In Japan, the food sold usually has an expiration date marked on it, referred to as the “best-before date” (賞味期限), aka. appreciation period, which is more frequently used in our product descriptions. You may also see the “use-by date” (消費期限). If marked in Japanese, the best-before date is similar to "賞味期限" or "before date," while the use-by date resembles "消費期限."
For more info of "best-before date" and "use-by date", you can also refer to the link from USDA offical website below.
Best-Before Date (賞味期限):
"Best-before" in Japanese refers to the time when the food's flavor is at its peak. The best-before date is mainly used for foods that have been heat-treated and can be stored at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen for a long time. These include items like ham, bottled beverages, snacks, instant noodles, canned goods, and frozen foods. The best-before date indicates that the flavor and quality of the food are optimal up to this date, which is different from the expiry date. The expiry date refers to the date before which the food is safe to consume. The best-before date emphasizes the best flavor and quality before this date. Typically, food packaging in Japan shows the best-before date. Even after the best-before date, the food is generally safe to consume, though its flavor and quality might decline. It is recommended to consume the food within the best-before date to ensure optimal taste.
The appreciation period of Japanese snacks varies. For example, Rokkatei's popular product, Rum Raisin Cookies, has a recommended appreciation period of only ten days. The rich flavor, balanced sweetness, and lingering aftertaste of this product are due to its fresh ingredients. No preservatives or additives are used, which is why the appreciation period is relatively short. If you are interested in tasting this delicious Hokkaido snack, please click on the product image below to choose the size of the package and place an order.
Products with a longer appreciation period are represented by the Ishiya Shiroi Koibito (White Lover) series of chocolate sandwich cookies, which have a appreciation period of up to 180 days. Shiroi Koibito chocolate sandwich cookies are a famous Hokkaido dessert, beloved by our customers for their delicate texture and unique flavor. If you are interested in tasting this series of delicious Hokkaido snacks, please click on the product image below to find your preferred flavor and packaging size to place an order.
Use-By Date (消費期限):
The use-by date is marked on foods that cannot be stored for a long time, such as bento boxes and other fresh foods. The use-by date indicates the safe consumption period of these foods. If unopened and stored according to the method indicated on the packaging, the food can be safely consumed within the use-by date. The use-by date denotes the period during which the food is safe to eat; beyond this time, the food's hygiene and safety cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, it is crucial to consume the food within the use-by date to ensure safety and hygiene.
In Summary:
- Best-before date: The date by which the food's flavor and quality are at their best.
- Use-by date: The last date by which the food is safe to consume.
Even if the best-before date has passed, the food can still be safely eaten for a short period, although its flavor and quality may not be as good as before. Products like the Rokkatei series, banana cake, and Press Butter Sand fall under short best-before date items. These products usually do not contain preservatives and ensure initial freshness and deliciousness.
To ensure the best taste, we recommend consuming the products as soon as you receive them. However, even if the best-before date has passed, these foods can still be safely eaten and will not affect your health.
In conclusion, understanding the difference between the best-before date and the use-by date is crucial for ensuring food safety and enjoying the best flavor. Products with a short best-before date may have a shorter shelf life but offer a fresher and more delicious taste. We hope you understand these labels and enjoy your food within the appropriate time.