Are expired canned beans still safe to eat?

When you're not sure what to make for supper, rummaging through your cupboard is your best chance. Making a meal out of canned beans and rice may work, especially if you want a protein-rich dinner. However, when you check the expiration date on those canned beans, your idea of a burrito bowl or soup for dinner disappears. They have passed their expiration date. They aren't edible, right?

While it's natural to feel hesitant about using food past its expiration date, it's important to understand that these dates are often more about quality than safety. In fact, the USDA estimates that 30% of food in American homes is thrown away due to misunderstanding expiration dates. This not only contributes to food waste but also impacts household budgets. By learning to properly assess the safety of canned goods, you can make more informed decisions about your food consumption and potentially reduce unnecessary waste.

The fact is: you're probably alright. In truth, many pantry goods are shelf-stable, and dates on packaged foods indicate optimum freshness and flavor rather than decomposition. That can of beans should be okay to consume assuming it was properly kept. There are a few exceptions.

We chatted with food safety experts to learn how to tell if your canned beans have gone bad or are still safe to eat.

When it comes to canned beans, the date indicated on the can denotes their optimal quality. It is usually not the date when the food expires and spoils.

"Canned foods, such as beans, frequently display what's called a quality date, such as 'best before', 'best if used by', or 'durable life date,'" explains Matt Taylor, senior manager of food consultancy at NSF. "A quality date like this is not an indicator of safety, but rather the manufacturer's promise of quality up to that date. "It refers to how long an unopened food product will retain its peak quality and freshness," he says.

So, what exactly does the term "quality" mean? "Typically, expiration dates on cans of beans signify the date at which the taste, texture, flavor, and other quality factors have deteriorated to an unacceptable level to the consumer," explains food scientist Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., author of the book 150 Food Science Questions Answered. This implies that an expired can of beans may be less than ideal, but it may still be edible, he explains.

It's worth noting that the canning process itself plays a crucial role in preserving the beans. During canning, the beans are heated to extremely high temperatures, effectively sterilizing them and killing any harmful bacteria. This process, combined with the airtight seal of the can, creates an environment where bacteria cannot grow, allowing the beans to remain safe for consumption for extended periods. This is why canned foods were originally invented – to provide long-lasting, safe food options for sailors and soldiers during long voyages or campaigns.

Can Expired Canned Beans Be Used?

Yes! In brief, expired canned beans are safe to consume as long as they are properly preserved. "Cans of beans undergo a process of heat treatment known as retorting, where the temperature of the can is raised well above the boiling point of water," Quoc Le says. "This process sterilizes the contents of the can," he declares.

According to Mitzi Baum, CEO of Stop Foodborne Illness, the beans are safe to ingest as long as the can is not damaged in any way that may undermine the vacuum seal.

Potential Risks:

In some cases, foodborne disease may be a concern. Furthermore, outdated beans may not be particularly tasty. Here's more information on the two possible concerns.

Foodborne Illness

Can damage may breach the seal that keeps canned beans shelf-stable, resulting in tainted beans. In rare cases, a contaminated canned or preserved food may include Clostridium botulinum bacteria, which generate the botulinum toxin. In certain situations, consuming this toxin can result in botulism, a devastating neurological system disorder that can cause difficulties breathing, muscular paralysis, and, in extreme cases, death.

Altered Taste And Texture

Sure, they're still edible, but because the dates on the canned beans are intended to indicate peak freshness and finest quality, if it's past that date, the texture and flavor of the beans may not meet the highest standards.

While the risk of foodborne illness from properly stored canned beans is low, it's important to be aware of the signs of spoilage. If you open a can and notice any unusual odors, colors, or textures, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard the contents. Additionally, if you're particularly concerned about food safety or have a compromised immune system, you may choose to heat the beans thoroughly before consuming them, as this can further reduce any potential risks.

How To Store Your Canned Beans

Keep them in your pantry or on a shelf. "Canned beans typically last for about two to five years if stored in a cool and dry place," Taylor explains. Of course, once the canned beans are opened, they should be refrigerated and used within four days. Leftover beans can be frozen for up to six months in an airtight container or plastic storage bag.

How to Tell If Your Canned Beans Have Gone Bad?

A simple check at the outside of your expired canned beans is the first indication that they have gone bad. Any can that has been pierced or dented, or that is rusted, leaking, or bulging, may have an influence on the beans' quality. It might also indicate that the can's seal, which keeps the contents self-stable, has been ruptured, raising the danger of foodborne disease.

Next, if your can of beans has none of these issues on the surface and appears to be completely normal, you should investigate the inside. Open it and do a full scan. Any beans with mold, discolouration, or a bad odor should be thrown.

Nonetheless, if the can has not been tampered with and the beans on the inside appear to be in fine condition, and it is within two to five years after the listed date, they should be safe to eat.

Taylor, however, suggests discarding it for food safety reasons. "While there is a push to reduce food waste and a temptation to use food beyond these manufacturers' dates, it is important to take caution—there could still be a food safety risk to anything consumed after these dates," he clarifies.

It's important to note that while canned beans can last for years, their nutritional value may decrease over time. Studies have shown that certain vitamins, particularly vitamin C and some B vitamins, can degrade in canned foods during long-term storage. However, the protein, fiber, and mineral content of the beans remain relatively stable. If you're concerned about getting the most nutritional value from your canned beans, consider using them closer to their "best by" date, but don't worry too much if you're a bit past it – the beans will still provide valuable nutrients.

Even while canned beans contain an expiration date, this does not imply that they have ruined. Canned beans are sterilized and vacuum-sealed, giving them an extended shelf life. Dates on the can indicate optimum freshness, although canned beans are frequently suitable for usage two to five years after their written date.

However, if the can has not been properly preserved or the vacuum seal has been weakened (dents, corrosion, leaks, bulging), and the beans smell or appear foul, they are no longer edible.