Package Dates?

What do packaging dates mean?

"Sell by" means the store should sell the product by the printed date, but the product still can be safely eaten by the consumer.

"Best if used by" means the consumer should use the product by the date listed for best quality and flavor (not for safety reasons).

"Use by" or "expires" means the product should be used by consumers by the date listed; you are likely to see a marked deterioration in product quality and safety after that date.