Read labels.  Food labels list the ingredients and valuable nutritional information, which is helpful in judging the nutritional quality of a food item.

Nutrition facts.  Compare nutrition facts labels (pdf) to find the best value, help you make healthy choices at the grocery store, compare foods and products and plan healthy meals.  Learn how to understand and use the nutrition facts label to shop and eat smart.

Check expiration dates.  Avoid buying a food that is past its prime. If it’s on sale and near its expiration date, use it soon. Find out what the dates on food products really mean.

Example -- Avoid dumping a half gallon of soured milk down the drain: Save $2.50.

Dates on food labels.  Many foods have a date stamped on the label. These dates can help you choose foods that are fresh and safe to eat. You will see different dates on different types of foods.

• The "Pull-By" or "Sell-By" date is used on foods like milk, cheese, and packaged meats. It is the last date the product should be sold. These foods are usually stored in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and safe for few days after this date if you store them properly.
• "Freshness" or "Best-If-Used-By" dates are used on products like bakery goods or packaged cereals. The date is the last day the product can keep its best quality. After this date, the food may lose some of its freshness and nutritional value.
• An "Expiration" or "Use-By" date is the last date the food should be eaten or used. It is used mostly on products such as refrigerated dough and yeast.
• A "Pack" date is the date the food was manufactured or processed and packaged. This type of date is used for foods that can be kept for a long time, like canned goods.