What Food Experts Want You to Know About Expired Canned Goods

• Bulging or swelling: This can indicate gas production from bacteria.

• Leaking liquid or severe rust: These compromise the airtight seal.

• Deep dents, especially along seams or edges: Dents can break the internal lining.

• Foul smell, mold, or strange appearance after opening

• Sudden spurting liquid when opened

If something seems off, trust your instincts. Never taste questionable canned food—discard it immediately.

The Special Case of Home-Canned Foods

Commercially canned foods are produced under strict safety standards. Home-canned foods, however, require extra caution.

If a home-canned jar is bulging, leaking, cloudy, or smells unusual, it should not be consumed. When in doubt, it’s safer to discard home-canned goods than to risk foodborne illness.

Why So Much Perfectly Good Food Gets Wasted

Food waste is a massive global problem, and misunderstood expiration dates play a huge role. Millions of tons of edible food are thrown away each year simply because people assume “expired” means “dangerous.”

This waste has real consequences:

• Higher grocery bills
• Unnecessary landfill waste
• Environmental damage
• Missed opportunities to feed families in need

Understanding shelf life—especially for durable foods like canned goods—can make a meaningful difference.

Smart Storage Tips to Maximize Shelf Life

To get the most out of canned foods:

• Store cans between 50–70°F (10–21°C)

• Avoid areas near ovens, stoves, or heaters

• Keep cans dry to prevent rust

• Rotate pantry stock: use older cans first

• Label shelves or group cans by purchase date

These simple habits can add years to your pantry’s usefulness.