5-10 YRWorks without power
Quick facts
- Real shelf life5-10 years
- Label date says3-5 years
- Best storageCool, dry
- Watch forBulging, foul odor
Where this sits on the food shopping list
How to check it
Canned Goods
Warning signs Bulging, rusting, or leaking cans; foul odor, cloudy liquid, or spurting on opening.
How to check Inspect the can before opening. After opening, check for off-odors, discoloration, and texture.

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Questions this answers
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How long does sardines (canned) last?
Canned sardines really last 5 to 10 years when kept cool and dry, well past the 3 to 5 years the label date suggests. Inspect the can before opening and reject any that bulge, rust, or leak.
How do I store sardines (canned) long term?
Keep the cans in a cool, dry place. Stored that way they hold for 5 to 10 years, beyond the 3 to 5 year label date. Inspect each can for bulging, rust, or leaks before you open it.
How do I tell if sardines (canned) has gone bad?
Inspect the can before opening: bulging, rusting, or leaking are warning signs. On opening, spurting, a foul odor, or cloudy liquid means it has gone bad. Also check for off-odors, discoloration, and changes in texture.
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