Shelf Life vs Best Before vs Expiry Date: Every Food Entrepreneur Should Know
admin 31 Aug 2026
1 min read
One of the most misunderstood aspects of the food industry is the difference between Shelf Life, Best Before, and Expiry Date. Understanding these terms is essential for every food entrepreneur.
Shelf Life refers to the period during which a food product remains safe and maintains its desired quality when stored under recommended conditions.
Best Before indicates the period during which the product is expected to retain its optimum taste, texture, and nutritional quality. In many cases, the product may still be safe to consume after this date if stored properly.
Expiry Date is different. Products should not be consumed after the expiry date as they may no longer be safe.
Several factors influence shelf life, including moisture content, water activity, packaging, storage temperature, processing methods, and preservatives.
A well-designed shelf-life study helps businesses determine the correct “Best Before” or “Expiry Date” and ensures customer safety while reducing product wastage.
FTP Expert Tip: Never guess your product’s shelf life. Always conduct proper shelf-life studies before launching your product in the market.
Source: FSSAI | Codex Alimentarius
Shelf Life refers to the period during which a food product remains safe and maintains its desired quality when stored under recommended conditions.
Best Before indicates the period during which the product is expected to retain its optimum taste, texture, and nutritional quality. In many cases, the product may still be safe to consume after this date if stored properly.
Expiry Date is different. Products should not be consumed after the expiry date as they may no longer be safe.
Several factors influence shelf life, including moisture content, water activity, packaging, storage temperature, processing methods, and preservatives.
A well-designed shelf-life study helps businesses determine the correct “Best Before” or “Expiry Date” and ensures customer safety while reducing product wastage.
FTP Expert Tip: Never guess your product’s shelf life. Always conduct proper shelf-life studies before launching your product in the market.
Source: FSSAI | Codex Alimentarius
