When in doubt, throw it out? Not so fast. Many canned foods, like cranberry sauce, soups, and pumpkin purée, don’t have dates on them. The Food and Drug Administration doesn’t require shelf life dates to be written on canned foods because they last so long (decades or more). Still, a lot of companies choose to put “best by” or “sell by” dates on their products to help customers make better decisions.
These dates, however, are far from a hard stop. In fact, it’s not illegal for stores to sell canned foods months or even years past these dates. The US Department of Agriculture says that food inside a can is safe to eat as long as the can is in “good shape.” The Canned Food Alliance agrees, pointing to microbiologically safe canned food from 100 years ago that was found on sunken ships.
Does that mean you can eat food out of a can found on the Titanic? Yes. Does it mean you’ll want to? Probably not.
Taste, texture and nutritional value are all negatively affected as the contents inside a can age. Still, it can take years to notice anything funky or “off. The Canned Food Alliance says that canned food that is kept at temperatures of 75 F or less has a shelf life of about two years from the date it was processed. For at least two years after that, the quality will change, starting with the color and texture. But the nutritional value will still be there. ” In terms of edibility, canned food is playing the long game. In fact, most experts dont believe in expiration dates.
Canned pork and beans are a pantry staple in many households. They make for a quick, tasty, and nutritious meal or side dish. But with their long shelf life, you may be wondering – how long do canned pork and beans really last?
In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about the shelf life of canned pork and beans, proper storage methods, signs of spoilage tips for maximizing freshness, and safe consumption practices.
Overview of Canned Pork and Beans
Canned pork and beans are classified as a “low-acid” canned food, with a pH higher than 4.6 This means they have a longer shelf life compared to high-acid foods like tomatoes
Commercial canning aims to destroy any microorganisms inside the can through high heat. As long as the can remains undamaged and securely sealed, harmful bacteria cannot contaminate the contents.
How Long Do Unopened Cans Last?
An unopened can of pork and beans will generally stay fresh for
- 2-5 years in a pantry
- 3-4 years in the refrigerator
- 1-2 years in the freezer
Cans stored in a cool, dark pantry away from heat sources tend to last the longest. Refrigeration can extend shelf life slightly. Freezing is not recommended, as it may compromise can integrity.
Regardless of storage method, inspect cans carefully before opening. Bulging, rusty, or dented cans may contain bacteria and should be discarded.
Maximizing Shelf Life of Unopened Cans
Follow these tips to maximize shelf life:
- Store cans in a cool, dry place between 50°F-70°F. Avoid temperature fluctuations.
- Keep cans away from direct sunlight to maintain nutritional content.
- Store cans off the floor on shelves or pallets.
- Clean can tops before opening.
- Use oldest cans first based on purchase date.
- Check for damage/swelling periodically.
- Don’t freeze unopened cans.
How Long Do Opened Cans Last?
Once opened, pork and beans will only last 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
For maximum freshness, store opened beans with minimal air exposure and keep refrigerated below 40°F. Do not store them at room temperature after opening.
Freezing is best for long-term storage of opened beans. They will retain optimal quality for 1-2 months in the freezer if properly contained.
How to Tell if Canned Pork and Beans are Spoiled
Watch for these signs of spoiled canned pork and beans:
- Bulging or leaking can
- Rust or dents on can
- Mold growth
- Foul odors
- Changes in texture or color
- Sliminess
- Curdling of liquid
Do not taste beans you suspect may be spoiled, as harmful bacteria could be present. When in doubt, throw it out!
Safe Consumption of Expired Cans
Consuming canned pork and beans past their printed expiration date is generally not recommended. However, if the can shows no signs of damage or spoilage, they are likely still safe to eat.
To reduce risk of foodborne illness from expired cans:
- Carefully inspect can for flaws.
- Thoroughly boil contents before eating.
- Cook smaller portions rather than entire contents.
- Consume within 3-5 days of opening.
- Avoid giving to those with compromised immunity.
While expired beans may still be edible, quality degrades over time. It’s better to discard very old products if you’re unsure.
Tips for Enjoying Canned Pork and Beans
There are many ways to jazz up boring canned pork and beans:
- Make chili by mixing with ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices.
