Safe to Use Hot Cocoa Mix from Dented Can: Thoughts?

hgycta

So, I'm a bit of a bargain shopper and purchased a 30 oz container of Starbucks Classic Hot Cocoa Powder Mix off eBay the other day, for a really good price, except it is dented... pretty bad. I remember learning in my nutrition class that dented canned goods should be discarded immediately due to the bacteria they may contain, but would it still be unsafe for powdered mixes such as this? I have not yet opened it, but the can isn't bulging or anything weird, but it is VERY dented. What do you guys think, would you use it or throw it out? Are only canned soups/beans/etc. with ACTUAL food the only thing to really worry about, or are powdered mixes just as high-risk as these?
Thanks!

PeachyPlum

Dented aluminum cans of liquid food (ie canned goods) can be dangerous because of the risk of botulism, as it may indicate the seam was damaged, allowing bacteria in.

I wouldn't stress about a dent in a canister of powdered food unless there is a leak in the can and you're concerned that someone may have tampered with the food through that leak.

Ready2Rock206

I could be wrong but I think it wouldn't apply to a powder? More to like canned vegetables or similar. I tried to google it and this article mentions when the air mixes with liquid - then you botulism. So a powder wouldn't seem to apply.

http://money.howstuffworks.com/personal-finance/budgeting/safe-to-buy-dented-foods-from-grocery-store.htm

hgycta

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your help you guys! I think I'll have some tomorrow morning with my breakfast then unless I see someone comment here that I shouldn't haha I need to stop being so impulsive on that website!

Francl27

Depends what you mean by 'dented'. If there's no actually hole in it, I don't see any problem.

toadg53

this too is from an article about dented cans. could apply to both liquid and dry contents: Don’t buy cans that are dented on the top or bottom. This is where the main seams are located and the can is the weakest.
Don’t buy cans with deep, sharp dents. These can compromise the can and shouldn’t be purchased.
Don’t buy a can if it’s bulging. These are definitely unsafe and contain harmful bacteria.
Don’t buy cans that have rust on them. These can have tiny holes in them that will allow bacteria to get in the food.

harpsdesire

The powder should be ok. Unlike canned veggies that quickly spoil once the can is opened, hot coco powders can usually last a long time even once opened, it's too dry to easily host bacteria.

mkakids

I always thought it was bulging, not dented cans that should be avoided.

PeachyPlum

mkakids wrote: »

I always thought it was bulging, not dented cans that should be avoided.

Bulging cans are a definite red flag - if the can is bulging it is definitely spoiled.

Dented cans with a small dent are usually fine. A really big dent means the seal might be compromised, allowing bacteria in.

Ninkyou

My mom always taught me to throw it out if it's dented along the seams.

Otherwise, go for it.

And no to bulging!

hgycta

Thanks everyone!!! It's not bulging, so I'm going for it haha x)

Carol_

The can should make a little 'swoosh' noise when you open it for the first time. If it does that, then it was sealed.

Unknown

This content has been removed.