That expired soup is good for longer than you think.

What Do Cans' Expiration Dates Really Mean?

In general, canned food can last anywhere from one to five years past the date on the can.

Canned Food

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That’s because the printed date doesn’t necessarily mean the food’s expiration date.

Sell-by, use-by, and best-by datesgenerally indicatewhen a food item will be at its peak quality.

Manufactured canned goods are still safe to eat after that time.

There is a catch, however.

There are exceptions, though.

How Are Foods Canned So That They Last?

This makes the preserved food inside the can sterile and unable to spoil.

How Long Do Home-Canned Goods Last?

Baker says, “We suggest consumers eat these foods within 12 to 18 months for best quality.

The USDA recommends consuming these foods within 12 months.

How Long Does Each Canned Food Really Last?

Powdered milk, however, can last three to five years in the pantry.

Exposure to high heat or extreme coldlike freezingcan cause the food to spoil.

Once opened, store the canned foodin the fridge.

In general, opened cans of food will last about three to four days in the refrigerator.

Can You Still Donate Expired Food?

Some food banks accept donations of expired food.

M. Gravely.Before you toss food, wait.

Check it out!USDA.

Food Safety and Inspection Service.Shelf-Stable Food Safety.

AskUSDA.How Long Can You Keep Canned Goods?23 Mar.