National Tin Can Day

National Tin Can Day is observed on January 19. This date commemorates the anniversary of the first United States patent for the tin can, granted in 1825. While often overlooked, the humble tin can revolutionized the global food supply by providing a reliable method for long-term preservation and transport of perishable goods.

History of National Tin Can Day

The origins of the tin can trace back to the Napoleonic Wars when the French government offered a 12,000-franc prize for a new method of food preservation to supply the military. Nicolas Appert, a chef and confectioner, won the prize in 1810 by developing a process using heat-sterilized glass bottles. Shortly after, British merchant Peter Durand received a patent for a similar process using vessels made of tinplate. This transition from glass to metal was significant because tin containers were more durable and less likely to break during military transport or maritime voyages.

The specific observance of National Tin Can Day on January 19 honors the American contribution to this technology. On this day in 1825, Ezra Daggett and Thomas Kensett were awarded the first U.S. patent for “vessels of tin” intended for food preservation. Despite the invention of the can, the first dedicated can opener was not patented until 1858 by Ezra Warner. Prior to that, consumers had to use hammers and chisels to access the contents. Today, the day celebrates over two centuries of progress in canning technology and its lasting impact on modern nutrition.

Why is National Tin Can Day important?

This day highlights the role of canning in global food security and waste reduction. Before the widespread use of tin cans, fresh produce and meats were strictly seasonal or had to be salted, smoked, or dried to prevent spoilage. Canning allows for the distribution of essential nutrients to regions that lack access to fresh food or refrigeration. It remains a primary method for stockpiling emergency rations and ensuring a stable food supply during crises.

The holiday also draws attention to the sustainability and efficiency of metal packaging. Modern tin cans are typically made of steel coated with a thin layer of tin, making them 100% recyclable without any loss in material quality. The canning process also locks in vitamins and minerals at the peak of freshness, often making canned vegetables a nutritionally comparable alternative to fresh counterparts. Recognizing this day promotes the continued use of one of the most effective and eco-friendly storage solutions in human history.

• The canning process helps prevent foodborne illnesses by killing harmful bacteria.
• Canned goods provide affordable access to fruits and vegetables year-round.
• Recycling a single steel can saves enough energy to power a lightbulb for hours.
• The holiday honors the industrial inventors who standardized food safety.
• Canned food has a shelf life of several years, reducing household food waste.

How to Celebrate National Tin Can Day

Participating in this holiday can involve practical actions to support local communities and the environment. Many people use the day to organize a canned food drive for local shelters or food pantries, as non-perishable items are always in high demand. It is also an ideal time to audit your own pantry, moving older cans to the front and ensuring nothing has passed its expiration date. Sharing a meal made entirely from canned ingredients can demonstrate the versatility and convenience of these pantry staples.

Educational activities and creative upcycling are also popular ways to celebrate. Parents and teachers can use empty, cleaned cans for DIY crafts, such as making pencil holders, planters, or the classic “tin can telephone” to teach children about sound vibrations. Learning about the recycling symbols on different types of metal packaging helps ensure that used cans are disposed of correctly. By engaging with both the history and the future of the tin can, participants help preserve the legacy of this essential invention.

• Donate three cans of high-protein food to a local community food bank.
• Research the history of your favorite canned brand to see how their labels changed.
• Clean and paint an empty can to use as a desktop organizer or small flower pot.
• Check your local recycling guidelines to confirm how to process metal lids.
• Experiment with a new recipe that uses canned beans, tomatoes, or fish.

National Tin Can Day Dates Table