If you’ve ever stared at a “Best By” date on a can of corn or a tin of tuna and wondered whether you had to throw it out, you’re not alone. Food labels can be confusing, and many people assume these dates are hard deadlines that determine whether food is safe to eat.

The truth is more nuanced. Those dates are not strict expiration warnings—they’re guidelines for quality. Learning to read them correctly can save you money, cut down on food waste, and keep your pantry stocked with safe, edible goods for much longer than you might think.

A “Best By” date is essentially the manufacturer’s estimate of how long a product will stay at peak flavor and freshness. It doesn’t mean the food will suddenly become unsafe the next day. For canned items, which are processed and sealed for long-term storage, safety lasts far beyond the label date—as long as the cans are intact and properly stored. Understanding this distinction is key to making smart choices about the food you already have at home.

Take canned corn, for example. It’s one of the most common pantry staples and, when stored in a cool and dry place, can safely be consumed for up to two years past its printed “Best By” date. While you might notice a slight change in flavor or texture over time, the food itself remains safe. That little shift in taste is the trade-off for extended storage, not a warning sign of spoilage.

Canned green beans fall into the same category. They also last up to two years beyond the suggested date, provided the cans remain in good condition. Again, quality may dip slightly, but the beans are still edible. With proper storage, they can continue to serve as a reliable, quick side dish long after you might have thought to throw them away.

Canned tuna, surprisingly, lasts even longer. Thanks to its preservation process, it can remain safe for three to five years past its “Best By” date. Tuna is not only versatile but also protein-rich, which makes its extended shelf life especially valuable for families, college students, and anyone trying to maintain a stocked pantry without frequent grocery runs.

The catch, of course, is that the longer it sits, the greater the chance of diminished quality. A tuna sandwich made from a can that’s four years past its “Best By” date might not taste quite as fresh, but it will still be safe to eat if stored properly.

Even though canned goods have impressive staying power, safety should always come first. The date on the label is only part of the story. Before opening any can, inspect it carefully. If it’s dented along the seal, corroded, bulging, or leaking, don’t take the risk.

Those signs indicate that the food inside could be contaminated with harmful bacteria like Clostridium botulinum, which can cause serious illness.

Once opened, trust your senses. If the food smells off, looks discolored, or has an unusual texture, it’s safest to discard it. The saying “when in doubt, throw it out” is worth remembering.

Proper storage makes all the difference in extending the shelf life of canned goods. Keep your cans in a cool, dry, and dark place—like a pantry or cupboard away from appliances that generate heat. Fluctuating temperatures can weaken the seals and shorten a can’s lifespan. Always store cans upright to help maintain their integrity, and handle them gently to avoid dents that could compromise the seal.

Rotating your pantry is another smart move. Place new cans at the back and move older ones forward, so you use up the items that are closest to their printed dates first. This simple system reduces waste and helps you keep track of what you already have.

And here’s a tip that many overlook: never store leftovers in the opened can itself.

Once a can is opened, transfer unused food into a sealed container and refrigerate it. Storing food in an open can can cause metallic flavors to leach in, and it doesn’t protect the food as well as a proper container.

Understanding these basic guidelines can change the way you shop and store food.

Instead of throwing out a pantry full of “expired” cans, you’ll know how to assess whether they’re still safe and usable. That means fewer wasted groceries, more money saved, and less guilt over tossing out food unnecessarily.

Expiration dates aren’t the ticking time bombs we often think they are. They’re suggestions—reminders from the manufacturer about optimal taste, not strict cutoffs for safety. By learning to check for real signs of spoilage and storing your canned goods properly, you can make your pantry work harder for you and your budget.

In short, those “Best By” dates are guidelines, not ultimatums. Your canned corn, beans, and tuna will likely last years beyond the printed date. As long as you stay alert to the condition of the can and the food inside, you can confidently use what you have, reduce waste, and stretch your grocery dollars further.