#10 Can: What Is It, Sizes, Equivalents, & Shelf Life

What Is A #10 Can?

What comes to mind when you see the term #10?

It’s an easy mistake, but the first impression for many is that it means that the item weighs 10 pounds!

A #10 can is a specific type of can whose content volume and weight vary based on the product.

Are you looking for the ideal food storage solution? 

It’s a great solution and #10 cans should be a go-to in your 7-day emergency food kits.

Storage Can Sizes

Storage cans are available in a wide range of sizes.

While some of the sizes are common, others are not commonly used.

Still, all storage cans are specially designed to store food and various other items to enhance durability.

The pronunciation of #10 is ten pound. The number 10 can is among the most commonly used storage can size and is used for numerous food storage needs.

Why is the number 10 can size a popular storage solution?

What are some of the items you can store in the #10 can?

Are there some things that shouldn’t be stored in #10 can ounces?

We’ll answer all these questions (and more) below.

We’ll also help you understand the shelf space and volume that these cans use, as well as the ultimate storage methods. 

An Ideal Long-Term Food Storage Solution

Whether you have a large family or a small one, the #10 can comes in handy to provide long term storage solutions for your family.

You can even use them to store food for emergency purposes. 

Reasons why you Should Consider the #10 Can for Storing Food

The #10 can feature a large capacity, making it an ideal storage solution for food regardless of their form.

You can use them to store your liquids, powders, and even freeze-dried foods.

The can measures six and a quarter inches diameter wise and seven inches tall.

The size allows users to store large amounts of food items on a long term basis.

One of the best things about the ten pound can is the fact that it has a wide opening.

This allows users to utilize scooping equipment with minimal struggle.

How are the #10 Cans Commonly used?

Often, the #10 cans are used to store freeze-dried foods such as vegetables, jerky, dried fruits, and various other dried edible foodstuffs.

Foods that have either been processed without liquid or dehydrated can also be stored in the ten-pound cans.

Dried foods aren’t susceptible to spoiling fast.

A resealable lid will come in handy not only to keep the food fresh, but it will also facilitate easy access when you need to eat the food.

The shelf life for dry canned foods depends on the type of food and can range between a few weeks to years. 

Understanding Long Term Food Storage

When properly packaged, your freeze-dried and dehydrated foods will remain edible and nutritious for a long time.

You can store them at either room temperature or a cooler place.

However, you should ensure that they are stored in a cool and dry place to increase their longevity.

Studies indicate that today, these foods can last more than thirty years without going bad.

Often you’ll still get the same nutritional value and taste of the food.

This, however, will depend on the status of the food, and the processing and packaging processes that were used, as well as the method of storage.

Dried canned food comes in handy to sustain life in times of emergency when many grocery stores are closed. 

#10 Can Video

Long Term Food in Sealed Cans

When you buy a can full of fruit or jerky, for instance, they could last up to 30 years.

If you live in emergency prone areas, you want to ensure that your pantry is well stocked to keep you and your family well-nourished in the event of an emergency, or when you’re unable to prepare food following severe storms or prolonged power outages.

To determine how much food you’ll need, you may want to calculate how many fluid ounces in a pound of #10 can you use in a day.

This will help you calculate and store sufficient food to cater for your family for months. 

Longterm Food Storage Video

How many Ounces in a #10 Can?

The #10 cans are large enough. However, you’ll need sufficient storage space to keep them.

If you have a kitchen pantry, for instance, you can choose to partition it or include tall shelving that can easily accommodate the ten-pound cans.

Purchasing too many of these cans without sufficient space may hinder you from using your pantry for other purposes.

Depending on where you live, you’ll probably have sufficient secondary or basement storage where you can keep your #10 cans.

If this isn’t the case however, you may want to limit the number of ten-pound cans you collect. 

What if You’re Purchasing in Bulk for Affordable Prices?

Assuming you’re buying #10 cans in bulk for affordable prices but have no sufficient space to store them, consider transferring the contents to other bigger storage solutions such as mason jars.

Find out how many ounces equal a gallon to get the total number of jars will be enough for your food. 

What’s the Capacity and Volume of a #10 Can?

Ten-pound cans come in different sizes.

If you purchase the seven-inch tall cans, for instance, you’ll be able to store lots of food.

However, the type of food you’re storing will play a major role in determining the total capacity.

Jerky, for example, takes up more room seeing that there’s always lots of space around and in between the pieces.

Coffee grounds, on the other hand, can fill up the can with ease, because there’ll be no air taking up space. 

Can you Store Liquid in Ten Pound Cans?

No. You should not store liquid in these cans.

This is because aluminum or tin material is susceptible to disintegrate over time.

You don’t want liquid leaking from the can and damaging the entire food in your pantry.

If you have to store the liquid in these cans, first ensure that there’s no rust, oxidation, or holes that can cause contamination in the liquids.

Remember to use liquid content as soon as possible because liquid foodstuffs come with a shorter shelf life.

Should You Keep #10 Cans in the Fridge?

Avoid storing these cans in the fridge as much as possible as the metal can drain in the liquid or food.

What happens when you open the can and need to store leftovers in the fridge?

Empty the contents in a plastic or any other fridge friendly container and tighten the lid.

You can also use a sealed or Ziploc bag.

Remember, plastic, just like the metal, can contaminate your food.

However, this process takes longer to occur.

Regardless of the storage option you choose, it should guarantee food safety.

