Do Canned Biscuits Go Bad? Can You Still Eat Them?

One can generally keep unopened tins of canned biscuits for extensive time periods before they go bad. Naturally, you do not want to consume canned biscuits that have gone bad. It is important to determine if canned biscuits have gone bad so you know whether or not they are safe to eat.

Unopened canned biscuits can go bad depending on how much time has passed since the expiry date. You can still eat the canned biscuits if it has only been a few months since the expiry date. Prepared canned biscuits generally last 3-5 days after being baked. However, if the biscuits have changed color or texture or have a funny smell, it is best not to eat them.

It is pertinent that you are able to tell if canned biscuits have gone bad as this will help prevent illness from consuming expired food. Exploring ways to prevent canned biscuits from going bad can be beneficial in enjoying the biscuits for longer and minimizing the risk of falling ill from consuming expired biscuits.

Wondering if miso soup can go bad? Check out this post I wrote on how you can tell!

Signs That Baked Canned Biscuits Have Gone Bad

Here are some spoilage indicators to look out for when determining if the canned biscuits you have prepared have gone bad or if they are still safe to eat.

Sign #1: The Biscuit Color

Once the canned biscuits are prepared, they are likely to be a golden color. 

Due to the fact that canned biscuits are pastries, you can expect the mold that grows on canned biscuits to be similar to that found on expired bread, which is generally green and white in color.

If you find that the biscuits have changed color or have any hint of mold, then it is likely that your canned biscuits have gone bad.

Sign #2: Check The Biscuit Texture

Canned biscuits are known for their fluffy, light texture. If you find that your biscuit texture has changed to the point where it is extremely hard, then the biscuits are stale. 

While this may not be as pleasant to consume, it does not mean the biscuits have gone bad. Stale biscuits can still be eaten without concern that you will fall ill, but they are likely to be a lot less tasty than fresh, canned biscuits.

Alternatively, you may find that your canned biscuits have become soft and soggy, which is an indication they have gone bad. It is best to throw away the canned biscuits if they have become soft and soggy.

Sign #3: The Biscuit Shape

When you prepare canned biscuits, they are likely to come out round and raised in the oven. However, if they are extremely flat, it might be a sign that they have gone bad. However, if the biscuits have only flattened slightly, it is not a cause for concern and they are likely still suitable for consumption.

It is advisable to take caution if the biscuits were originally round and tall and have now become rather flat. When determining this, it’s important to factor in how the canned biscuits were stored and for how long.

Signs Your Tin of Canned Biscuits Have Gone Bad

Here are some spoilage considerations for when you are determining if your canned biscuits have gone bad or whether you can still eat them.

Sign #1: The Color of Biscuit Dough

When opening a fresh tin of canned biscuits, you can expect to find a dough that looks:

• white
• smooth
• creamy

Take caution if the canned biscuits have any brown or pink tones that do not resemble their usual color. 

If you notice any unusual color or detect any hints of discoloring, it is quite likely that the canned biscuits have gone bad and are not safe to consume.

Sign #2: Look for Mold

A fresh tin of canned biscuits will generally have a smooth texture. Any changes to the texture of the biscuits could indicate that they have gone bad. 

Additionally, it is also possible that the canned biscuits have mold, which usually presents as green and white in color. If you see any mold, it is best to throw the can of biscuits out.

Sign #3: Smell The Biscuits

While unprepared canned biscuits do not have a distinct smell, the presence of an unfamiliar or strange smell is a good indicator that something is off.

If the canned biscuits give off a rancid odor when you open them, it is best to not risk eating them and throw them away.

Important Considerations When Determining If Canned Biscuits Are Ok to Eat

Here are some things to keep in mind before consuming canned biscuits that are expired or you suspect have gone bad.

#1: How The Biscuits Were Stored

The canned biscuits label generally indicates that they should be stored in a place that is:

• cool
• clean
• dry

If the unopened canned biscuits were stored in extremely hot or cold temperatures, they are likely to go bad in a short period of time.

Once prepared, the biscuits should be stored in an air-tight container (this one is a good value on Amazon) to maintain freshness. Keep them out of the sun, in a cool, dry place like a cupboard or in a kitchen countertop corner.

The container should not be stored in the fridge since it can make the biscuits soggy. However, if you freeze and defrost the biscuits, they can be eaten for 3-5 days as long as they are stored properly afterward.

