Food date labels can be confusing—and often misunderstood. Whether you’re stocking your pantry or building a long-term emergency supply, knowing how to read expiration dates correctly helps you reduce waste, save money, and stay prepared.

This guide explains how food date labels work in general, then shows how to apply that knowledge specifically to long-term storage foods like those from Augason Farms.

Quick Answer: How Do You Read Expiration Dates?

• “Best By” or “Best Before” = peak quality, not safety

• “Use By” = last recommended date for best quality

• “Sell By” = for stores, not consumers

• Most shelf-stable foods are still safe after the date if properly stored

• Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming

Understanding Common Food Date Labels

Best By / Best Before

• Indicates when food will have the best flavor, texture, and nutrition

• Not a safety deadline

• Common on shelf-stable and emergency foods

Use By

• Suggests the last date for optimal quality

• More common on perishable items

Sell By

• Helps retailers manage inventory

• Not relevant for food safety at home

Expiration Date

• Rare on shelf-stable foods

• More common on infant formula or pharmaceuticals

What “Shelf Life” Actually Means

Shelf life is the period during which a food remains:

• Safe to eat

• Nutritionally stable

• Acceptable in taste and texture

It assumes the product is stored under recommended conditions. Poor storage can shorten shelf life significantly.

Why Most Foods Last Beyond the Date

Many foods—especially dry and shelf-stable products—don’t suddenly spoil when the date passes.

Instead, they gradually decline in:

• Flavor

• Texture

• Nutritional value

That’s why most manufacturers use “Best By” dates instead of strict expiration labels.

What Actually Causes Food to Go Bad

Understanding this is more important than the date itself:

• Temperature – Heat speeds up chemical breakdown and spoilage

• Moisture – Encourages mold and microbial growth

• Oxygen Exposure – Leads to oxidation (rancidity), especially in fatty foods

• Light – Can degrade nutrients and affect flavor

Signs Food Has Spoiled

Always check food before consuming, especially if it’s older:

• Unusual or foul odor

• Discoloration

• Swollen or leaking packaging

• Moisture in dry foods

• Off or rancid taste

If you’re unsure, it’s safest to discard it.

How This Applies to Emergency Food Storage

For long-term storage foods, expiration dates work differently than everyday groceries. These products are designed to last years—or even decades—when properly stored.

How to Read Dates on Augason Farms Products

Augason Farms primarily uses “Best By” dates, which indicate peak quality over time.

Important Note About Emergency Food Kits

The best-by date printed on the outside of an Augason Farms kit reflects the shortest shelf life of any item inside the kit. Once that date passes, the kit as a whole is considered past its best-by date—but most of the individual pouches inside will last well beyond it.

To get the full picture:

• Check the date stamped on each individual pouch

• Reference the ingredient statement on the outside of the kit to understand individual shelf lives

• Many products inside these kits are rated for 25+ years

Before discarding a kit, always review the individual contents.

Where to Find the Date

• Bottom of cans

• Pouch seals or seams

• Product labels

What to Know

• Dates reflect long-term quality, not immediate expiration

• Many products remain usable beyond the date if stored properly

• Lot codes may appear alongside dates for internal tracking

Explore Augason Farms Emergency Food Options

Full emergency kits

Popular long-term kit

Individual staple ingredient

Typical Shelf Life of Augason Farms Products

Emergency Food Kits

• Up to 25 years shelf life

• Designed for long-term preparedness and reliability

Freeze-Dried & Dehydrated Foods

• Freeze-dried: 25–30 years

• Dehydrated: 10–25 years

Specialty Ingredients

• Typically 5–10+ years

• Slightly shorter due to fat content, but still highly stable

Are Augason Farms Foods Safe After the Date?

Often, yes—if stored correctly and packaging is intact.

However, always check for:

• Odor changes

• Packaging damage

• Moisture or clumping

When in doubt, don’t risk it.

Best Practices for Reading and Managing Food Dates

• Store food in a cool, dry, dark place

• Keep items sealed until use

• Rotate using first in, first out (FIFO)

• Label purchase and opening dates

• Check your supply regularly

Simple Cheat Sheet

• Dates = quality guidelines, not strict safety cutoffs

• Storage conditions matter more than the date

• Long-term foods can last years or decades

• Always inspect before eating

Final Takeaway

Reading expiration dates correctly isn’t about memorizing labels—it’s about understanding how food behaves over time. When you combine that knowledge with proper storage, you can confidently rely on your food supply.

For long-term preparedness, Augason Farms products are designed to deliver consistent shelf life, clear labeling, and dependable nutrition—helping you stay ready for whatever comes next.