How long does canned food last?
Commercially canned low-acid food such as vegetables, meat and soup keeps its best quality for 2–5 years, while high-acid cans like tomatoes and fruit are best within 12–18 months.
| Canned Food | |
|---|---|
| Unopened | 2–5 years (low-acid); 12–18 months (high-acid such as tomatoes and fruit) |
| Opened | 3–4 days in the fridge (low-acid); 5–7 days (high-acid), in a covered glass or plastic container |
| Ideal storage | A cool, dry shelf below 85°F (29°C); not a damp basement, hot garage or car. |
| Long-term | An undamaged, sealed can generally stays safe past its best-by date; texture, color and vitamins slowly decline. |
Storage tips
- Rotate first-in, first-out: put new cans at the back.
- Keep a manual can opener with your supplies.
- Home-canned food has different rules: use it within about 1 year and follow tested recipes.
Signs it has gone bad
- A bulging, swollen or leaking can, or a lid that does not stay down
- Liquid or foam that spurts out when the can is opened
- Deep dents on the seam or rim, or heavy rust that flakes off
- Off smells, mold, or cloudy liquid where it is normally clear
- Never taste food from a suspect can to check it: botulism toxin can be present without an obvious smell. When in doubt, throw it out.