Walk into almost any kitchen and you’ll likely find a forgotten can of beans, soup, or vegetables hiding in the back of the pantry. When people notice that the date on the label has passed, the quick reaction is often to toss it in the trash. But is that really necessary? Are those cans unsafe—or is the truth more surprising?
What Do the Dates Really Mean?
The first thing to understand is that the dates printed on canned goods rarely have to do with safety. Instead, they are indicators of quality.
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“Best By” or “Best Before” dates: These mark when the manufacturer believes the food will taste its freshest. After that date, the flavor, texture, or color may decline slightly, but the food often remains safe.
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“Use By” dates: These are meant for more perishable items like dairy or meat—not canned goods. They point to peak quality, not an absolute safety deadline.
So, if you see that a can of beans is “past date,” it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to panic.
