Understanding Food Labels

At Arctic Resale, we believe great food shouldn’t go to waste. Many grocery items remain safe and high-quality well after their printed dates. Here’s what each label really means:

Sell By

What it means: This date helps stores know how long to keep the item on their shelves.

For you: It’s not an expiration date. Products past the “Sell By” date are typically still safe to enjoy — the manufacturer just recommends selling them earlier for best freshness.

Best By / Best Before

What it means: A “Best By” date refers to peak quality, not safety.

For you: After this date, the product may lose a bit of flavor or crispness, but it remains safe and usable when properly stored.

Use By

What it means: This date marks when the manufacturer believes the product will taste or perform best. For some perishable goods (like dairy or baby formula), it can indicate safety.

For you: Most shelf-stable groceries are fine past this date, but use perishable items (like meat or milk) by this time for best quality.

Our Commitment

We carefully inspect, handle, and store all items before sale. By understanding these labels, you can enjoy great food, lower prices, and less waste — helping both your wallet and the planet.