Walk into almost any kitchen and you’ll likely find a forgotten can of beans, soup, or vegetables hiding in the back of the pantry. When people notice that the date on the label has passed, the quick reaction is often to toss it in the trash. But is that really necessary? Are those cans unsafe—or is the truth more surprising?
What Do the Dates Really Mean?
The first thing to understand is that the dates printed on canned goods rarely have to do with safety. Instead, they are indicators of quality.
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“Best By” or “Best Before” dates: These mark when the manufacturer believes the food will taste its freshest. After that date, the flavor, texture, or color may decline slightly, but the food often remains safe.
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“Use By” dates: These are meant for more perishable items like dairy or meat—not canned goods. They point to peak quality, not an absolute safety deadline.
So, if you see that a can of beans is “past date,” it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to panic.
How Long Do Canned Foods Really Last?
When stored properly—in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight—most canned foods last 1 to 5 years beyond the printed date.
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High-acid foods (like tomatoes, pineapple, or citrus fruits): These have a shorter shelf life because acid gradually reacts with the can’s lining. Expect 12–18 months past the date for best quality.
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Low-acid foods (like beans, corn, or canned meats): These can last much longer—often years past the label date.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) even notes that as long as the can is intact and undamaged, the food can remain safe indefinitely. While taste and texture may degrade over time, the food itself does not suddenly become harmful once the date passes.
How to Tell If a Can Is Unsafe
Although most expired cans are fine, some signs indicate spoilage. You should throw a can away if you notice:
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Bulging or swollen lid/sides → Possible bacterial growth or gas buildup.
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Leaks or heavy rust → This compromises the seal, allowing contamination.
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Severe dents (especially along seams) → The integrity of the can may be broken.
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Strange smell, color, or spurting liquid when opened → Clear signs the food is unsafe.
If any of these warning signs appear, do not taste the food. Safety comes first.
Why This Matters
Every year, millions of tons of food are wasted because expiration dates are misunderstood. Perfectly good canned goods are discarded when they could still provide safe, nutritious meals. This waste not only hurts household budgets but also contributes to environmental problems and food insecurity.
By learning how to interpret dates correctly, families can:
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Save money
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Reduce waste
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Support sustainability
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Make better use of long-lasting emergency food supplies
The Bottom Line
Canned foods are some of the most resilient and reliable pantry staples. While flavor and texture may gradually decline, properly stored cans can last years beyond the date printed on the label. The real test is not the date but the condition of the can itself.
Next time you find that forgotten can in your pantry, don’t automatically toss it. Check it carefully—and you might just save yourself a safe, tasty, and budget-friendly meal.