Walk into almost any kitchen and you’ll find a forgotten can of beans or soup in the pantry.
Spotting a passed “Best By” date, most people toss it, but is it really unsafe? The answer may surprise you.
What Do Dates Mean?
Dates on canned goods usually signal quality, not safety. “Best By” or “Best Before” suggests when food tastes freshest.
Afterward, flavor or texture may decline, but it’s often still safe. The “Use By” date is tied to safety,
but mainly for perishable items like dairy or meat, not canned foods.
How Long Do Cans Last?
When stored in a cool, dry place, canned foods typically last 1–5 years past the printed date.
Acidic foods like tomatoes may spoil sooner, while low-acid items—beans, corn, meats—last longer.
The USDA even notes that intact, undamaged cans can remain safe indefinitely, though quality may change.
When to Discard
Throw cans away if they are bulging, leaking, rusted, heavily dented, or if the contents smell odd, look strange, or spurt liquid.
Why It Matters
Millions of tons of food are wasted yearly due to misread dates. Understanding labels can cut waste, save money, and reduce environmental harm.
