Shelf life data for long term food storage

Donna Hancock
Date: 11-13-2008
Subject: Food Recipes - Long Term Storage Foods+

PRETTY GOOD REFERENCE FOR LONG TERM FOOD STORAGE

Shelf life data provided:
Shelf life data below gives specific foods and average shelf life assuming optimum storage conditions. Foods kept at lower temperatures extend their shelf life.
Shelflife of Food Items
* NOTE: Shelf life info from various sources. (See links below.)
Conflicts are researched through multiple resources.
Baby Food, canned - 12 months
Baking Powder - 18 months (unopened)
Baking Soda - 18-24 months
Beans, Adzuki - 8-10 years (at 70 degrees F.)
Beans, Blackeye - 8-10 years (at 70 degrees F.)
Beans, Black Turtle - 8-10 years (at 70 degrees F.)
Beans, Dried - 12-24 months ( in their original container)
Beans, Dried - indefinitely (resealed in a food grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum sealed in a food grade bag)
Beans, can, Baked, Bush - 24-36 months 1-423-509-2361
Beans, can, Black, Progresso - 24 months 1-800-200-9377
Beans, can, Bush Beans Brand - 26 months
Beans, Garbanzo - 8-10 years (at 70 degrees F.)
Beans, Great Northern - 8-10 years (at 70 degrees F.)
Beans, Kidney - 8-10 years (at 70 degrees F.)
Beans, Mung Beans - 8-10 years (at 70 degrees F.)
Beans, Pink - 8-10 years (at 70 degrees F.)
Beans, Pinto - 8-10 years (at 70 degrees F.)
Beans, Refried - 5 years (at 70 degrees F.)
Beans, Small Red - 8-10 years (at 70 degrees F.)
Beans, Soy - 8-10 years (at 70 degrees F.)
Bouillon - 24 months (Keep dry and covered)
Bouillon (Cubes) - 24 months
Bouillon (Granules) - 12 months
Bouillon, Herb Ox - 24 months
Bouillon, Tone - 24 months
Bread, Crackers - 3 months
Bread, Crackers, Saltines - 8 months
Bread, Crackers, Ritz - 8 months
Bread, Crackers, Whole-wheat - 48 months
Bread, Crumbs, dried - 6 months (Store dry and covered)
Bread, fresh, store-bought (original container @ 70° F. basement) - 5 days
Bread, frozen, store-bought (original container @ 0° F. freezer) - 6 months
Bread, Mix, Biscuit Mixes (most) - 9 months
Bread, Mix, Biscuit Mix, Krusteaze, any flavor except mix for bread machines - 24 months
Bread, Mix, Hot-roll mix -18 months (If opened, store in airtight) container
Bread, Rolls (commercial) - 3-5 days (frozen 2-3 months) Homemade breads may have shorter shelf life due to lack of preservatives.
Bread, Tortillas, Corn - 1-2 weeks (refrigerated 2 weeks) May be frozen
Bread, Tortillas, Flour - 1-2 weeks (refrigerated 2 weeks) May be frozen
Bread, wheat, homemade (polyethelene bag @ 70° F. basement) - 3 days
Bread, white, homemade (polyethelene bag @ 70° F. basement) - 5 days
Butter, dehydrated - 5-8 years
Butter (refrigerated) - 1-2 weeks (frozen 6-9 months) Wrap or cover tightly.
Buttermilk Powder - 24-36 months
Buttermilk (refrigerated) - 10-14 days Cover tightly. Flavor not affected if buttermilk separates.
