Navigating the world of food expiration dates can be confusing, especially when it comes to “Best By” labels on canned goods. It’s a common misunderstanding that these dates are strict deadlines for when food is safe to eat. In reality, they are simply a guide for how long a product will maintain its best quality.
This guide will help you understand how to safely use canned items like corn, green beans, and tuna long after their “Best By” dates.
Understanding “Best By” Dates
A “Best By” date isn’t an expiration date. It’s a quality indicator. This date is the manufacturer’s best guess for how long the food will stay at its peak freshness and flavor. For properly stored canned goods, this often means they can be eaten safely for a long time past the date on the label.
“Best by” dates do not indicate an exact time limit for safe ingestion. Instead, they simply suggest how long the food will stay fresh and tasty.
The Long Shelf Life of Canned Foods
Canned Corn
Canned corn is a pantry staple with a surprisingly long shelf life. You can safely eat it for up to two years after its “Best By” date, as long as the cans have been stored in a cool, dry place and aren’t damaged. Over time, you may notice a slight change in taste or texture, but the food will still be safe to eat.Canned Green Beans
Similar to corn, canned green beans can last for up to two years past their “Best By” date if the cans are in good condition. Like with any older canned food, “you may notice a little difference in taste and quality” over time.
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