How Long Can Canned Food Last?Canned foods can be eaten after the expiration date. But how to recognize if the products are deteriorated or edible?
Index
- What Do Expiration Dates Really Mean?
- How long do homemade preserves last?
- How long does canned food really last?
Canned foods can be eaten after the expiration date. But how to recognize if the products are deteriorated or edible?
Canned food , from legumes to ready-made soups and preserves, can be eaten even past their expiration date — that’s what the USDA states , which is that canned foods are safe to eat indefinitely and you can eat them well. past the expiration date.
So what do those dates mean if they don’t indicate that the food has gone bad? Let’s find out together. (Read also: 10 foods you can eat after the expiration date (or not!)
What Do Expiration Dates Really Mean?
According to researchers at Clemson University , the expiration dates we see on cans of food don’t indicate when the food will go bad. In fact, canned goods are still safe to eat even after that date.
Obviously, according to scholars, the farther you get from the expiration date, the more the quality of the product could decrease . So while you may still eat those cans of soup or pulses that have expired, remember that the color, taste and texture may be affected.
There are important exceptions to consider, because if past the expiration date you notice that the can is dented or showing signs of swelling and rust, it could be a sign of spoilage or botulism . These signs should not be underestimated, as they are potentially dangerous to health.
The best way to find out if an undamaged can is still palatable is to simply open it to taste, smell, and examine the contents. According to the Atlanta Community Food Bank , you should never eat anything with mold, mildew, or unpleasant odors. (Read also: Bisphenol A (BPA): still present in 38% of canned foods )
How long do homemade preserves last?
Homemade canned foods do n’t have an expiration date, so it’s always a good idea to mark the container with the date the foods were canned.
Furthermore, it is a good rule to eat these foods within 12-18 months to be sure of their quality. If these foods have been safely canned and following jar sterilization guidelines , they will still be safe after this time, but you may notice less quality. (Read also: Are canned beans really healthy? Properties, contraindications and which one to choose )
How long does canned food really last?
We’ve already established that in most cases canned goods are safe to eat indefinitely , however, no one wants to eat a can of tuna that has gone mushy. To help consumers determine if canned goods are still palatable, here are some recommendations:
Canned fruit
High-acid canned goods such as canned fruit, including tomatoes, should be eaten within 1 to 2 years of the expiration date.
Canned vegetables and soups
Low-acid canned goods such as vegetables, corned beef, and soups should be eaten within 2 to 3 years of the expiration date.
Long-life milk
Condensed milk and other long-life milks should be used within one year of the expiration date. This also applies to powdered milk .
