How does the acidity level of canned tomato products generally compare to that of other canned goods regarding shelf life duration?

High-acidity foods, such as certain fruits or tomato products, typically possess a shorter potential shelf life, sometimes only 18 months to 2 years.

The chemical composition of the food sealed inside a metal container significantly influences how long that product remains shelf-stable and retains quality. Specifically, the acidity level plays a major role in determining degradation rates. Foods categorized as high-acidity, which includes items like tomato products and many fruits, tend to have a shorter effective shelf life compared to foods with lower acidity levels. This shorter window often restricts quality retention to approximately 18 months up to two years, even when stored properly in cool, dry conditions. Conversely, low-acidity items generally fare better, often maintaining quality for a longer period, typically between two and five years under ideal storage circumstances.