Cans
This is a short reminder that canned food is still edible long after the best buy date. Keep your pantry well-stocked for emergencies. The intention of best buy dates is for you to throw the can away and buy another one.
Most Americans have never been really hungry. The day is coming when a can of beans will be worth more than gold.
Commercially canned food will last indefinitely as long as the container remains undamaged and is stored in a cool, dry place.
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, expiration dates on cans reflect quality rather than safety. Over time, changes in temperature and acidity can slowly degrade the taste, texture, and nutritional value, but the food inside remains free of harmful bacteria.
Unopened commercially canned food remains safe to eat indefinitely as long as the seal is undamaged, though peak quality lasts 2 to 5 years for low-acid foods (like meats and beans) and 12 to 18 months for high-acid foods (like tomatoes and fruit).
Storage Life by Food Type
Low-acid canned goods (meat, fish, soup, corn, beans): Peak quality lasts 2 to 5 years, but safe indefinitely if the can is intact.
High-acid canned goods (tomatoes, citrus fruits, pickles): Best used within 12 to 18 months because acid breaks down the metal lining and degrades quality.
Home-canned foods: Recommended shelf life is 1 year, and should be used within 2 years.
Opened canned foods: Low-acid leftovers last 3 to 4 days in the fridge; high-acid leftovers last 5 to 7 days.
Signs a Can Is Unsafe to Eat
Deep rust, major dents, or swelling/bulging on the can.
Foul odor, spurting liquid, or mold upon opening.
Never taste or use food from a bulging can.
Safety Indicators: When to Discard Cans
Never taste food from a suspect can to see if it is good. Instantly throw away cans that display any of the following warning signs:
Bulging or Swelling: This indicates gas buildup from dangerous bacterial growth inside.
Deep Dents: Sharp dents along the top, bottom, or side seams can cause microscopic breaks in the seal.
Severe Rust: External rust can corrode through the metal skin and introduce contamination.
Spurting or Hissing: If liquid or gas forcibly spurts out when punctured, the food has spoiled.
Foul Odor: Discard the food immediately if it has an unnatural smell, color, or frothy appearance upon opening.
Buy a wide variety of healthy foods. You don't want to eat Dinki-Di day after day.
And have some pet food, too.
Thank you for info! I also store canned goods, etc., a holdover from being raised by parents who lived through the Depression.😁 Your storage unit is exceptional, I wish I thought of it! Knew the sell by date was a marketing ploy…😁
Great post!🙏🏼