Here's How to Store an Open Can of Food

It's hard to find an ingredient that is more convenient than a canned one. Canned foods are inexpensive, last for a long time, and stack nicely in the pantry. However, I have one qualm: I’m never sure what to do when I want to save some of the contents of an opened can for later. 

It seems unnecessary to dirty a whole new container just to store some leftover canned food, and I definitely don’t want to have to throw it out. So, is finding a new home for my canned food something I really have to do—or can I use the seemingly fine can I already have at my disposal?

Can You Store Food in an Opened Can?

Yes, you can technically store opened canned goods in their can for later—just as long as you use the proper safety methods. 

One of the most common rumors surrounding can storage is that saving an already opened can could cause lead poisoning. This belief didn’t come out of nowhere, as cans were once sealed with lead. The U.S. didn’t ban lead-soldered cans until 1995, which meant that, for a long time, storing an already opened canned good in the fridge could increase one’s risk of lead poisoning.

But cans are now made of aluminum or steel and no longer sealed with lead, which means there is no longer reason to be concerned about lead poisoning. According to the USDA, it is fine to save open canned food for a few days. 

However, this answer isn’t as simple as it might sound. There are still several factors to consider before you toss your opened can in the fridge to save for later.

How to Properly Store An Open Can of Food

Of course, your food’s quality and safety still depend on the proper storage methods. 

To store your opened canned goods properly:

1. Make sure to reseal your can to keep it as airtight as possible. While it might seem convenient to reuse the top of the can for this purpose, this might not be the best method, as the rim of the can top can be sharp and the top won’t be airtight enough. Instead, opt for a plastic bag or wrap to keep air away from the food.
2. Keep the opened can in the refrigerator. While sealed canned foods are best stored at room temperature, it is important to keep opened goods chilled.
3. Finally, make sure you keep track of how long your canned food has been opened. There is a limit to how long you can store your food in the fridge, and it varies by food type. According to the USDA, foods that are higher in acid (such as tomatoes, fruit, juice, and sauerkraut) can be stored for five to seven days. On the other hand, low-acid canned foods (such as poultry, soups, beans, and vegetables) can be stored for up to three or four days. 

All canned food will still taste better if transferred to a different container. If you are hoping to save your canned food for a couple of extra days, it might be worth dirtying an extra container to keep it as fresh-tasting as possible. When in doubt, check out our recipes that use an entire can. Then you won't even need to worry about it!