the item is at its highest level of quality, but it is still edible afterwards.


As a general ‘rule of thumb’, as long as the can is intact, not rusty and not bulging, the food is probably okay. In general, many agree that canned foods have a conservative shelf life of (at least) two years from the date of processing.

It is generally considered that canned food retains its safety and (diminishing) nutritional value well beyond two years, while it may have some variation in quality, such as a change of color and texture.


Food safety is not an issue for properly canned products kept on the shelf or in the pantry for long periods of time. In fact, canned food has an almost indefinite shelf life at moderate temperatures (75° F and below). Canned food as old as 100 years has been found in sunken ships and it has still been micro-biologically safe!

No one will recommend keeping canned food for 100 years, however if the can is intact, not dented or bulging, it is likely edible.

When in doubt, cook it (which you probably would do anyway).

For more information, read this article:

USE-BY and SELL-BY dates