Cake Mix (most) - 9-12 months
Cake Mix, Angel Food - 9 months
Cake Mix, Betty Crocker - 8-12 months
Cake Mix, Jiffy - 24 months
Cake Mix, Pillsbury - 18 months
Candy, hard - 24 months
Casseroles, mix - 9-12 months (Keep cool and dry)
Cereals, cooked - 6 months
Cereal, Corn, dry Ready-to-eat - 12 months
Cereal, Cream of Wheat - 12 months
Cereal, Hominy Grits - 12 months
Cereal, Oatmeal – 12 months
Cereal, Processed (in a Box) - 6-12 months
Cereal (Publix) - 12-18 months 1-800-242-1227
Cereal, Quinoa Cereal - 1-3 months
Cereals, Ready-to-cook, oatmeal, etc. - 12 months
Cereals, Ready-to-eat (unopened) - 6-12 months (opened 2-3 months)
Cereals, ready-to-eat (opened) - 2-3 months (Refold package tightly)
Cereal, Rice cereal, dry Ready-to-eat - 12 months
Cereal, Wheat, shredded, dry Ready-to-eat - 12 months
Cheese, Brick (Hard and wax coated) (opened/refrigerated) - 2 months
Cheese, Brick (Hard and wax coated) (unopened/refrigerated) - 3-6 months (frozen 6 months)
Cheese, Cheddar (Hard and wax coated) (opened/refrigerated) - 2 months
Cheese, Cheddar (Hard and wax coated) (unopened/refrigerated) - 3-6 months (frozen 6 months)
Cheese, Cottage cheese (original container @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 10-15 days
Cheese, Cream cheese (original container @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 21 days
Cheese, Cream, Neufchatel (refrigerated) - 4 weeks
Cheese, dehydrated - 5-8 years
Cheese, Dry cheeses (original container @ 60 - 70° F. basement) - 3 months
Cheese, Edam (Hard and wax coated) (opened/refrigerated) - 2 months
Cheese, Edam (Hard and wax coated) (unopened/refrigerated) - 3-6 months (frozen 6 months)
Cheese, Gouda (Hard and wax coated) (opened/refrigerated) - 2 months
Cheese, Gouda (Hard and wax coated) (unopened/refrigerated) - 3-6 months (frozen 6 months)
Cheese, natural (vacuum package @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 6 months
Cheese, Parmesan, grated - 12 months
Cheese, Parmesan, Romano (opened/refrigerated) - 2-4 months
Cheese, Parmesan, Romano (unopened) - 10 months
Cheese, processed (vacuum package @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 8 months
Cheese, Powdered - 36 months
Cheese, Processed Cheese Products (refrigerated) - 3-4 weeks (frozen 4 months)
Cheese, Ricotta (refrigerated) - 5 days
Cheese spreads/dips (original container @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 21 days
Cheese, Swiss (Hard and wax coated) (opened/refrigerated) - 2 months
Cheese, Swiss (Hard and wax coated) (unopened/refrigerated) - 3-6 months (frozen 6 months)
Chocolate ( An Import ) - 12 months
Chocolate, Hot Cocoa Mix, Nestles (Individually Wrapped) - 24 months
Chocolate, Nestles Quick - 24 months
Chocolate, Premelted - 12 months Keep cool.
Chocolate, Semi-sweet - 18-24 months Keep cool.
Chocolate syrup, (unopened) - 2 years
Chocolate syrup, (opened) - 6 months (Refrigerate)
Chocolate, Unsweetened - 18 months Keep cool.
Chocolate syrup (opened) - 6 months
Chocolate syrup (unopened) - 24 months
Cocoa - 5 years (in Mylar pouch)
Cocoa mixes - 8 months
Condiments, Catsup - 12-24 months
Condiments, Mustard, prepared yellow (opened) - 6-8 months
Condiments, Mustard, prepared yellow (unopened) - 24 months
Condiments, Mustard, French's (Jar) - 18 months
Condiments, Mustard, French's (squeeze bottle) - 12 months
Cookie Mix, Basic - 5+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Corn Meal - 6-18 months (Keep tightly closed. Refrigeration may prolong shelf life.)
