How Long Do Unopened Canned Veggies Really Last?

Canned goods are known for their convenience and ease of use, but most notably, how they have a particularly long shelf life when unopened. The guidelines and expiration dates will look different for things like canned meat versus canned vegetables — but how long do your canned veggies actually last? The truth is there are a couple factors to consider, including the can's condition, storage location, and the actual type of vegetable.

To ensure your canned vegetables remain long lasting, they should be stored in a cool, dry place with a consistent temperature — unopened cans should not go in the refrigerator. So long as there are no damages to the can, such as dents or unusual swelling, most commercially canned vegetables will last anywhere from 18 months to five years, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Note that home-canned goods will last the least amount of time, and should be used before the one year mark. The range in time accounts for different types of produce; high acid foods such as tomatoes — yes, we know they're technically a fruit — won't remain fresh as long as low acid foods like green beans or canned corn, which are nice to have around in case of power outage or camping trip. In essence, canned vegetables are great to store for long periods of time and will still taste relatively fresh within about two years of purchase.

While they may not be your first choice when you have the option to reach for fresh produce, canned vegetables are a great affordable option you'll get lots of use out of. Canned tomatoes are a classic candidate for a homemade sauce, while canned peas or carrots will add some fiber and brightness to any dish. Meanwhile, canned beans like chick peas are notably packed with protein which can be good in case of an emergency when energy is low. Note that if you're planning to stock up on canned goods to make your own emergency kit, write the date of purchase on each can so you can swap out old ones.

Some simple recipe ideas using canned veggies include chili, which can also feature canned meat for a quick and easy camping stove meal. You could combine canned vegetables like peas with a classic can of tuna to create a tuna pasta bake — a bit more complex, but could potentially be made using just a gas stove. Truthfully, canned veggies are perfectly edible straight from the can, which is part of what makes them such an accessible style of produce. They may not be as good as what you find at the local farmers market, but they'll get the job done in a pinch — not to mention you can keep one can around for way longer than fresh produce.