Can You Eat Tinned Food After the Best-Before Date?
Written by Jordan Morley · Reviewed against FSA date labelling guidance · Last updated 28 October 2026
Undamaged tins are fine long after their best-before date — the date is about quality. Bin any tin that's bulging, badly dented, rusted through or leaking.
Why it's usually fine past the date
Canning sterilises food and seals it from the outside world, so intact tins stay safe for years past their best-before date — quality (texture, colour) declines slowly, safety doesn't. The exceptions are damaged tins: bulging or swollen ends, deep dents on seams, rust that's penetrated, or leaks can mean the seal has failed, and those tins should be thrown away regardless of date.
You can also check the calorie content of tinned food alongside its safety information.
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Common questions
How long do tins last past the date?
Intact tins are safe for years: USDA FoodKeeper gives 2–5 years in the pantry for low-acid foods such as tuna and chickpeas, and 12–18 months for high-acid foods such as tomatoes. Quality, not safety, declines.
Which tins should I throw away?
Bin any that are bulging, leaking, deeply dented on the seam, or rusted through, whatever the date.
How long does opened tinned food keep?
Move it to a covered container in the fridge and use within 3–4 days (USDA FoodKeeper). Don't leave it in the open tin.
What is the difference between use-by and best-before?
Use-by is about safety: do not eat after it. Best-before is about quality. Tins carry best-before dates.
Related answers
Primary source: FSA date labelling guidance.
General information only, not medical advice: see the medical disclaimer. Feeling unwell after eating something? Contact NHS 111 or your GP.