Batch Code Decoder
Most food, beverage, and consumer products stamp a Julian production date into their batch code. Pick a brand to decode its format, paste your code, and get the production date plus the freshness window.
Brands
Budweiser / AB InBev
BeerFormat: YYDDD + time + plant (born-on)
Example: 26099
Campbell's Soup
Canned foodsFormat: YJJJ + plant + shift
Example: 6099T1
Cargill
Meat & grainFormat: YYYYJJJ (7-digit)
Example: 2026099
Coca-Cola
BeveragesFormat: YJJJ + plant + line
Example: 6099GTA
Exxon / Mobil 1
Motor oilFormat: YJJJ + hour + line
Example: 609914
Gatorade
BeveragesFormat: YJJJ + plant + line
Example: 6099A1
Heinz Ketchup
CondimentsFormat: YJJJ + plant + line
Example: 6099PGH1
Hormel / Spam
Canned meatFormat: YJJJ + plant + shift
Example: 6099A2
Kraft Mac & Cheese
Packaged foodsFormat: YJJJ + plant + shift
Example: 6099G2
Lay's / Frito-Lay
SnacksFormat: YJJJ + plant
Example: 6099FL
Nestlé / Nescafé
Coffee & confectioneryFormat: YJJJ + plant
Example: 6099C
Oreo / Mondelēz
Cookies & snacksFormat: YJJJ + plant
Example: 6099R
Pepsi
BeveragesFormat: YJJJ + plant + shift
Example: 6099A3
Purina
Pet foodFormat: YJJJ + plant + line
Example: 6099KV
Tyson
Poultry & meatFormat: YJJJ + plant + shift + line
Example: 6099A12
How batch-code Julian dates work
A batch code (or lot code) is a short string a manufacturer prints on every unit so it can trace that unit back through the supply chain. Most begin with a Julian production date — usually the 4-digit YJJJ form (one year digit + three-digit day of year) — followed by plant, shift, and line identifiers. A stamp like 6099A12 decodes to day 099 of a year ending in 6 (April 9), shift A, line 12.
The Julian date matters most during a recall: the FDA publishes a Julian-date range and retailers pull every unit whose stamp falls inside it. It is also how route drivers rotate stock by freshness. Learn the general technique on the how to read a code page, or read the manufacturing guide for the regulatory background.
Decoders are based on each brand's publicly documented format. Manufacturers occasionally change codes without notice — treat the result as a strong estimate, not a guarantee, and check any printed best-by date on the package.