How to Store Leftover Canned Food Safely

Canned goods are incredibly convenient – they're affordable, have a long shelf life, and are easy to store. But the challenge comes when you need to save part of an opened can for later.

It doesn't make sense to dirty another container for a small amount of leftover canned food, and certainly, I don’t want to waste it. So, do I really need to find a different container, or can I simply use the can it came in?

Is It Safe to Store Food in an Open Can?

Yes, you can store leftover food in the original can, as long as you take the right precautions to ensure safety.

A common misconception about storing opened cans is the risk of lead poisoning. This belief stems from the past, when cans were sealed with lead. The U.S. didn’t ban lead-soldered cans until 1995, which meant that refrigerating an opened can could have increased the risk of lead exposure.

Today, however, most cans are made from aluminum or steel, and no longer contain lead. So, there’s no need to worry about lead poisoning. According to the USDA, it’s perfectly safe to store open canned food for a few days.

That being said, the situation isn’t quite as simple as it seems. There are a few important factors to consider before placing an open can in the fridge for later use.

How to Safely Store Opened Canned Food

Ultimately, the quality and safety of your food depend on following the proper storage techniques.

How to Store Opened Canned Goods Correctly:

1. Ensure your can is sealed tightly to maintain freshness. Although it might be tempting to simply reuse the can's lid, it may not form a perfect seal, and the edges could be sharp. A plastic wrap or bag is a better choice for sealing the food from air.
2. Store the opened can in the fridge. While unopened canned goods are fine at room temperature, once opened, they should be kept chilled.
3. Be mindful of how long your canned food has been open. The storage time varies by type. According to the USDA, high-acid foods like tomatoes and fruits can last five to seven days in the fridge, while low-acid foods like meat, beans, and vegetables should be eaten within three to four days.

For optimal taste, transferring canned food to a new container is recommended. If you're aiming to preserve the flavor for a few extra days, consider using a separate container. If you're unsure, try using up the whole can with one of our recipes — then you won't need to worry about leftovers!