How Long Does Canned Food Last?

According to the USDA "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)." (Gravely, 2017)

Many Emergency Management organizations recommend that everyone keep at least a two week supply (and preferably a 30 day supply) of canned food at home. Rotate your canned goods stocks "first in - first out" so that you use the oldest foods first, and try to use food by the manufacturer's use by date - but don't worry if you have food stored beyond that date it will still be good.

While not easily portable, canned goods have the advantage of long-term storage, contents that are easily prepared, just heat and eat (or even eat cold right out of the can if necessary). Canned fruits vegetables and meats are also fairly inexpensive, letting you add a few extra cans to your grocery shopping list and build your food reserve over time.

“Store commercially canned foods and other shelf stable products in a cool, dry place. Never put them above the stove, under the sink, in a damp garage or basement, or any place exposed to high or low temperature extremes. High acid foods such as tomatoes and other fruit will keep their best quality up to 18 months; low acid foods such as meat and vegetables, 2 to 5 years. If cans are in good condition (no dents, swelling, or rust) and have been stored in a cool, clean, dry place they are safe indefinitely. While extremely rare, a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum is the worst danger in canned goods.

NEVER USE food from containers that show possible "botulism" warnings: leaking, bulging, or badly dented cans; cracked jars or jars with loose or bulging lids; canned food with a foul odor; or any container that spurts liquid when opening. Even a minuscule amount of botulinum toxin can be deadly. Can linings might discolor or corrode when metal reacts with high-acid foods such as tomatoes or pineapple. 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.” (US Department of Agriculture, 2019)

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Gravely, M. (2017, February 21). Before You Toss Food, Wait. Check It Out! Retrieved from US Department of Agriculture: https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2013/06/27/you-toss-food-wait-check-it-out

US Department of Agriculture. (2019, July 17). How Long Can You Keep Canned Goods? Retrieved from US Department of Agriculture: https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/How-long-can-you-keep-canned-goods


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