Before You Toss Food, Wait. Check It Out! (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat 20 year old canned food? ›

Most shelf-stable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can itself is in good condition (no rust, dents, or swelling). Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the 'best by' date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor.

Cans in good condition—meaning no dents, swelling or rust—stored in a cool, clean, dry place are safe indefinitely. We're talking corn, peas, carrots, green beans, asparagus, peaches, pears, pineapple and so much more.

Storage Conditions

The best temperature to store grains, including rice, is 40°F or below; however, rice stored at a constant 70° F with oxygen absorbers will store well for up to 10 years. In cooler storage areas rice sealed in oxygen-free containers can be stored for up to 30 years.

We recommend having a selection of grains in your emergency food stockpile. Grains like quinoa, barley, flax, millet, grits, and rye are super versatile. And when properly sealed in airtight containers, they can last upwards of 10 years.

An oft-repeated reason to avoid sticking an open can in the fridge is that chemicals from the metal can and packaging could seep into the food and contaminate it with Bisphenol-A (BPA). This synthetic compound has hormone-like properties, which can build up in humans and potentially affect metabolism and disease rates.

One of the most common causes of foodborne botulism is improperly home-canned food, especially low-acid foods such as vegetables and meats.

Manufactured canned goods are still safe to eat after that time. There is a catch, however. Baker says, "The further you get from the expiration date, the more the quality of the product may be lost." So although you can still eat that can of soup, the color, taste, and texture might be affected.

An open jar of commercially processed peanut butter lasts up to 3 months in the pantry and up to 9 months in the refrigerator. Natural peanut butter has a shorter shelf life and lasts up to 6 months in the refrigerator once opened.

Eggs may be refrigerated three to five weeks from the day they are placed in the refrigerator. The "Sell-By" date will usually expire during that length of time, but the eggs will be perfectly safe to use. Always purchase eggs before the "Sell-By" or EXP (expiration) date on the carton.

Does sugar expire? ›

Technically, sugar never spoils. While it's recommended that granulated sugar be discarded after two years, chances are it will still serve its baking purpose even beyond that. The same guidelines apply to brown sugar and confectioner's or powdered sugar.

Whole grains and legumes: Staples such as rice, quinoa, beans, and lentils, when stored in a cool, dry environment, can boast shelf lives that span several years. Honey: This sweet nectar, thanks to its natural composition, can remain consumable indefinitely when stored in a sealed container.