Hidden behind jars of sauce and half-empty rice bags, most pantries hold a few forgotten cans — beans, soup, or vegetables long past their printed “expiration” dates. Most people toss them without a second thought. But here’s the truth: most “expired” canned foods are still completely safe to eat. Those dates rarely mean what you think they do — and understanding them can save money, reduce waste, and even change how you look at food.
The Truth About Expiration Dates
Food labels can be surprisingly misleading. Terms like “Best By,” “Best Before,” and “Use By” aren’t expiration dates — they’re manufacturer suggestions for best quality.
- “Best By” / “Best Before”: The product might lose a bit of flavor or texture after this date, but it’s still safe.
- “Use By”: Generally for highly perishable foods like milk or meat, but even then, it’s about freshness, not safety.
For canned goods, these dates are mostly marketing tools. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), properly stored canned food can last for years or even decades beyond the date printed on the label.
Why Canned Food Lasts So Long
The secret lies in how it’s made. Canned food is sealed and heated at high temperatures, destroying bacteria and creating a vacuum that keeps new microorganisms out. As long as the seal stays intact, the food inside remains protected.
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