A protective seal for beverage cans and the like completely covers and seals the mouth contact area of the can, thereby protecting that area from contamination due to handling and storage. The present seal comprises a thin, durable, impervious sheet applied to the top of the can surrounding the opening area, extending down the upper side of the can adjacent the top opening area for a short distance. This comprises the mouth contact area of the can, and the seal completely seals and protects this area. The seal is sealed to the can surface by a narrow strip of food grade adhesive about the perimeter of the seal, with the adhesive passing around the front of the pop tab pull ring of the can top. The seal is also secured to the can by the conventional rivet securing the pull ring to the pop tab in easy opening type cans.