Canned goods are the most accessible products you can purchase from a supermarket. They are handy, ready-made, and essential for emergency cases.
It is vital to have them in your pantry in case you are far from fresh produce stores or are affected by a lack of money or electricity.
These products are made to last longer when fresh food supplies are unavailable. At the very least, you will get the nutrients you need.
However, you need to learn more about the canned goods, their health benefits, risks, and even their expiration dates (as you are about to consume them anytime soon).
The Differences in Expiry Labels
In the last century, food industries labeled their products with expiration dates to determine how long they would last and were viable for consumption.
However, expiry labels we have don’t always mean food spoilage. They can also refer to the food quality, store deadline, or something else.
Here’s what you need to know about the differences in expiry labels:
- Best By/Before – The flavor of the product is at its peak (before the date).
- Sell By – Retailers’ guide to sell the product (freshness peak).
- Use By – Similar to Best By, but focusing on the product quality
Always remember that canned goods are safe to consume even after their labels. As long as the product is in good condition, has no foul smell, or not have molds.
Never consume those goods if their cans are dented, rusted, leaking, bulging, or broken seal.
Manufacturers do not always exactly predict when their products expire, but USDA guidelines confirmed that canned goods can last up to years or decades. Depending on their condition.
Why Do They Last Longer?
Canned goods last longer because of the following factors:
- Natural preservatives like sugar, salt, and acid kill harmful bacteria.
- Processed in high heat before being sealed in cans.
- Cans avoid air, humidity, and light exposure.
- Goods are packed in an oxygen-free environment.
15 Canned Foods That Never Expire (Including Their Nutrients)
Here are the canned foods that practically never expire (until the can and the food remain intact):
Canned Beans
A staple food that contains minerals, fiber, and protein.
Canned Tuna
Food source for Omega-3s (good for the heart) and protein. It can last longer when stored properly.
Canned Tomatoes
This food is rich in lycopene, keeping your skin and heart healthy.
Canned Soup
It contains a few nutrients, but its salty liquid can provide temporary hydration.
Canned Chicken
A temporary food source rich in protein, low carbs, Vitamin B6, zinc, and iron.
Canned Fruit (in syrup or juice)
Accessible source of vitamins and antioxidants in trace amounts.
Canned Vegetables
Stored in cans with their vitamins (A, B, C, D, and E) and fiber content retained by removing excess water.
Canned Coconut Milk
Store in an airtight container to preserve its high-fat contents. Exposure to air is what makes it easy to spoil.
Canned Chili
It contains trace amounts of fiber, protein, and potassium (often used to balance the sodium content).
Canned Pumpkin
It carries the same nutrients as the pumpkin purée. Full of Vitamin A, protein, and fiber.
Canned Corn
Sweet in taste, containing Vitamin B as its nutrient source.
Canned Spam
Protein source is usually seen in supermarkets. Designed to last for years.
Canned Potatoes
These are ready-made potatoes that are preserved to be added for quick meals. A good source of potassium and carbohydrates.
Canned Evaporated Milk
Perfect for desserts and sauces. It contains Phosphorus, Vitamin A, B, and D, and Calcium.
Canned Sardines
Just like canned tuna, it is packed with protein and omega-3s. However, canned sardines have trace amounts of calcium.
The Benefits and Risks of Consuming Canned Goods
Consuming canned goods has certain benefits for you, and also health risks when eaten frequently.
Canned goods that are at their quality, freshness, and taste peak have kept the minimal nutrients of the food intact. They are the go-to meals in case of emergencies, a tight budget, or when traveling.
Bear in mind that you don’t have to consume canned goods regularly, as they also contain potential risks for your health. They still contain excess sodium, sugar, and acid, regardless of their freshness, quality, and taste peak.
There is more risk as well if you consume the product from damaged cans (even if they are slightly dented). This is where harmful bacteria will thrive and affect the overall safety of the canned goods.
Know Your Pantry Friends Well
Be careful with your pantry friends, the canned goods you bought from the store. They are just like your dependable human friends.
You will reap from their good and bad effects. No matter how you intend to consume them.
Although it is practical to keep some canned goods in your pantry, your body is not capable enough to produce the vitamins and minerals it extracts from fresh products.
Do not sacrifice your health and budget that offers a temporary solution to your permanent need for nutrients.
Just like how you study your human friends, know your pantry friends as well. Their health benefits, risks, expiry labels, everything about them.