IFIC Spotlight Survey: Americans’ Perceptions Of Food Date Labeling
June 1, 2025
Research Type
Topics
The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online survey among U.S. consumers to measure interpretation, action, confidence, and preference related to food date labeling. One thousand adults ages 18 years and older completed the online survey from January 18-22, 2025, and respondents were weighted to ensure proportional results.
Key findings include:
- More Americans interpret “Best by,” “Best if used by,” and “Use by” date labeling as an indicator of quality than safety.
- Only 3 in 10 Americans are highly confident that food date labels on packaged foods and beverages are accurate.
- More than 1 in 3 Americans throw a food or beverage away without assessing it after the “Best if used by” date passes.
- Preference for a consistent food date labeling phrase is mixed, with most Americans preferring “Best if used by.”