Usually, no. Unopened canned meat can stay in a pantry if it is shelf-stable. If its label says “Keep Refrigerated,” keep it in the refrigerator instead—the can alone does not tell you how the product should be stored.
How to tell whether canned meat needs refrigeration
Check the storage instructions on the package. Most commercially canned meat is shelf-stable and does not need refrigeration until opened. Some canned hams and other products are perishable, however. USDA FSIS explains that some canned ham and seafood are not safe at room temperature; follow the product’s “Keep Refrigerated” instruction.
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| Product type | Before opening | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Shelf-stable canned meat | Store in a cool, dry pantry; refrigeration is not required. | No “Keep Refrigerated” instruction. |
| Perishable canned meat, including some canned hams | Keep refrigerated. | The label says “Keep Refrigerated.” |
“Shelf stable” means a food can be stored safely at room temperature while unopened under the conditions specified for that product. It does not mean every product sold in a can is shelf-stable. See USDA FSIS guidance on shelf-stable food and its explanation of what “shelf stable” means.
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Where to store unopened shelf-stable cans
Keep them in a cool, dry cupboard or pantry. USDA FSIS says temperatures below 85°F are best for canned foods. Avoid damp areas, temperature extremes, and spots beside or above a stove. A refrigerator is not needed for safety, and its moisture can encourage metal cans to corrode or rust; a dry cupboard is the normal storage choice. FSIS addresses this in its guidance on storing unopened cans in a refrigerator.
#1 Best Overall
- Four (4) 4.5 oz cans of Swanson White Premium Chunk Canned Chicken Breast in Water
- Ready-to-eat, fully cooked chicken chunks
- Premium white chicken meat with no antibiotics or added MSG
- 98% fat free, gluten free and an excellent source of protein, with 12 grams in each 4.5-ounce can
- Eat it on crackers, add it to salads, or use it in any recipe that calls for diced chicken breast, such as buffalo chicken dip or chicken salad
How long unopened canned meat keeps its quality
For low-acid canned foods such as meat and poultry, USDA FSIS gives two to five years for best quality when the unopened can is in good condition and stored in a cool, clean, dry place. This is category-level best-quality guidance, not a guarantee that every can will be good for that full period. Check the product’s own label and date, and do not use this estimate to override a refrigeration instruction or ignore a damaged can.
When to discard a can
Do not use a can that is bulging or leaking, or one that is rusty or deeply dented. Discard food in a compromised container without tasting it; smell and taste are not reliable safety checks. USDA FSIS also cautions against canned foods or retort pouches that show swelling, rusting, or leakage in its canned-food safety guidance.
Rank #2
- Six 4.6 oz cans of Armour Star Original Vienna Canned Sausage
- Versatile, ready to eat canned sausages offer an easy meal
- Vienna sausage cans contain canned meat that is gluten free and made with chicken, beef and pork
- Eat right out of the can, add to recipes or serve as an appetizer
- Ready to eat meat in a can that doesn’t require any cooking
After opening, refrigerate unused meat
Once opened, refrigerate leftovers. USDA FSIS gives three to four days for opened low-acid canned foods such as meat. Refrigerating the food in the opened can is safe, but transferring it to a clean glass or food-grade plastic container helps preserve flavor. See FSIS guidance on how long opened canned food keeps in the refrigerator and refrigerating unused food in its can.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Two (2) 12.5 oz cans of Swanson White Premium Chunk Canned Chicken Breast in Water
- Ready-to-eat, fully cooked chicken chunks
- Premium white chicken meat with no antibiotics or added MSG
- 98% fat free, gluten free and an excellent source of protein, with 15 grams in each 3-ounce serving
- Eat it on crackers, add it to salads, or use it in any recipe that calls for diced chicken breast, such as buffalo chicken dip or chicken salad
Rank #4
- Fully cooked, ready to eat meat chunks
- Gluten free and nutritious; perfect for a quick tasty meal
- 90 calories per serving
- 9 grams of protein per serving
- Gluten free and nutritious; perfect for a quick tasty meal
Rank #3
- DELICIOUS, CLASSIC TUNA: A true all-American classic, Chicken of the Sea tuna in water is perfectly seasoned with salt and packed in water for the freshest, best taste
- HIGH IN PROTEIN: The perfect high protein tuna for your active, healthy lifestyle; these non-GMO tuna cans feature heart-healthy omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals; with 23 grams of lean protein, it’s perfect for keto, paleo, and Mediterranean diets
- VERSATILE FLAVOR: Our wild caught, water-packed chunk light canned tuna in water is right at home in any recipe; add the canned fish to your favorite sandwich, wrap, rice bowl, pasta, salad, melt, dip, and beyond
- WILD CAUGHT: We’re doing our part to keep our seas healthy; our classic tuna salad cans contain only Marine Stewardship Council certified, 100% wild tuna; this 10-pack of tuna fish lets you stock up and save on delicious meals
- THE ONE FOR ME: Chicken of the Sea has been in business since 1914, providing wild caught tuna overflowing with flavor and packed with protein; our SeaChange sustainability plan has solutions for both people & the planet to support a better future for all
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