Walk down any grocery aisle and you’ll see cans lined up neatly, each one stamped with a mysterious little date. For many of us, those labels cause hesitation. You might ask yourself, “Is this can of corn still safe? Should I throw out these green beans because the date passed last month? Can I trust this tuna?”

It’s easy to feel uncertain. We’ve all been told to respect food expiration dates, but the truth is, those dates are not as strict as they might seem. In fact, understanding the difference between “Best By” and expiration dates can help seniors save money, reduce waste, and enjoy safe, nourishing meals long after the label date has passed.

This canned food safety guide will walk you through what those dates really mean, how long common pantry staples actually last, and the simple steps you can take to store your food properly.

What “Best By” Really Means
Here’s the first thing you need to know: a “Best By” date is not an expiration date. Instead, it’s a manufacturer’s estimate of how long the product will remain at peak quality — the time when it tastes the freshest and has the best texture.

When that date passes, it doesn’t mean the food suddenly becomes unsafe. It just means the company no longer guarantees perfect flavor. In most cases, canned goods are still perfectly fine to eat for months, even years, afterward.

Think of it like a loaf of bread. It may taste best when it’s soft and fresh from the bakery, but even after a couple of days, it’s still edible. The same is true for canned foods — just on a much longer timeline.

The Long Shelf Life of Canned Foods
Canned foods are one of the safest and most reliable items you can keep in your pantry. They are sealed tightly, heat-processed to destroy bacteria, and designed to last. With proper storage, many canned goods can stay safe and edible well past their printed dates.

Let’s look at three common examples:

Canned Corn