How Long Does Canned Food Really Stay Good For?

When it comes to stocking up on food, canned items top many people’s lists. Not only are they long-lasting, but they’re also usually budget-friendly and easy to prepare. But how long does canned food actually stay good for?

When it comes to the shelf life of canned goods, the answer is typically two to five years. This timeframe is based on the advice of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which recommends that home cooks store their cans in a cool, dark place with a temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.

When stored properly, canned goods can stay safe and edible for up to five years. However, after two years, the quality of the food may start to deteriorate and it may not taste as good as it did when it was first purchased.

It’s important to note that this two-to-five year period isn’t an expiration date; rather, it’s a guideline for how long canned food should remain safe and tasty when stored properly. If a can has been stored in an area with temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit or in direct sunlight, its shelf life will be shorter than two to five years. Additionally, if cans are dented or bulging they should be discarded immediately as these are signs of spoilage or contamination.

Checking Canned Goods

In addition to storage requirements, there are a few other factors that can affect the quality and safety of canned goods. For one thing, cans should always be checked for signs of rust before being opened and eaten; rust indicates that bacteria has been able to penetrate the metal canister.

Expiration Dates

Canned goods also have expiration dates printed on their labels; this date is typically two or three years after production. Even if cans have been stored properly, they should still be discarded once they reach this date as nutrients may have broken down over time and spoilage could occur even if no other signs of spoilage exist.

Overall, when stored properly in a cool dark place such as a pantry or cupboard at temperatures below 75 degrees Fahrenheit, most canned goods will stay good for up to five years – but always check labels and discard any cans that are dented or bulging before opening them.

Conclusion: Canned foods can last for up to five years if stored correctly in cool dark areas with temperatures below 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, checking labels for expiration dates as well as inspecting cans for signs of rust or bulging should always take precedence before consuming any type of canned food.