Yes, the date on the packages are for the sellers mostly. They can't sell after that date but doesn't mean its not still useable. As someone mentioned now they include ......use by such and such a date which is a good idea. When my mother was cleaning out her house and we got to her kitchen we were startled to see some items, mostly spices had an expiration date back in 1970's. We tossed them out. When my sister decided to check her spices she found some even older so tossed them out and got new. If the can is not bulging I'll keep it for another year past the date, packages depends on how it looks inside. Spices I'll keep for another year or two. I use them up pretty fast these days anyway. Milk I found I can freeze if not opened, just shake before pouring once thawed.