Canned Food Shelf Life: What You Need to Know

Theoretically, food cans have an unlimited shelf life

• Like all foods, canned goods have a best-before date printed on them. This is usually 18 months from bottling.
• The manufacturer thus guarantees that the canned goods are in perfect condition by the deadline and can be consumed without hesitation.
• However, you can eat canned food beyond the best-before date. They can be kept almost indefinitely. Even meat and fish will not spoil as long as the preserves are not in the blazing sun.
• Tip: How to open a tin can without a can opener

Still, eating canned goods after 10 years?

• Even after ten years, the preserves can still be eaten. However, the taste and consistency of food changes over the years. The color can no longer be so appealing.
• From a health point of view, the canned food is still perfectly fine. Nevertheless, it makes sense to try the content carefully after many years and if it doesn’t taste good – then it’s better to get rid of it.
• So if you buy numerous tins for emergencies, you can store them for years. But be careful not to feel like the Survival Pack buyer…

Caution: When to dispose of canned goods?

• In some cases, however, it is better to dispose of the preserves: if the can is damaged and air may have gotten in, it is better not to eat the preserve anymore.
• If the tin has larger kinks or dents, it should also be thrown away: rust develops very quickly here, even on the inside. The grate then comes into direct contact with the food and this can be harmful to health.
• Air can also penetrate very easily with preserves in jars. For example, this happens when the lid is not properly seated and the vacuum seal has come loose. The result is germs and clearly visible mold.