Walk into almost any kitchen and you’ll seek a forgotten can of beans, soup, or vegetables hiding in the back of the pantry. Often, when people spot the date on the label has passed, the quick reaction is to toss it in the trash. But are those cans really unsafe to consume once they’ve passed the “Best By” or “Best Before” date? The truth may amaze you.
What Do the Dates Really Mean?
First, it’s crucial to understand that the dates printed on canned goods are not usually about safety. Instead, they are indicators of quality. A “Best By” or “Best Before” date shows you when the manufacturer thinks the food will taste its freshest. After that date, the flavor, texture, or color may reduce slightly, but the food is often still safe to eat.
The only date that directly links to food safety is the “Use By” date, and even then, it uses more commonly to sensitive items like dairy or meat—not canned foods.
