「日本的賞味日期 (Best before date)」是？

文: TSUKIMI JAPAN
最後更新: 2025/NOV/03

(English below)

日本的賞味日期（Best Before Date）

近年來，日本不少茶廠為了減少食物浪費，或認為茶葉並不會在賞味日期一過就「變壞」，因此多在包裝上僅標示「年月」*，而不印具體日期。
各茶廠與品牌也有自己的基準，有的標示一個月，有的幾個月。

「賞味日期」與「消費日期」的不同

在日本食品標示中，常見的有兩種日期：

  • 賞味期限（しょうみきげん / Best Before）：指「風味最理想的日期」。過後仍可食用，只是香氣、味道可能略有下降。
  • 消費期限（しょうひきげん / Use By/ Expiry date）：則表示「安全食用的最後期限」，多用於容易變質的食品，如便當、鮮牛奶等。

茶葉屬於乾燥食品，標示的是「賞味期限」。因此，即使過了日期，也不代表不能飲用，只是風味可能下降。

關於日本綠茶的「鮮」

日本綠茶最重視的，是「鮮」。
與其在意日期上的數字，不如專注於開封後的保存與飲用時機。
想想看——一罐抹茶，即使還在標示的日期內，若已開封半年，你會覺得那仍是最美味的狀態嗎？

茶葉並不會像牛奶一樣「變壞」，但香氣與風味會隨時間漸漸消散。
特別是抹茶，對空氣與濕氣格外敏感。即使保存得當，開封後的香氣也會慢慢散去。

因此，賞味日期更像是「風味參考期」，而不是「變壞期限」。
換句話說，一旦開封，包裝上標示的賞味日期就不再具有實際意義。

為了讓茶展現最美味的時刻，我們建議：

  • 避免囤貨；
  • 開封後請儘早飲用；
  • 恰當保存，置於陰涼乾燥處，避免高溫、潮濕與陽光直射；
  • 特別是抹茶，開封後建議在一個月內飲畢。

 

*例：標示「20XX年12月」時，視為當月內（即至12月31日）。

 

更多關於日本茶相關資訊: 

https://www.tsukimixjapan.com/pages/japanese-tea-notes

 

Best Before Dates in Japan

In recent years, many Japanese tea producers have simplified their labeling to reduce food waste and to reflect the nature of tea as a product that does not suddenly “spoil” after a specific date.
As a result, it is increasingly common to see only the year and month printed on packaging, without a specific day.

Each tea producer or brand may have its own standards—some indicating a shorter period of one month, others several months.

“Best Before” vs. “Use By” — Understanding the Difference

In Japan, food labeling generally includes two types of dates:

Best Before (賞味期限 / しょうみきげん)
This indicates the date up to which the product is at its optimal flavor and quality.
After this date, the product can still be consumed, though its aroma and taste may gradually decline.

Use By / Expiry Date (消費期限 / しょうひきげん)
This refers to the last date for safe consumption, typically applied to perishable foods such as bento, fresh milk, and ready-to-eat items.

Tea, being a dried product, is labeled with a Best Before date.
Therefore, passing this date does not mean the tea is unsafe to drink—it simply means the flavor may no longer be at its peak.

The Essence of Freshness in Japanese Green Tea

What matters most in Japanese green tea is freshness.

Rather than focusing solely on the printed date, it is far more important to consider how the tea is stored and how soon it is consumed after opening.

Think of it this way—
Even if a tin of matcha is still within its stated Best Before period, would it truly taste its best after being opened for six months?

Tea does not “go bad” like milk, but its aroma and flavor gradually fade over time.
This is especially true for matcha, which is highly sensitive to air and humidity. Even with proper storage, its fragrance will slowly dissipate once opened.

For this reason, the Best Before date should be understood as a guideline for peak flavor, rather than a strict expiration point.
In other words, once opened, the printed date on the package becomes far less meaningful.

To Enjoy Tea at Its Best, We Recommend:

  • Avoid overstocking
  • Consume as soon as possible after opening
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight

  • For matcha in particular, finish within one month after opening

     

*Example: If labeled “December 20XX,” it is generally understood to be valid through the end of that month (i.e., December 31).