best-before date

Plural

best-before dates

the date until which a product is expected to remain at its optimal quality, but it may still be consumed after this date

When shopping for groceries, always check the best-before date to ensure the food is still fresh and safe to consume.
The yogurt in my fridge had passed its best-before date, so I decided not to eat it.
Manufacturers print the best-before date on the packaging to indicate the period during which the product maintains its optimal quality.
The canned soup had a best-before date of December 2023, meaning it should be consumed before the end of the year for best taste and nutritional value.
Some foods are still safe to eat after the best-before date, but they may not taste as good or have the same texture.