We’ve all been there — cleaning out the pantry only to find a dusty can of soup or beans with a date that’s long gone. The usual instinct? Toss it straight in the trash. But here’s the truth: those cans might still be perfectly fine to eat.
What the Dates Actually Mean
Most people assume the printed date on canned food is a hard expiration deadline — but it’s not. Labels like “Best By” or “Best Before” simply refer to quality, not safety. They tell you when the food is likely to taste its best, not when it suddenly becomes dangerous.
The only label tied directly to safety is the “Use By” date, and that’s usually reserved for perishable foods like milk or meat — not canned goods.
How Long Canned Food Really Lasts
If stored properly — in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight — canned foods can easily last 1 to 5 years past the date on the label.
High-acid foods like tomatoes or fruit don’t last quite as long because the acid slowly reacts with the can’s lining.
Low-acid foods like beans, corn, or canned meat often stay safe much longer.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as long as a can is sealed, rust-free, and undamaged, the food inside can technically remain safe indefinitely. The flavor or texture might fade over time — but that doesn’t mean it’s unsafe.
When to Throw It Out
Of course, not every can should be trusted. Here’s when it’s best to play it safe and toss it:
The can is bulging or swollen (a sign of gas from bacteria).
It’s leaking, rusted, or deeply dented near the seams.
The food smells odd, looks off-color, or spurts liquid when opened.
If any of those apply, don’t taste it — just discard it.
Why It Matters
So much food goes to waste every year because people misunderstand expiration dates. Perfectly edible canned goods get thrown out when they could have fed families in need.
By knowing the difference between quality dates and safety dates, you can save money, reduce waste, and still enjoy safe, nutritious meals.