What does a "best before date" indicate?

A "best before date" indicates the date at which the food is at its best in terms of quality, flavor, and nutritional value. This label suggests that the product should maintain its intended taste and texture up until that date, beyond which it may start to decline in quality but isn’t necessarily unsafe to consume.

Food items with a best before date can often be consumed beyond the indicated date if they have been stored properly, although their freshness and overall quality might diminish. This is distinct from other types of dates such as "use by" dates, which relate directly to safety and should be adhered to for perishable items. Understanding the distinction between these types of dates is crucial for both food management and consumer safety.