Of what need would it be to store food for years only to realize that it’s not fit for consumption?

How many oz in a Pound will a #10 Hold?

It can accommodate up to 96 ounces on average.

Take for example the soup cans in your pantry, on average, they’re #2 cans and in total, they hold 16 ounces.

What this means is that each soup can size in your pantry is equivalent to one #10 can.

These measurements are more about liquids; the case is different when it comes to solid dried foods, based on size, volume, and weight. 

On average, the large can accommodate a gallon of both wet and dry food.

You can use 3 quarts in cups to measure your food.

Adjust your food sizes and portions to fit in the can as much as possible without crushing the food.

This way, you’ll have more space to secure the lid.

With time, you’ll be able to determine the ideal food size to fill a can with minimal struggle. 

Storage and Shelf Life

One of the biggest concerns that many people have in terms of #10 cans is how long they can remain in good condition on the shelf.

As we’ve mentioned before, shelf life depends on the type of liquid or dried food inside the can.

Storage temperature conditions play a major role in determining the durability of canned food. 

Further, the condition of the can plays a factor.

Whether or not it was properly sealed also determines how long the food can last.

Just like some food stored inside a #10 can will last for over thirty years, others will only last a few years.

It’s worth noting, however, that, ten-pound cans should be properly sealed to guarantee durability. 

When it comes to low moisture dried foods such as dried vegetables, fruit chips, and dehydrated meat, stored in #10 cans, you can be sure that they will for months before getting spoiled.

The secret, in this case, is storing the food out of direct light, extreme temperatures, and out of any contact with air. 

What Temperatures is Ideal?

Your dried food should be properly stored under cool temperatures.

Where possible, avoid storing your cans inside the fridge.

The recommended storage temperature is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Whether you purchase your can online or from a local store, you need to ensure that the expiration date is visible. 

The date indicates the duration within which the contents inside the can will remain edible and safe for consumption before losing its quality or flavor.

Opening the can renders the printed date null and void.

However, the dried food will still last for some months even after the can has been opened.

You’ll, however, need to place the lid back on before returning the can in your pantry. 

Only use the plastic lid that comes with the can.

Remember, a well-sealed can features two lids – a plastic outer lid, and an interior metallic one.

While you’ll need a can opener to remove the metallic lid, you simply need to lift and remove the outer plastic lid.

Discard the metallic lid after opening. 

How Long will Dehydrated or Dried Vegetables and Fruits last?

Dehydrated or dried vegetables and fruits last anywhere between a few weeks to months depending on the storage conditions; that is; appropriate temperatures and well-secured lids.

Today, many people are buying empty #10 cans to fill at home.

If this is the case, the shelf life will depend on the contents of the can. 

However, it may not last more than a year.

To get the best out of your dried fruits and meats, use them within six to twelve months of storage.

Powders and grains such as flour and coffee, on the other hand, can go beyond this time frame, based on how often you access the can.

The less the light, moisture, and air your can is exposed to, the longer it’ll last. 

Remember, the more you access the contents of the can, the faster it’ll go bad.

If you doubt the safety of your dried food, the best solution would be to discard it.

Of course, this is a painful decision to take considering the cost of dried food.

However, you should give your safety and health the priority. 

What Items are Ideal for Storing in a #10 Can? 

Apart from food, you can store almost anything in a ten-pound can.

Some people use old cans to store sowing items such as; thread, buttons, bobbins, small scissors, art supplies, bolts, nuts, needles and needle cases, and other easy to lose items.

Still, the main purpose of these cans is the storage of food.

If you buy your cans to store food at home, ensure the food is dried and dehydrated.

The less the moisture, the longer it will last. 

#10 Cans for Emergency

If you live in emergency prone areas, you understand that emergencies can strike suddenly.

When they happen, everything comes to a standstill and you may have no access to food, power, or even the grocery store.

This is where dehydrated and dried foods come in.

You’ll want to store sufficient food that can sustain you and your family in the event of any emergency.

The best thing about dried foods is that they don’t need refrigeration.

This will save you, especially during prolonged power cuts. 

What Should You After Opening the Cans?

When you open the can, use the contents as soon as possible.

If you can’t clear the contents in one sitting, you may need to transfer them to fridge friendly containers and keep them refrigerated.

Remember, the shelf life for self filled ten-pound cans in 12 months at most.

Where possible, try and vacuum seal your cans.

This ensures that the cans are airtight.

If this is impossible, you can use a well-fitting plastic lid.

Use a tape around the lid to secure it appropriately and prevent air from penetrating inside the can. 

Finally

#10 cans come in handy to help you store food for use during emergencies.

Emergency preparedness teams and storage experts recommend these for people who have large families and those who are living in areas that are susceptible to frequent emergencies.

While the type of food inside the containers determines how long they last, appropriate seals and adhering to food quality practices enhance durability.

If you’re planning to buy dried canned foods, opt to buy in bulk.

Not only will you get good deals, but you’ll also get enough food to last a few months.

FAQ

Where can I purchase #10 cans?

You can either purchase these cans from your local or online store.

Does #10 can contain baby food?

Yes. Often, baby formula is stored in such cans

What is a #10 can?

It’s a type of can which is often used to store food items for long term use

What’s a 10 Can in Ounces

A #10 can hold up to 109 ounces

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• https://food.unl.edu/how-interpret-can-size-numbers