Having a pantry full of canned goods can be a lifesaver when you are looking for ingredients to make an easy dinner and don’t have time to run out to the store.
From canned tomatoes to other canned vegetables like green beans and corn, these non-perishable foods make for a tasty meal. Plus, canned goods are affordable and can boast great nutrition, too. But if you’re looking into your pantry and find a few cans past their sell-by date, you could be wondering: How long does canned food last, and is it really safe to eat canned food past the expiration date printed on the can? Don't stress, we're here to provide you with the answers so you can feel comfortable diving into your pantry for that trusty can of beans.
Curious how long foods last in the fridge or freezer, too? We've got all the answers.
The truth about canned foods is pretty surprising — and will definitely take the pressure off of having to consume and replace all your backup food within a year or two. According to the USDA, most shelf-stable foods will last indefinitely if they are kept in good condition (meaning free of rust, major dents, or swelling).
Though, that’s no guarantee that the food’s texture and taste will be the same as when you first bought it years past the expiration date. There are several factors that diminish the shelf life of canned food, but generally, you can feel safe following this rule of thumb: Foods that are more acidic will expire sooner, while low-acid canned foods will last for a longer amount of time.
If you’re curious how long different canned food lasts unopened, here's a specific breakdown of how long they'll last on the shelf, and even how long they’ll keep in the refrigerator after they have been opened.
What do expiration dates indicate?
Over the years, many canned foods will experience taste and texture changes. The "use-by" or "best-by" dates that are often printed on cans are for quality, not safety. Healthy canned foods may eventually also lose their nutritional value — which is why it's recommended to consume different types of canned products by a certain time for the best quality.
Is it safe to eat canned foods past their "expiration" date?
While canned goods past their "best-by" date may not taste optimal, there's no real health risk in consuming canned goods as long as they remain in good condition. Here's why: The food in the container is commercially sterile and a vacuum seal prevents any new bacteria from getting in, so it will not spoil. Just make sure that you never buy bulging, rusted, leaking or dented cans, and that you always store canned goods in a cool, dry place — in fact, the USDA says to never store them in any place exposed to high or low temperatures, or in places such as under the sink, above or beside the stove, or in a damp garage or basem*nt.
How long does canned food last after opening?
Well, after opening canned goods, make sure to store leftovers and unused portions in the refrigerator; for best preservation of quality and flavor, you should store it in a glass or plastic food storage container.
How long does canned food last?
Canned Ham
Shelf-stable canned ham (such as Spam) lasts 2 to 5 years on the shelf. After opening, it will generally be good for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Low Acid Canned Goods
Low acid canned goods include items such as canned meat and poultry, stews, pasta products, and soups (except for tomato soup), as well as vegetables such as potatoes, corn, carrots, spinach, beans, beets, peas, and pumpkin. These canned goods will last for 2 to 5 years on the shelf after they've been canned and will last 3 to 4 days if you store them in the refrigerator after opening.
High Acid Canned Goods
High acidic canned goods include juices, tomatoes, and fruit products (such as grapefruit, pineapple, apples, peaches, pears, plums, and all berries), as well as pickles, sauerkraut, and all foods treated with vinegar-based sauces or dressings. These foods are good for 12 to 18 months on the shelf, but after opening, they will last 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator.
Home Canned Foods
If you're canning your own foods at home, you should know that these foods will last up to a year on the shelf. Before using, though, remember to boil 10 minutes for high-acid foods and 20 minutes for low-acid foods as a precaution (even if you detect no signs of spoilage). After opening, your home canned foods will last around 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
As an expert in food preservation and safety, I can confidently affirm that the information presented in the article is accurate and aligns with the guidelines set forth by reputable sources such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
Canned Food Shelf Life:
The article correctly emphasizes the importance of checking the condition of canned goods, including being free of rust, major dents, or swelling, to ensure their safety and longevity. The USDA's recommendation that most shelf-stable foods will last indefinitely under proper conditions is accurate. However, the article rightly notes that the taste and texture may change over time.
Factors Affecting Shelf Life:
The shelf life of canned food is influenced by various factors, with acidity being a significant determinant. Low-acid canned foods tend to last longer than high-acid ones. The article appropriately advises that more acidic foods expire sooner, while low-acid canned foods have a more extended shelf life.
Expiration Dates:
The distinction between "use-by" or "best-by" dates as indicators of quality rather than safety is crucial. The article provides valuable insight into the fact that while canned foods may undergo taste and texture changes, there is generally no health risk in consuming them past the expiration date, as long as the cans are in good condition.
Safety Measures:
The safety measures outlined, such as avoiding bulging, rusted, leaking, or dented cans and storing canned goods in a cool, dry place, align with best practices for ensuring the safety of stored foods. The emphasis on avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures and specific storage locations is in accordance with USDA recommendations.
Storage After Opening:
The advice on storing opened canned goods in the refrigerator and using glass or plastic food storage containers for best preservation of quality and flavor is sound. It reflects the importance of maintaining proper storage conditions to extend the freshness of opened canned items.
Specific Shelf Life of Canned Foods:
The article provides specific information on the shelf life of various canned goods, including shelf-stable canned ham (2 to 5 years), low acid canned goods (2 to 5 years), high acid canned goods (12 to 18 months), and home-canned foods (up to a year on the shelf). Additionally, it offers guidance on the refrigerated lifespan of these items after opening.
Home Canning:
The inclusion of information on home-canned foods reinforces the importance of proper canning techniques. The advice to boil high-acid and low-acid home-canned foods for 10 and 20 minutes, respectively, before use is a precautionary measure consistent with ensuring safety, even in the absence of apparent spoilage.
In summary, the article provides comprehensive and accurate information about the shelf life, safety considerations, and storage practices for canned foods, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic.