#2: The Condition of The Tin of Canned Biscuits

Tins can easily be damaged. Sometimes they get damaged on the car trip home or are handled within the house. If the canned biscuits tin has been dented or severely damaged, the biscuits could be damaged too.

Be sure to assess the biscuits upon opening to determine if the biscuits appear ok to eat despite any damage displayed on the exterior of the can.

#3: Biscuits That Were Frozen, Defrosted, and Reheated

If the biscuits were initially prepared, frozen, defrosted, and subsequently reheated, It is likely that the biscuits will only be suitable to eat for 3-5 days after:

• initial preparation
• freezing
• defrosting
• reheating

While freezing the biscuits allows you to store them for long periods, the same principles apply as if you had just made them and they will only be edible for a few days before they start:

• flattening
• growing mold
• smelling bad

#4: Number of Days Since the Biscuits Were Baked

Once canned biscuits are baked, they become perishable goods. This means that they are only suitable to eat for approximately one week after being prepared, provided they have been stored properly.

NOTE: If not properly stored, they are likely to go bad in less than a week.

How to Store Canned Biscuits

Here are some guidelines and tips regarding how to store canned biscuits to keep them fresh and useable for as long as possible.

Tip #1: Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Store canned biscuits in a cool, dry place in your cupboard or pantry. Keep them out of direct sunlight as it can cause the canned food to go bad, or even explode as a result of the excessive heat. 

Similarly, storing your cans in extremely cold places like the freezer can cause the can to swell. The damp conditions of fridges and freezers can result in the seal breaking or the metal lid corroding, resulting in contamination and spoilage.  Freezing canned biscuits may result in the can rusting or bursting.

NOTE: If the can bursts, it is important to safely dispose of it in a manner where no one, including animals, will be able to access it as it can be quite harmful if consumed.

Tip #2: Store Cans According to Expiry Date

You may purchase new canned goods without consuming the canned food you already have in your cupboard.

A great way to prevent having expired cans of food is to pack your cupboard shelves so that the oldest cans are in front and the new cans are behind them. This way, the oldest can be used up first, and the newer cans will be stored for later.

This storage approach is a great solution if you like to buy canned goods so you don’t end up with a bunch of expired cans. 

Tip #3: Freeze Raw Canned Biscuits

It is advisable to freeze and store the biscuits separately. Here are the steps:

• open the can
• separate the raw biscuits
• lay them out on a baking sheet
• freeze

When freezing your canned biscuits on the baking sheet, ensure that the biscuits do not touch each other so they don’t stick together.

Once the biscuits are frozen, transfer them to an air-tight freezer bag (I like these reusable ones on Amazon) and store them in the freezer. 

Tip #4: Defrosting Frozen Canned Biscuit Dough

It is important to thaw frozen biscuit dough in the refrigerator to keep them chilled while they return to its original state. Avoid thawing canned biscuits on the countertop, as the drastic change in temperature negatively impacts the dough.

Unfortunately, it is possible that you may find that the thawed dough is sticky and does not have the same quality texture as the dough would fresh out of a can. 

Potential outcomes when eating foods that have gone bad

Here are a few potential outcomes that may occur when eating foods that have gone bad.

1. Stomach Bug: Eating foods that have gone bad can potentially lead to you experiencing an upset stomach as the mold or bacteria in the food does not agree with your body, and your body is trying to get rid of it urgently. 
2. Nausea and Vomiting: Apart from experiencing an upset stomach, it is also possible that consuming foods that have gone bad may result in nausea and vomiting. Check the expiry date and inspect the biscuits once prepared to ensure that there are no signs of spoilage, as these are indicators that your biscuits have gone bad. 
3. Perfect Health: It is entirely possible that you can eat something that has gone bad without having any adverse side effects. Everyone’s body is different. One person’s tolerance to a meal may be entirely different from another’s.

Conclusion

Canned biscuits can generally be consumed within a week after they have been baked. However, if the biscuits were not stored suitably, they could go bad in less than a week. Signs of spoilage include:

• mold
• strange smells
• odd colors

If you detect any signs of spoilage, the biscuits should not be eaten.

The storage time indicated on the can reflects the date until which the canned biscuits will remain top quality. If the expiry date has passed, the biscuit may change:

• flavor
• color
• texture

Nonetheless, canned biscuits are likely to be safe to consume if, stored properly, and the package is undamaged with no signs of spoilage.

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