We have all found a can of soup or vegetables in the back of our pantry that is a year or two past its “Best By” date. Our first instinct is often to throw it away, assuming that it has gone bad. However, food safety experts say that this is a major mistake. The date on a can of food is not a safety deadline; it is simply a quality suggestion. The truth is that the canning process is so effective that the food inside can remain safe to eat for decades, making the “Best By” date a near-total myth.
The Science of Canning
The process of canning was invented in the 19th century as a way to preserve food for long sea voyages. The process involves two key steps. First, the food is sealed in an airtight container. Second, the container is heated to a temperature that kills any harmful microorganisms. This creates a sterile, oxygen-free environment where bacteria cannot grow, which is why the food can last for so long.
What the “Best By” Date Really Means
The “Best By” or “Best if Used By” date on a can is the manufacturer’s best estimate of when the product will be at its peak of flavor, texture, and nutritional value. It is not an expiration date. After this date, the food may slowly begin to lose some of its quality. The color might fade, or the texture might get a little softer, but it will still be perfectly safe to eat.
How Long Do Canned Goods Actually Last?
As long as the can itself is in good condition, the food inside can last for an incredibly long time. Low-acid canned foods, like meats, soups, and most vegetables, can last for up to five years or more with very little loss of quality. High-acid foods, like tomatoes and fruits, will maintain their best quality for about 18 months, but they will still be safe to eat for much longer than that.
The Real Signs of Spoilage
Instead of relying on the date, you should learn to spot the real signs of a spoiled can. You should never eat from a can that is bulging, leaking, or has a deep, sharp dent, especially on the seam. You should also discard a can if it makes a hissing sound when you open it or if the food inside has a foul odor or a strange color. These are the true signs of a dangerous can.
The Pantry’s Powerhouse
Canned goods are the powerhouse of any well-stocked pantry. They are an affordable, nutritious, and incredibly long-lasting food source. Confusion over “Best By” dates is a significant contributor to food waste. It leads people to throw away millions of pounds of perfectly good food every single year. By understanding the science of canning and the true meaning of the date on the label, you can have more confidence in the food in your pantry and can help reduce food waste.
How do you handle canned goods that are past their “Best By” date? Do you eat them or do you throw them away? Let us know your thoughts!
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