Corn Starch - 18 months
Corn Starch, Argo - 24 months (indefinitely resealed in a food grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum sealed in a food grade bag)
Cream, Half and Half, Light and Heavy (refrigerated) - 7-10 days (frozen 2 months)
Cream, ultra pasteurized (unopened/refrigerated) - 21-30 days
Cream, Sour (refrigerated) - 2 weeks
Cream, Sour, Dips, commercial (refrigerated) - 2 weeks
Creamer, non-dairy, Creamora - 24 months
Creamer, Non-Dairy - 9-36 months
Drink Mix, Country Time Lemonade - 24 months
Drink Mix, Crystal Light - 24 months
Drink Mix, Fruit, powdered - 10 years (in Mylar pouch)
Drink Mix, Orange - 10+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Drink Mix, powdered, Kool Aid, Kraft Foods - 18-24 months 1-800-543-5335
Drink Mix, Tang - 24 months
Eggs, dehydrated or freeze-dried powdered - 5-8 years
Eggs, fresh (original package @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 120 days
Eggs, pickled - 1-12 months (cool storage is recommended)
Eggs, powdered - 5+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Eggs, processed (original package @ 70° F. cool basement) - 15 months
Extracts; i.e. Vanilla - 18 months
Flour, Rice flour – 1-2 months
Flour, White - 6-9 months (some sources say up to 5 years)
Flour, White enriched - 12 months
Flour, White - 5 years (in Mylar pouch)
Flour, Whole-wheat - 6-9 months (some sources say up to 5 years)
Flour, whole wheat graham - 2 weeks
Frosting, canned (opened) - 3 months (Refrigerate)
Frosting Mix - 8-9 months
Fruit, Apples (can), Comstock - 24-36 months 1-800-270-2743
Fruit, Apples, fresh (separated in boxes @ 32° F. mod. moist cellar) - 6 months
Fruit, Apple Chips, dried - 8+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Fruit, Apple Slices, Dried - 24 months [8 years (in Mylar pouch)]
Fruit, Applesauce, Motts - 12 months
Fruit, Bananas - 2-3 days (until ripened, then refrigerate)
Fruit, Banana, Dried Chips - 8 months
Fruit, Bananas, fresh (ventilated container @ 60 - 70° F. basement) - 1 week
Fruit, Berries, fresh (ventilated container @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 1-2 weeks
Fruit, Canned - 12-24 months (in the original container at 70 degrees F. in a dry basement)
Fruit, Canned fruits (original container @ 70° F. dry basement) - 2 years
Fruit, can, Del Monte - 18-26 months
Fruit, can, Comstock - 18-26 months
Fruit, can, Libby's - 36 months+ 1-888-884-7269
Fruit, Citrus fruit, fresh ventilated container @ 32°F. mode. moist cellar) - 8 weeks
Fruit Cocktail, Canned - 24 months
Fruit, Cherries, Bottled - 24 months
Fruit, Coconut, shredded, canned or packaged - 12 months
Fruits, dried - 6-12 months (Keep cool, in airtight container; if possible)
Fruit, Dehydrated - 6-8 months
Fruit, Dehydrated - 5 years (Hermetically sealed in the absence of oxygen at a stable temperature of 70 degrees F. - They should keep proportionately longer if stored at cooler temperatures.)
Fruit, Dehydrated fruits (air/moisture proof @ 70° F. dry basement) - 8 months
Fruit, Frozen fruits (original container @ 0° F. freezer) - 12 months
Fruit, Jams & Jellies (original container @ 70° F. dry basement) - 18 months
Fruit, Peach, canned - 24 months
Fruit, Peaches, Del Monte - 24-30 months 1-800-543-3090
Fruit, Pear, canned - 24 months
Fruit, Pear halves, Del Monte - 24-30 months 1-800-543-3090
Fruit, Pears, fresh (ventilated container @ 32° F. mod. moist cellar) - 4 months
Fruit, Pie Fillings, Comstock - 18-26 months
Fruit, Pineapple, canned - 24 months
Fruit Smoothie, Del Monte - 12 months
Gelatin - 18 months
Gelatin Mixes – 18 months
Gelatin, flavored, Jello, Kraft Foods - 24 months
Grain, Barley, Whole (a soft grain) - 5-8 years (at room temperature sealed without oxygen)
Grain, Barley, pearled - 12 months
Grain, Buckwheat (a hard grain) - 10-12 years+ (at room temperature sealed without oxygen)
Grain, Buckwheat (kasha) - 6-12 months
Grain, Corn, Whole, dry - 2-5 years (indefinitely resealed in a food grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum-sealed in a food grade bag)
Grain, Corn, Whole, dry (a hard grain) - 10-12 years+ (at room temperature sealed without oxygen)
