Canned foods are a pantry staple, offering convenience and long-term storage. But how long do they really last? You might be surprised to learn that the “expiration date” on a can of soup or vegetables isn’t necessarily a hard deadline. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of canned food longevity and address the question: Can Canned Food Last 100 Years?
Many consumers wonder about the shelf life of their favorite canned goods. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t mandate expiration dates on canned foods, many manufacturers voluntarily include “best by” or “sell by” dates. These dates, however, primarily indicate quality and aren’t strict indicators of safety.
The Truth About “Expiration” Dates on Canned Foods
Ron Giles, quality assurance director of Goya Foods, emphasizes that canned foods don’t simply “expire” on a specific date. “One cannot say that canned food is good on one day and not good the next day,” he explains. Dana Gunders, executive director of ReFED and a former food scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, agrees, calling the idea of a magic expiration date a “myth.” She suggests that consuming canned goods within 10 years of the “best by” date is generally safe, provided the food looks, smells, and tastes normal.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) supports this view, stating that canned contents are safe to eat as long as the can remains in “good shape.” The Canned Food Alliance further reinforces this by referencing 100-year-old canned food retrieved from sunken ships that was microbiologically tested and found to be safe.
Factors Affecting Canned Food Shelf Life
While canned food can potentially last for decades, several factors influence its quality and safety:
- Acidity: Foods with higher acidity, such as fruits and vegetables, tend to degrade faster than low-acid foods. This is why a can of Spam (low-acid) will likely outlast canned peaches (high-acid).
- Storage Temperature: Moderate temperatures (75°F or below) are ideal for preserving canned food quality. Higher temperatures can accelerate deterioration.
- Can Condition: Dents, swelling, or rust can compromise the can’s hermetic seal and protective lining, increasing the risk of spoilage.
Assessing Canned Food Quality
Even if a can is technically safe to eat, its taste, texture, and nutritional value can decline over time. The Canned Food Alliance estimates that canned food stored at moderate temperatures has a shelf life of about two years from the processing date before significant quality changes occur. After this point, the color and texture may change, although the nutritional value can last “well beyond two years.”
To determine if a can of food is still good, consider the following:
- Appearance: Check for any signs of damage to the can, such as dents, swelling, or rust.
- Smell: Open the can and take a sniff. Any foul or unusual odors are a sign of spoilage.
- Taste: If the appearance and smell are normal, taste a small amount. If the taste is off, discard the food.
Donation and FIFO: Managing Your Canned Goods
If you have canned goods that are past their “best by” date but appear to be in good condition, consider donating them to a food pantry. Many food banks accept expired items or will properly dispose of them.
To ensure you use your canned goods before their quality declines, implement the “first in, first out” (FIFO) rule. Store newer items in the back of your pantry and older items in the front, so you use them in order of their “best by” dates.
So, Can Canned Food Really Last 100 Years?
While technically possible for certain low-acid canned goods stored in optimal conditions, it’s unlikely that the taste, texture, and nutritional value would be acceptable after such an extended period. However, the evidence suggests that canned food can remain safe to eat for many years beyond the “best by” date, making it a reliable and long-lasting food storage option. When in doubt, trust your senses. If a can looks, smells, or tastes suspicious, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
