What Happens If You Eat Canned Meat Without Cooking It?

Canned goods are known for how well they store for long periods, and how simple they are to prepare. In fact, many canned goods are ready to eat the second you open the lid, including canned meat. Yes, you read that correctly: You don't actually have to heat up canned meat for it to be safe to eat — though you may want to, depending on what your recipe calls for.

While it might make sense that you can eat canned fruits and vegetables right out of the tin, eating meat the same way may feel just wrong. But canned meats actually get fully cooked as part of the canning process — the cans are sterilized and exposed to high heat, which kills any harmful bacteria that might be present. Being airtight prevents outside contamination, but you should always be careful if your can has a dent in it. If it's big enough, it may have broken that airtight seal — especially if it has a sharp point, as this means the can has definitely been breached.

The bottom line is, nothing bad will happen if you eat meat straight from the can without heating it up first. In fact, canned fish like tuna and sardines are some of the best foods you can eat straight from the can without high-maintenance prep. Just note that once you've opened a can of meat, you should store any unused food in the refrigerator, and it should be used within a few days.

So now that you know it's safe to eat, how do you make the most of your uncooked canned meats? Some recipes may seem obvious, like using canned tuna for a creamy tuna salad — a recipe where it's actually better to use canned tuna instead of fresh. Since canned meat and fish are also a good source of protein, you can use canned tuna for a quick Mexican-inspired tuna and lime tostada recipe. Combine the canned fish with your favorite spices and taco toppings, and you have a quick and easy, nutrient-packed meal.

Salads are a great no-cook recipe option that you can easily add canned meat to for extra flavor and nutrition. Mix canned chicken with your favorite spices, like Cajun seasoning and some paprika for heat, and you've got the perfect addition to a Cajun Salad. It's all about pairing the right ingredients together to complement the consistency and enhance the taste of your canned meat.

Or simply go to town on the meat straight out of the can, like cutting up slices of Spam and having them as a snack. Of course, you can always heat up or grill your canned meat for a texture upgrade, like in a classic Spam musubi recipe where the meat gets browned in a pan. No more worrying about food poisoning or missing out on protein during a power outage or on a long camping trip. You can rest easy knowing that your canned meats are safe to eat, even without the heat.