Canned Foods

How Long Does Canned Food Last?

Canned food shelf-life is lengthy which makes it an excellent type of food to keep in your pantry at all times. As long as it is unopened and the container is intact, a canned food item can last for years even at room temperature.  

The exact length of time depends on the type of canned food and the canned food storage conditions. Some foods may have a use-by date printed on the can if they need to be consumed within 2 years. Other foods, such as some soups and cooking sauces, may have no date on them which means they can safely be eaten beyond 2 years.

Canned foods use a method of preserving the ingredients that gives them a long shelf-life. This typically involves washing the food and filling them into metal cans with a canning fluid, such as water or fruit juice. The can is then heat treated to kill any organisms that may contaminate the food and to create an air-tight vacuum seal that will keep the contents fresh.

When it comes to storing canned food, a cool and dark place is best. If you’re stuck on canned food storage ideas, a pantry or cupboard is the most popular choice. You can also invest in a canned food storage rack that will keep your cans neat, organised and easy to access.

GoodnessMe are a leading online health food store and we currently stock one of the best selections of canned food in Australia! Our canned food brands are trusted for their quality and use of natural and organic ingredients so you know your food will be tasty and nutritious every time you open a can.

Do Canned Foods Expire?

Most foods won’t have a canned food expiry date on them. Instead, they will have a use-by or a best-by date. A use-by date is when you will need to eat the item by as it may no longer be safe to eat beyond this date. A best-by date means the food will still be safe to eat after the date, but the quality of the product may have diminished.

Canned food with no expiration date, or any other date, generally means it will still be safe to eat after 2 years. However, we suggest regularly refreshing your canned foods each year so that they maintain their quality and flavour.

If you love to buy a lot of canned goods, it may be helpful to start a canned food expiration dates chart which details the product name and dates so that you can keep track of everything.

Canned foods that last the longest include canned meat, canned fish, canned vegetables, canned beans and legumes, canned fruit and canned soup.

What are the Healthiest Canned Foods?

Contrary to popular belief, canned foods can be just as healthy as their fresh counterparts because canning the food actually preserves the nutrients inside. This means that all of the vitamins, minerals, fibre, protein and good fats in each ingredient remains unchanged during the canning process.

Natural and organic canned foods are even healthier as they are free from preservatives, artificial nasties and refined sugar plus they are generally lower in sodium. If you’re looking for the most nutritious canned foods, put these items on your canned food list:

• Canned Fish – Good Fish offer wild-caught mackerel, salmon, tuna and sardines that are preserved in certified organic extra virgin olive oil and full of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
• Canned Beans – Beans are chock-full of fibre and protein as well as minerals such as magnesium and iron. Shop Ceres Organics organic beans and legumes, including borlotti, black eyed beans, lentils and chickpeas.
• Canned Soup – A can of soup is a wonderful, nutritious ready-made meal that is full of goodness. Check out our Ceres Organics Tuscan Bean Soup for a hearty hit of flavour.
• Canned Cooking Sauces – A can of coconut milk or tomatoes can be used as the base to many dishes, from curries to Spaghetti Bolognese. 

What are the Best Canned Foods For Emergencies?

Whether you’re packing canned food for camping or preparing for bad weather, canned goods are excellent for when you can’t easily access the supermarket or grocery store. 

The best canned foods to stock up on are ones that will fill you up and provide you with the essential nutrients you need to sustain overall health and wellbeing. Canned beans are full of protein and fibre and can be added to soups, stews, salads and much more. Canned fruits and vegetables contain many vitamins and minerals and can be used in many meals, including pancakes and stir frys. Canned fish is great for a snack or added to pasta. To save time and money, consider buying bulk canned food.

You can find more pantry staples at GoodnessMe for adding flavour and complexity to any dish, including bone broths, stocks, vinegar and dressings, salt, spices, herbs, sauces, fermented foods and pickled vegetables.

What are the Benefits of Canned Food?

Bulk up your pantry with natural and organic canned food. They are:

• Shelf-stable
• Highly nutritious
• Able to add flavour and aroma to your cooking
• Ready to eat as is or be incorporated into meals
• Convenient and affordable

As one of the fastest growing online health food stores in Australia, GoodnessMe are big believers in the benefits of healthy canned food! We offer a generous selection to liven up your canned food recipes and get the nutrients you need. You can also check out our other products for cooking healthy meals in a flash, including instant mixes, nut butters, meat alternatives and more with free delivery over $75 Australia-wide.