Shopping at discount stores is a great way to stretch your grocery budget—but it often comes with questions about product quality, especially when it comes to expiration dates. Are those “best by,” “sell by,” or “use by” dates something to worry about? Are discount retailers just offloading near-expired goods? The answer isn’t as simple as it may seem.
Let’s break down what expiration labels really mean, how they’re regulated, and whether it’s safe to buy products near or past those dates.
What Do Expiration Dates Actually Mean?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require expiration dates on most food products. In fact, the only federally mandated expiration labeling applies to infant formula. For nearly everything else, date labeling is voluntary and provided by the manufacturer—not because of safety, but because of quality.
Here’s what the common terms actually mean:
- Best By: The date the manufacturer believes the product will be at peak quality. Not a safety date.
- Sell By: A suggestion for retailers to know how long to display the item. Consumers can often still use it afterward.
- Use By: Indicates the last date recommended for peak flavor or quality. Again, not usually a safety date.
How Discount Stores Source Products
Discount retailers, including places like Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Big Lots, and Grocery Outlet, often stock surplus goods from manufacturers and overstocked items from mainstream retailers. These products are frequently near their “best by” dates but are still completely safe and shelf-stable.
Additionally, grocery discount chains may specialize in items with minor packaging defects, seasonal overflows, or discontinued varieties. These types of goods are perfectly fine for consumption, even if the labeling suggests they’re near the end of their retail lifecycle.
How Long Are Items Safe After the Date?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), many foods can be safely consumed days or even weeks after the printed date, especially if they’re stored properly. Shelf-stable and canned goods, for example, often last months beyond the date as long as the packaging remains sealed and undamaged.
Use the USDA FoodKeeper App to check storage timelines for specific products.
Examples:
- Cereal: 6–12 months past “best by” if unopened
- Canned vegetables: 1–2 years past date if stored correctly
- Pasta and rice: Up to 2 years or more if dry and sealed
When to Be Cautious
- Don’t buy baby formula past the “use by” date. This is regulated and must meet nutritional standards.
- Avoid items with bulging cans, rust, or broken seals.
- Trust your senses: if a product smells, looks, or tastes off, toss it.
Tips for Safe Discount Store Shopping
- Check dates but don’t panic
Understand the context of “best by” vs. “use by” and decide based on the product type. - Use loyalty programs and cashback apps strategically
Some apps offer rewards for grocery purchases—even at discount stores. For instance, you can earn cashback with a Family Dollar gift card or get rewards with a BJ’s Wholesale Club gift card when paying through Fluz. - Use or freeze perishable items promptly
If you’re buying near-dated milk, bread, or meat, plan to consume or freeze them within a few days. - Stock up on shelf-stable deals
Products like canned beans, pasta, rice, condiments, and snacks are often heavily discounted when close to “best by” dates—and remain good for long periods if stored in a cool, dry place.
Final Thought
Expiration dates at discount stores are more about quality than safety. With proper storage and a bit of common sense, you can take advantage of deeply discounted items without putting your health at risk. Understanding the meaning behind these labels allows you to shop smarter—and waste less.
