What to do with canned food past the expiration date?

December 31, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, canned foods that are properly stored are safe indefinitely, though quality may decline over time. Despite this official guidance, many people panic when they discover canned goods past the labeled date, unsure if they can be consumed or if they pose a health risk. Understanding the real meaning behind 'best-by' and 'use-by' dates is crucial for making informed decisions and reducing food waste.

Quick Summary

Deciding what to do with expired canned goods depends on the date label and the can's condition. While many shelf-stable foods remain safe long after their 'best-by' date, damage to the can indicates potential spoilage and danger. Proper inspection is key to reducing waste and ensuring food safety.

Key Points

Inspect the can first: Always check for bulging, leaking, severe dents, or extensive rust; these indicate a potential health risk, including botulism.
Differentiate date labels: 'Best-by' dates relate to peak quality, not safety, and many canned foods are safe to eat years past this date.
Trust your senses: If a can hisses upon opening, or if the food looks or smells unusual, discard it immediately.
Dispose of dangerous cans safely: For bulging or leaking cans, do not open them. Seal them securely in multiple plastic bags and place them in the trash.
Empty and recycle safe cans: If the can is undamaged but the food is old, empty the contents and recycle the can.
Do not donate expired food: Most food banks do not accept expired canned goods due to health and liability reasons; check their policies first.

Understanding Expiration Dates: Quality vs. Safety

Many consumers believe that the date stamped on a canned good is an expiration date related to safety, but for most canned foods, this is a misconception. The terms used on packaging have different meanings, and for products with a long shelf life, they typically refer to quality, not safety.

'Best by' or 'Best if used by': This date indicates when the product will be at its peak quality in terms of flavor and texture, as determined by the manufacturer. It is not a safety date, and the food can often be consumed well past this point without risk, provided the can remains in good condition.
'Use by': This date is more critical for food safety and is typically found on highly perishable items. However, most commercially canned goods don't carry a true 'use by' date, as the canning process is designed for long-term preservation. The exception is infant formula, which is federally regulated and should never be used past its date.

How to Inspect Canned Food for Safety

While a past 'best-by' date isn't an automatic reason to discard a can, certain visual cues are non-negotiable signs of spoilage. Always inspect a can thoroughly before consuming its contents, especially if it's old.

Check for damage: Look for any signs of damage to the can's structure. Bulging, leaking, deep dents (especially along a seam), and punctures are red flags that the vacuum seal has been compromised. This creates an environment where harmful bacteria, including Clostridium botulinum, can grow.
Assess for rust: A little surface rust that can be wiped away is typically harmless. However, if the rust is extensive and has caused pitting or penetrated the can's surface, it should be discarded.
Listen upon opening: When you open a can, listen for a pop of air rushing in. If you hear a hissing sound of air rushing out, or if liquid spurts out, the can's contents are contaminated and should be discarded immediately.
Trust your senses: The contents of a compromised can may have a foul odor, an unusual color, or a slimy texture. If anything seems off, the safest course of action is to throw it away.

What if the Canned Food is Safe to Eat?

If the can passes all safety inspections, you still have a few options for what to do with the contents. The appropriate action depends on how far past the date it is and your personal comfort level.

Use it yourself: For canned goods that are not significantly past their best-by date, the quality loss is often minimal. High-acid foods like tomatoes or fruits might lose some flavor after 18 months, while low-acid foods like beans or vegetables can last up to 5 years or more. Using older cans in stews or casseroles can be a great way to utilize them where a slight texture difference won't be noticeable.
Donating to food banks: Many people believe they can donate expired food to food banks, but this is generally not the case. While food banks are often exempted from liability for quality-date donations, many have strict policies against accepting products past their 'best-by' or 'use-by' dates due to varying recipient comfort levels and health concerns. Always check with your local food bank for their specific donation guidelines.

Canned Food Shelf-Life Comparison

Different types of canned foods have varying shelf-lives, even when properly stored. The acidity level is a key factor in how long a can will retain its peak quality.


Food Type	Acidity Level	General Shelf-Life Past 'Best-By' Date	Typical Quality Change Over Time
Canned Tomatoes, Fruits	High	12-18 months	Texture softens, flavors may diminish or become metallic
Canned Beans, Vegetables, Meats	Low	2-5 years or more	Texture can become mushy, some flavor loss
Condensed Milk, Evaporated Milk	Low	Up to 1 year	Flavor and texture degradation
Home-Canned Goods	Varies	12-18 months suggested for best quality	Safety highly dependent on proper sealing; quality and nutritional value decrease

The Proper Way to Dispose of Expired Canned Food

If you determine a can is unsafe to eat, proper disposal is essential to prevent harm to humans and animals.

Discard bulging or leaking cans immediately: A bulging or leaking can is a serious health risk, often indicating botulism. Do not open it. Place the entire sealed can inside two plastic, sealed bags and dispose of it in the regular trash, away from pets and wildlife.
Empty and recycle safe cans: For undamaged cans containing food that is simply past its prime, empty the contents into your compost or regular food waste bin. Then, thoroughly rinse the can and place it in the recycling bin.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of expired canned goods doesn't have to be a source of stress. By understanding the distinction between quality-based 'best-by' dates and true safety concerns like can damage, you can make responsible decisions. A visual and auditory inspection is your first line of defense, and if any red flags appear, err on the side of caution. For safe, but slightly older, cans, use them up creatively to reduce food waste. Proper disposal is reserved only for cans showing clear signs of spoilage or damage. When in doubt, a simple rule to remember is: 'when in doubt, throw it out'.

Authoritative Resource

For further guidance on food storage and safety, consult the USDA's FoodKeeper app, available online.

Source: United States Department of Agriculture

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in most cases, if the can is undamaged and shows no signs of spoilage (like bulging or leaking), it is safe to eat. The 'best-by' date refers to peak quality, not safety.

The biggest risk comes from compromised cans that allow for the growth of bacteria, particularly Clostridium botulinum, which causes a rare but potentially fatal illness called botulism.

Low-acid foods, such as vegetables, beans, and meat, can maintain their quality for two to five years or more past the 'best-by' date if stored properly.

A bulging can is a serious hazard and should never be opened or consumed. Place it in a secure, sealed plastic bag and dispose of it immediately in the regular trash.

It is not recommended to donate expired food. Many food banks have strict policies against accepting products past their recommended dates to ensure the safety and quality of food distributed.

For cans that appear safe but are past their prime, empty the contents into a compost or trash bin and recycle the cleaned can. For damaged or bulging cans, dispose of them, unopened, in a securely sealed bag.

Freezing does not significantly extend the shelf life of canned food. Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause spoilage. If a can has frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator, but do not eat any food that has frozen, thawed, and been refrozen.