Canned foods can come in handy when you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner. As the cost of groceries continues to increase, many people are stocking their pantries with canned vegetables and fish to manage costs while ensuring nutritional needs are met. If you're wondering how long canned foods stay good, we've got all the answers ahead.
According to the USDA, when food is commercially canned, no new bacteria can get into the food, meaning it doesn't spoil. But factors like high temperatures, corrosion, and rust can affect the texture and taste of the food over time. The acidity of the food inside may also affect how long it can safely stay in your pantry. Cans that are rusted, deeply dented, leaking, or bulging may not be safe to eat and should be thrown away, according to the USDA. Food pros have also previously told Good Housekeeping that in addition to checking the packaging, you can often tell if food is safe by smelling it or looking for visual indicators like mold.
Below, we'll explain what you need to know about canned food safety and share USDA recommendations. If you're looking for more tips on stocking your pantry, learn which foods have the longest shelf life and the shelf-stable foods pros recommend.
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 basement.
How long does canned food last after opening?
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 them 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 for 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.
