It is observed on January 19 each year.

How do people observe Tin Can Day?

Learn about canned food history and organize your pantry.

Annual observance

Tin Can Day

January 19 Cultural / community observance Updated 2026-04-22

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Overview

Tin Can Day, celebrated annually on January 19th, commemorates the day British merchant Peter Durand received the patent for the tin can in 1810. This pivotal invention revolutionized food preservation, making it possible to store food for extended periods and transport it globally. The tin can significantly impacted military logistics, long-distance exploration, and global diets by providing access to off-season and non-local foods.

Why it matters: Tin Can Day, observed on January 19, highlights the transformative impact of Peter Durand's 1810 patent for the tin can, which revolutionized food preservation and accessibility. This innovation not only facilitated global trade and military logistics but also reshaped diets by allowing people to enjoy a wider variety of foods year-round.

Origin and story

Peter Durand patented the tin can in 1810 in England, adapting Nicolas Appert's food preservation method for a more durable container made of tin-plated iron.

For nearly 50 years after its invention, there was no dedicated can opener; people often used chisels, hammers, or bayonets to open the robust early cans.

Quick facts

DateJanuary 19
TypeCultural / community observance
Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to observe

Learn about the history of canned food.
Cook a meal using canned ingredients.
Donate canned goods to a food bank.
Organize your pantry.
Rinse and recycle empty cans.
Learn about metal recycling processes.

Fun facts

Peter Durand patented the tin can in 1810 in England, adapting Nicolas Appert's food preservation method for a more durable container made of tin-plated iron.
For nearly 50 years after its invention, there was no dedicated can opener; people often used chisels, hammers, or bayonets to open the robust early cans.
Early tin cans were so thick and heavy that they typically contained more metal than food and required significant effort to open.
The first practical can opener was patented in 1855 in England by Robert Yeates, and in 1858 in the United States by Ezra Warner.

Sources and attribution

History of Canning (Smithsonian National Museum of American History)

Food Canning Explained (Encyclopaedia Britannica)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is Tin Can Day?: It is observed on January 19 each year.
What is Tin Can Day?: Tin Can Day, celebrated annually on January 19, commemorates the day British merchant Peter Durand received the patent for the tin can in 1810. This pivotal invention revolutionized food preservation, making it possible to store food for extended periods and transport it globally. The tin can significantly impacted military logistics, long-distance exploration, and global diets by providing access to off-season and non-local foods.
How do people observe Tin Can Day?: Learn about canned food history and organize your pantry.

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