When it comes to food storage, canned food is often the go-to option for many households. This is primarily because canned food is easy to store and can last for long periods of time. But just how long are canned foods really good for?
The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the type of food being stored and the environment in which it is stored. Generally speaking, most types of canned foods have a shelf life of about two to five years when stored properly.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, acidic foods such as tomatoes or fruit juices can only last up to 18 months before they start to spoil.
In addition to the type of food being stored, temperature also plays a role in how long canned foods can last. If the temperature is too high or too low, it can speed up the deterioration process and reduce the shelf life significantly. Therefore, it’s important to store canned goods in a cool dry place that has a consistent temperature.
It’s also important to note that once a can has been opened, its contents should be consumed within two days or else they will start to spoil. And if the contents are not consumed within that time frame, they must be refrigerated in order to slow down the deterioration process.
Conclusion:
Canned foods have an average shelf life of 2-5 years when stored properly in a cool, dry place with consistent temperatures. However, acidic foods like tomatoes or fruit juices can only last up to 18 months before spoiling and all opened cans should be consumed within 2 days unless refrigerated.