How Long is Canned Chicken Good For After Opening?

We may earn commissions for purchases made through links on our site. Learn more on our about us page.

Protein will be a big issue when prepping for doomsday because meat goes bad very quickly when not stored at proper temperatures. Even when frozen, meat can still get freezer burn and lose its nutritional value in less than a year, so, unfortunately, it’s not an option.

If you don’t have regular access to fresh meat, your next best option is canned meat. If you have an unopened can of chicken, it can last indefinitely if stored properly. However, although it might be safe to eat, that doesn’t mean it’ll taste the same as a new can.

How Should You Store it?

Like most things, you must store canned chicken in a cool and dry place. Canned goods are already packaged in a way to make food last longer. Try to keep the canned chicken in a room below 85 degrees Fahrenheit but don’t make it so low that it’s freezing.

While canned goods are packaged in a way that makes them easy to store, keep canned goods away from water and moisture as it can cause rusting, making your food expire quicker. Also, keep them away from furnaces, hot pipes, or uninsulated rooms.

 

What Can Make it Last Longer?

Although many recommend eating canned goods within 2-5 years of the manufacture date, they can actually last indefinitely. In an emergency situation, you don’t have the option to be picky, so when something can last indefinitely, it’s crucial to ensure it lasts.

Moisture is dangerous for canned goods because metal rusts when in contact with liquid. If rust gets into your food, then it’s no longer edible. So be sure to continuously check your goods to ensure the quality is safe for your consumption.

 

Does the Taste Change with Time?

Canned chicken already lacks the flavor of fresh chicken. Let’s be honest; it just doesn’t hit the spot without the crispiness and some seasonings. In an emergency situation, you will have to deal with foods not tasting as good as they once did.

Most foods change taste, texture, and color when stored for long periods of time. This does not necessarily mean that the food is unsafe for you to eat, though, and canned goods can still be safe for consumption even after changing.

 

Why Does it Go Bad?

Although technically canned goods can last indefinitely, there might be a time when you open it, and it’s gone bad. Be sure to rotate your foods so that the oldest ones are being eaten first. Here is a list of reasons your canned chicken has gone bad:

 

• Someone opened the can without you realizing it
• Something punctured the can without you noticing
• It was stored near a heat source, causing bacteria to grow
• The manufacturer didn’t properly prepare it
• Rusted can got into the chicken

 

How Do You Know If Canned Chicken is Bad?

When food has gone bad, it becomes pretty apparent. For example, if you open your canned chicken that smells rotten or has mold on it, that’s a sign that it has gone bad and should not be eaten. Do not consume rotten food, or you risk food poisoning.

If you notice that your chicken is an entirely different color than it should be, that’s a sign it has also gone bad.

A different shade is one thing, but it’s not good if it’s very yellow. Also, if you see the can expand, it’s a sign that the chicken is trapping gas inside, meaning it has gone bad.

 

Final Thoughts on How Long is Canned Chicken Good for After Opening

Canned foods are an excellent way to go when looking for a protein source because they can technically last indefinitely. Be sure to store your canned chicken in a cool and dry place away from heat sources such as furnaces to avoid bacteria growth.

When storing foods for an extended period of time, be prepared for the food to change color, texture, and taste. Check your cans regularly for rusting or punctures to ensure your canned chicken is safe.

You don’t have the resources to complain if your chicken tastes a little different than usual, but if you open your canned chicken and it has an unmistakable rotten smell or mold, it has gone bad, so do not eat it.

Leave a comment