How long does canned food keep?

A can of beans is a useful pantry staple. There is no universal rule that every can remains safe for five or ten years beyond its date. The label, packaging, contents and storage conditions need to be considered together.

Check which date is on the label

A best-before date concerns quality. An unopened product stored correctly may still be usable after that date. A use-by date concerns safety: do not eat the product after it. Follow the storage instructions too. Dutch labels use THT for best before and TGT for use by.

Inspect the can before tasting

Do not use a swollen, leaking or badly damaged can, including one with damage at a seam. Do not taste the contents to check whether such a can is safe. Harmful contamination is not always visible or noticeable by smell. Read the Dutch Nutrition Centre's advice on packaging and dates (Dutch).

Organise the supply so you use it

Choose a dry location with a temperature suitable for the label. Avoid excessive heat and damp. Put older purchases at the front and record the number of servings you have. Use the stock in normal meals and replenish what you take.

• Choose food your household already eats.
• Check allergens and serving sizes.
• Keep a manual can opener with the supply.
• Include food that can be eaten without heating, where its label allows this.

Opening changes the storage requirements

The shelf life of a sealed can does not apply to leftovers. Note when it was opened and follow the instructions for storage after opening. If refrigeration is needed but unavailable, plan smaller portions you can use immediately. The Nutrition Centre's storage guide (Dutch) gives product-specific advice.

Build a usable emergency food supply

Canned food is one part of the plan. Drinking water, dietary needs and a way to open packaging matter too. Browse long-life food and learn how to put together an emergency kit. Buy for your actual meals, rather than a generic promise of extra years of shelf life.