Refrigerate opened canned meat within 2 hours (within 1 hour when it is hotter than 90°F/32°C), then use it within 3 to 4 days. You can leave it in the can, but transferring it to a shallow glass or plastic container can help it cool quickly and retain better flavor. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C), checking with a food thermometer.
How long does canned meat last after opening?
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) guidance gives opened low-acid canned foods, including meat and poultry, a refrigerated storage window of 3 to 4 days. FSIS lists canned beef and shelf-stable canned ham at 3 to 4 days after opening as well. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below.
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This interval is for opened shelf-stable canned meat; it is not the same as pantry storage guidance for an unopened can. FSIS lists canned beef as lasting 2 to 5 years in the pantry, but that figure applies before opening. Follow the can’s label and discard any can that is damaged or otherwise unsafe to use.
How to store the unused portion
- Chill it promptly. Refrigerate or freeze perishable food within 2 hours of opening or serving. If the surrounding temperature is above 90°F (32°C), the limit is 1 hour. Discard food left out longer.
- Choose a container. It is safe to keep the meat in its opened can in the refrigerator. For better flavor and easier portioning, transfer it to a clean glass or plastic container.
- Use a shallow container. Divide a large amount into shallow portions so it cools more quickly. Cover the container and refrigerate it promptly.
- Use or freeze within the storage window. Eat refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days. If you will not use them in that period, freeze them instead. FSIS gives 3 to 4 months as a general frozen-leftover guideline for best quality; it does not state a separate frozen-quality interval specifically for opened canned meat.
How to reheat canned meat safely
Heat the portion until it reaches 165°F (74°C) throughout. Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer; steam or appearance alone cannot confirm that the center is hot enough. Reheat only the amount you plan to eat so the rest can stay refrigerated.
#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
Microwave
Put the portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Stir or rotate the food during heating where practical, since microwaves can leave cold spots. Let it stand briefly after heating, then check the temperature in several places with a food thermometer. Continue heating if any checked area has not reached 165°F (74°C).
Stovetop
Reheat in a pan, stirring as practical to distribute heat evenly. There is no single time that works for every amount, pan, or burner, so use the thermometer—not a fixed cooking time—to confirm that the food reaches 165°F (74°C) throughout.
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
Why prompt cooling and an accurate temperature check matter
The refrigerator window assumes that the meat is chilled promptly and kept cold. Leaving it out beyond the 2-hour limit—or the 1-hour limit above 90°F (32°C)—is not made safe by refrigerating or reheating it later. Likewise, reheating to the recommended temperature is a separate step from storing leftovers correctly.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThese storage and reheating recommendations are U.S. consumer guidance from USDA FSIS. See Leftovers and Food Safety, After you open a can, how long can you keep the food in the refrigerator?, and Shelf-Stable Food.
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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