Can you eat expired chickpeas in can?

Most non-perishable foods are safe indefinitely. In fact, canned goods will last for years, as long as the can is in good condition (without rust, dents, or swelling). Canned chickpeas have an expiration date of two to three years from the date of canning. The canning date is usually stamped on the bottom of the can.

However, once opened, canned garbanzos should be used within a week or so. If they are not used within that time, they should be discarded. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, one cup of canned chickpeas contains 210 calories, 30 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of protein. For some people, dried chickpeas are the best, while others agree that canned garbanzos are the best.

They're also easier to break down or digest; that said, dried chickpeas are the perfect choice for those who prefer a healthier version of chickpeas. Refrigerating leftover canned chickpeas will keep them safe for about 3 to 5 days, however, it's good to understand that you can't store them in your can, as they're no longer sealed, which can expose them to air. So, if you see that your can of chickpeas has expired, don't automatically assume that it's time to throw it away. Eating spoiled chickpeas can be very dangerous to your health, as they are often contaminated with harmful bacteria.

If you don't want to spend so much time preparing your chickpeas or you're in a hurry, canned chickpeas are sure to be the best option for you. Usually, when left to sit at room temperature, unsealed canned garbanzos will only last no longer than 24 hours. If you don't plan to use the chickpeas within four days, you can freeze them for up to six months. Even cooked chickpeas contain complex sugars that can be difficult to digest and cause intestinal gas and discomfort.

Be sure to transfer any leftover chickpeas to a freezer-safe container or bag to protect them from frostburn and from drying out. Therefore, to store them properly in the refrigerator, transfer the chickpeas to a resealable bag or airtight container. Opened canned chickpeas will last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer. So can you eat canned chickpeas that are past their expiration date? The expiration date on a canned garbanzo doesn't always mean that the chickpeas it contains have gone bad.

However, this method is not very suitable, as the chickpeas become too soft or soaked after defrosting.