Walk into almost any kitchen and you’ll likely find a forgotten can of beans, soup, or vegetables tucked in the back of the pantry. Spotting a date that has already passed, most people’s first instinct is to toss it in the trash. But are those cans truly unsafe to eat once they’re “expired”? The truth might surprise you.
What Do the Dates Really Mean?
First, it’s important to know that the dates printed on canned foods are not usually about safety. Instead, they indicate quality.
- “Best By” or “Best Before” dates tell you when the manufacturer believes the food will taste its best—freshest flavor, ideal texture, and optimal color.
- After that date, the food may lose some of those qualities, but it is often still safe to eat.
- The “Use By” date, which does relate to safety, is typically reserved for more perishable items such as dairy, meat, or baby formula—not canned goods.
In other words, just because the date has passed doesn’t mean the food is harmful.
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