- Mash beans into patties and pan fry for bean burgers.
- Bake beans with bacon, brown sugar, mustard, and barbecue sauce.
- Stir beans into breakfast wraps with salsa, spinach, cheese, and eggs.
- Toss beans with chopped veggies for a fresh salad.
- Puree with garlic and cilantro for a quick bean dip.
- Simmer beans in broth with vegetables for soup.
A little creativity can turn canned beans into easy, nutritious meals! Use them up before they expire.
The Bottom Line
- Unopened canned pork and beans typically last 1-5 years past their printed date if properly stored.
- Once opened, use within 3-5 days and refrigerate. Freezing extends shelf life.
- Look for signs of damage, rust, or swelling before consuming.
- Expired cans should be thoroughly cooked and consumed quickly to reduce risk of illness.
- With proper storage, canned pork and beans can be a handy kitchen staple for years. Follow these guidelines to maximize shelf life and freshness.
Canned pork and beans are convenient, budget-friendly, and versatile. By understanding how to store them properly and recognize spoilage, you can enjoy them safely for a long shelf life. With creative recipes, they can be transformed into all kinds of delicious family meals.
What do expiration dates really mean?
In general, foods that are more acidic, like fruits and vegetables, will go “bad” sooner. Foods with a more basic pH level will last longer. (Yes, this means that a classic can of Spam will likely outlive canned peaches. Like, Goya’s tomato sauce and fruit have a “best by” date that is three years from the date they were made. Its beans, meanwhile, boast a “best by” date five years from the day of production.
One of the biggest food processing companies in the world, Goya, looks at industry standards and its own internal evaluations to figure out how long a product can be stored. “As products age, we look at taste, texture and appearance,” explains Giles. “Then we compare and contrast those results with recently produced samples. ” The company also conducts vacuum tests because the absence of oxygen extends a product’s shelf life.
“Most of the time, we think of canned foods in terms of the can itself, but canning is also a process,” says Mark Haas, CEO of the Helmsman Group, a company that develops food and drink products. com. “There are many foods that go through aseptic or retort processing to stabilize the food for long-term storage. ” Still, its OK to judge a can’s contents by its cover.
When do canned foods expire?
QA director at Goya Foods, Ron Giles, tells TODAY, “Canned foods don’t go bad on a certain date.” com. “One cannot say that canned food is good on one day and not good the next day. ”.
Dana Gunders, a former food scientist at the Natural Resources Defence Council, has a similar opinion. “The idea that theres a magic date when foods all of a sudden ‘expire’ is a myth,” says Gunders, the executive director of ReFED, a nonprofit committed to ending food waste. “I personally would eat anything within 10 years or so of the date its best by as long as it looked, smelled and tasted fine.”
DEBUNKING THE CANNED GOOD EXPIRATION DATE MYTH
FAQ
Does canned pork and beans go bad?
How long is Campbell’s pork and beans good after the expiration date?
Are canned beans still good after 2 years?
Are canned baked beans good after the expiration date?
How long do pork & beans last?
To maximize their shelf life, store them in a cool, dry area. The precise answer to how long they last depends on the storage conditions. Generally, an unopened can of pork and beans will stay at best quality for about 3 to 5 years if stored properly. However, it will usually remain safe to use after that.
Can you eat canned pork & beans after the expiration date?
It’s also important to note that while canned pork and beans may be safe to consume after their expiration date, the quality of the food may have deteriorated over time. The texture and flavor may be less appealing than when the food was first canned, so it’s up to you to decide whether or not you want to eat it.
How long does canned baked beans in sauce last?
Properly stored, an unopened can of baked beans in sauce will generally stay at best quality for about 3 to 5 years, although it will usually remain safe to use after that. Are unopened canned baked beans in sauce safe to use after the “expiration” date on the can or package?
How long do canned foods last?
The general rule of thumb is that canned foods can maintain their quality for 2 to 5 years if stored in a cool, dry place. However, it’s important to avoid cans that are dented, leaking, rusty, swollen, or have bulging tops. The shelf life of unopened canned pork and beans depends on the storage conditions.