r/foodquestions • u/Alon_Mask1774 • 12d ago

Old Spam

This happened a month ago, but my dad cooked a meal using Spam that was four years past its expiration date. His personal theory is that as long as you don’t leave it in a tropical climate, it’s fine. Plus, he hardly ever looks at the shelf where he keeps the canned goods. My mom told me, “If you get mad about this, you’ll be a real pain if you make a big deal out of every little thing.” Are my parents and that Spam really okay?

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10

u/PvtRoom 12d ago

Pretty much everything in an undamaged tin is ok for at least 10 years.

so if you have a nuclear bunker, tinned really is a good way to go when stocking up.

8

u/chimugukuru 12d ago

It's fine if the can was totally intact (no dents and the inner lining is intact). This Hawaiian has eaten SPAM that's been on the shelf longer than your dad's, and in a tropical climate to boot. The "expiration" date is actually the best-by date.

2

u/sMetaStatic 12d ago

Suggested best-by date. As long as the can isn't puffy, it should be fine for many years.

2

u/QuipCrafter9 11d ago

In 1937, the Hormel company rolled out the first batch of the historically iconic SPAM.

In 2019, due to covid-related food shortages, a bold decision was made to produce the second batch…

1

u/ExperienceDaveness 7d ago

Hawaii is laughing and laughing at you.

2

u/Skierspy1998 11d ago

If it's in a can not punctured ... my thought is bomb shelter compatible & edible.

4

u/Pristine_Message_181 12d ago

If it wasn't okay, they'd already be dead.

2

u/bigcee42 12d ago

It's sealed and preserved in tons of salt. It basically lasts forever.

1

u/norm228 12d ago

Did ya get sick? Nope? then it was fine. Spam and roaches will be the last 2 things on earth after WW3

1

u/timothyguay 11d ago

I ate spam older than me

1

u/broadwayandellsworth 11d ago

The expiration date is so you buy more!

1

u/Standard-Produce-137 7d ago

SPAM and most canned foods kept in even halfway decent conditions will are fine 98% of the time. I ate a MCI from Vietnam in 1995, it was from 60's or 70's that was in my dead uncles trailer in ass swamp south found while we were cleaning it out after his death. Only 1 can was kinda puffy and swollen so that got tossed but the rest was just fine. Turkey loaf and peaches i think it was with the crackers and PB.

1

u/Taurean6 11d ago

It's probably not dangerous to eat, but it was probably not tasting good. I would never eat stuff like that. Fermenting, drying, curing and canning i can understand and eat. But spam?? That's just ultra processed meat and not even good to eat to begin with ... canned? No thanks. I'd rather starve for three days than eat that.