How Long Does Canned Food Last? (2024)

Convenient, versatile, and inexpensive, canned food, from protein-packed tuna to savory tomatoes, are integral to every well-stocked pantry—but how long does canned food last? They're reputed to have a lengthy shelf-life, allowing you to stockpile ingredients for emergencies and last-minute meals, but if you've been staring down the same staples for eons, it’s helpful to know how long is "long," exactly. We connected with food safety experts to learn more about the lasting powers of canned foods, plus the best storage methods to prevent spoilage.

What the Dates on Canned Foods Mean

The dates on canned goods indicate quality, not safety.

"There may be a variety of dates and numbers on store-bought canned foods, including the date the product was manufactured, the manufacturing facility information and lot code, and the 'use by' or 'sell by' date," explains Mitzi Baum, MSc, food safety instructor at Michigan State University and CEO of STOP Foodborne Illness.

The "use by" and "sell by" dates typically refer to the quality or the peak flavor and freshness of the product. "After that date, the manufacturer cannot guarantee that their product [will be] the tastiest," says Baum.

How Long Does Canned Food Last?

Canned food can endure indefinitely—or at least several years past the date on the label, according to Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., food scientist and author. Generally, high-acid foods (like tomatoes) will maintain their quality for 18 months after the "use by" or "sell by" date.Low-acid items (like meat, beans, and vegetables) will stay at their peak for two to five years.

When to Get Rid of Canned Food

In order for canned food to attain a long shelf-life, the cans must be in good condition. Since the condition of a can affect the safety of its contents, looking for physical signs on the can will help you determine if it's safe to use. Keep an eye out for the following:

• Dings: The USDA advises against eating food from cans that are leaking, bulging, severely dented, punctured, or rusted.
  
• Heavy rust: Light rusting is not a cause for concern. "If you can wipe the rust off with a wet cloth, the food inside is still safe. If the rust is extensive and won't wipe off, throw the can away," says Baum. She points to the Packaged and Canned Food Defect Guideline by the Association of Food and Drug Officials, which provides photos to help you determine if your dented or rusted can is safe or if it should be discarded.
• Smells: Canned food that emits a bad odor or spurts liquid when opened should be tossed.

Canned Foods and Botulism

According to Le, deformations in the cans generate microscopic holes in the can, allowing minute amounts of oxygen to enter. "This creates an environment in which botulinum spores can sporulate, leading to the growth of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum," he adds. Even with a tiny amount of oxygen, Clostridium botulinum will release the toxin that causes botulism, a rare but serious disease that affects the body's nerves.

The Right Way to Store Canned Food

You can ensure your canned food stays in good condition through proper storage. According to Le, canned goods should be kept in a cool, dry place, as warmth and moisture can accelerate damage and rusting. This means areas like under the sink, above the stove, and damp basem*nts are not recommended, as noted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Canned goods shouldn't be exposed to very high or low temperatures, which can increase the risk of spoilage and ruptured cans, respectively.

Home-Canned Goods

If processed correctly, home-canned goods can last for years, says Baum. The product's quality and nutritional value will decrease over time, but it will be safe to eat. But if the lid pops or bulges on your home-canned item, throw it away. According to Baum, this occurs when the bacteria not killed during the cooking process grows and releases gases, causing the lid to pop or expand.