Most dates on canned food are about quality, not danger. “Best by” and “sell by” dates are set to protect flavor, texture, and brand reputation, not your life. Because cans are heated, sealed, and shielded from air and light, the food inside is remarkably stable. High-acid foods like tomatoes keep their best taste for a year or so; low-acid options like beans or corn can hold quality for several years, and often remain safe much longer when stored in a cool, dry place.

The real red flags aren’t numbers—they’re damage. A bulging, leaking, badly rusted, or sharply dented can, or foul-smelling contents, should be discarded immediately. The same caution applies doubly to home-canned foods. But throwing away every “expired” can quietly fuels food waste, higher household costs, and missed chances to donate still-edible goods. Learning to read cans with your eyes and nose—not just the date—can protect both your health and your wallet.