FAQs
Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the 'best by' date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.
Can you eat 20 year old canned food? ›
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, canned contents are safe to eat as long as the can is in “good shape.” The Canned Food Alliance agrees, citing 100-year-old canned food that was recovered from sunken ships and tested microbiologically safe.
What are three signs that canned food is unsafe to eat? ›
However, do not eat foods from cans that show these warning signs:
- Bulging.
- Leaking.
- Denting at the seam or rim (which can allow air or harmful bacteria to enter the can)
What canned food doesn't expire? ›
Cans in good condition—meaning no dents, swelling or rust—stored in a cool, clean, dry place are safe indefinitely. We're talking corn, peas, carrots, green beans, asparagus, peaches, pears, pineapple and so much more.
How long after a can expires can you eat it? ›
Low-acid canned foods such as vegetables like peas or carrots can last anywhere from two to five years. High acid canned foods such as citrus fruits, pickles, or tomatoes can last 12 to 18 months. Make sure to store your cans in the dark, because light can accelerate natural chemical reactions.
Can you eat 10 year old home canned food? ›
As long as the can is in good shape, the contents should be safe to eat, although the taste, texture and nutritional value of the food can diminish over time. Home canned foods should be used within 1 year.
Can canned food last 30 years? ›
Good news: Shelf-stable canned goods are safe more or less indefinitely, lasting up to five years or more according to the USDA.
How to tell if home-canned food has botulism? ›
the container is leaking, bulging, or swollen; the container looks damaged, cracked, or abnormal; the container spurts liquid or foam when opened; or. the food is discolored, moldy, or smells bad.
Which food carries the highest risk of botulism when canned? ›
Low-acid vegetables such as green beans, corn, beets, and peas, which may have picked up C. botulinum spores from the soil, are at risk. For more information, go to Shelf Stable Food Safety.
Which food illness is most often caused by incorrectly canned food? ›
One of the most common causes of foodborne botulism is improperly home-canned food, especially low-acid foods such as vegetables and meats.
Alcohol. Distilled liquors like tequila, vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum last indefinitely, even after they've been opened. While it's still technically drinkable, an open bottle of spirits does slowly lose its flavor over time, and may not have the appeal it did when it was “fresh.”
Does peanut butter go bad? ›
An open jar of commercially processed peanut butter lasts up to 3 months in the pantry and up to 9 months in the refrigerator. Natural peanut butter has a shorter shelf life and lasts up to 6 months in the refrigerator once opened.
Can you eat eggs 2 months out of date? ›
While each carton of eggs is marked with an expiration date, if properly stored at 40°F or lower, they should be safe to eat for longer—usually two to three weeks past the expiration date. If you need healthy recipes to use up the eggs in your refrigerator, try one of these delicious egg recipes.
Can you eat 2 year expired popcorn? ›
Eating popcorn that is two years past its expiration date is not recommended. Popcorn, like any food, can degrade in quality over time, and its taste and texture may be compromised. While it's unlikely to be harmful if properly stored, it may not be a pleasant snacking experience.
Can I eat 2 year expired canned soup? ›
Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the 'best by' date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.
Could you eat a 20 year old can of Chef Boyardee? ›
“It doesn't taste bad, it doesn't taste spoiled, but there's kind of a funny metallic taste,” he said.
Can you eat 60 year old canned food? ›
Can eating old food storage make my family sick? Properly packaged and stored dry grains can be safely consumed for more than 30 years. Canned foods stored in a cool, dry location, that are not bulging or leaking, can be safely eaten for several years past their best-if-used-by date printed on the can.
What foods can you not eat after the expiration date? ›
Keeping all that intel in mind, ahead are 13 foods that do not fare well after their expiration dates, according to experts.
- Infant Formula. ...
- Meats. ...
- Eggs. ...
- Soft Cheeses. ...
- Deli Meat. ...
- Fiddleheads. ...
- Strawberries. ...
- Ground Spices.
How long will a can of spam last? ›
In most cases, the best-by dates for cans of Spam are approximately three years after the manufacturing date. After the best-by date, Spam is still safe to eat; however, it may change in appearance, taste, or nutritional value.