Grain, Flax (a hard grain) - 10-12 years+ (at room temperature sealed without oxygen)
Grain, Kamut® (a hard grain) - 10-12 years+ (at room temperature sealed without oxygen)
Grain, Lentils - 24 months (indefinitely resealed in a food grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum sealed in a food grade bag)
Grain, Millet (a hard grain) - 10-12 years+ (at room temperature sealed without oxygen)
Grain, Oat Groats (a soft grain) - 8 years (at room temperature sealed without oxygen)
Grain, Oats - 2-5 years (indefinitely resealed in a food grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum sealed in a food grade bag)
Grain, Oats, Rolled (a soft grain) - 1-8 years (at room temperature sealed without oxygen)
Grain, Quinoa, Whole (a soft grain) - 5-8 years (at room temperature sealed without oxygen)
Grain, Rice - 24-48 months (indefinitely resealed in a food grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum sealed in a food grade bag)
Grain, Rice, brown – 1-6 months
Grain, Rice, white – 24-48 months
Grain, Rice, white - 4 years (in Mylar pouch)
Grain, Rice, wild – 24-36 months
Grain, Spelt (a hard grain) - 10-12 years+ (at room temperature sealed without oxygen)
Grain, Triticale (a hard grain) - 5-12 years+ (at room temperature sealed without oxygen)
Grain, Wheat, Whole (a hard grain) - 10-12 years+ (at room temperature sealed without oxygen - possibly indefinitely)
Granola - 1-3 months
Herb, Garlic - 5-8 months (Keep in cool, dry, ventilated area.)
Herbs, ground - 6-36 months (in airtight container in dry place away from sunlight and heat)
Herbs, whole - 12-48 months (in airtight container in dry place away from sunlight and heat)
Herb Leaves, flowers, roots, and other herb parts - 12 months after harvesting (in cool place)
Herbs, Frozen (in freezer bags) - 6 months
Herbs, Green, Leafy - 12-36 months
Herbs, Whole Seeds - 3-4 years
Herb or Spice Extracts - 4 years
Herbs, Seasoning Blends - 12-24 months
Herbal Essential oils - indefinitely
Herbal Extracts (Commercially prepared) - expiration date
Herbal Infusions - Make fresh daily. Store in refrigerator or cool place.
Herbal Decoctions - Consume within 48 hours. Store in refrigerator or cool place.
Herbal tablets or capsules (Commercially prepared) - expiration date
Herbal Tea (comfrey leaf or root) - 24 hours
Herbal Tinctures (Alcohol based) - 2-4 years
Herbal Tinctures (Vinegar based) - 12-24 months
Herbal Tinctures, syrups, and essential oils - Keep for several months or years. Store in dark glass bottles in a cool environment away from sunlight. Store syrup in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Herbal Ointments, creams, and capsules - Keep for several months. Store in dark glass jars (or plastic containers.)
Honey - 12-24 months (Some sources say indefinitely. Gently heat to remove crystallization.)
Honey - indefinitely (in an airtight container at room temperature) (Watch out for additives in the honey. It is possible to buy honey with water and sugar added. This honey generally doesn't crystallize like pure 100% honey does when stored for a long time. If there are additives, there is no saying how long it will last.)
Hormel (all canned products) - indefinitely in original container
Ice Cream (frozen) - 1-2 months
Ice Milk (frozen) - 1-2 months
Jams - 12-18 months
Jellies - 12-18 months
Juices, can - 12 months
Juice, Apple, Motts - 12 months
Juice, Apple (Whitehouse), Nat'l Fruit Prod. Co. - 24 months 1-800-551-5167
Juice, can, Dole - 24-36 months (800) 232-5942
Juice, Canned fruit juices (original container @ 70° F. dry basement) 24 months
Juice, Dehydrated fruit juice (air/moisture proof @ 70° F. dry basement) - 12 months
Juice, Frozen fruit juices (original container @ 0° F. freezer) - 12 months
Juice, Fruit (canned) - 18-36 months (in a cool, dry place)
Juice, Fruit, Dehydrated - 12 months
Juice, Orange, Bluebird - 24 months 1-800-237-7805
Juice, Pineapple, Del Monte - 18 months
Juice, Snappy Tom Cocktail Juice, Del Monte - 18 months
Juice, Tomato, Del Monte - 24 months 1-800-543-3090
Ketchup (glass & plastic) - 24 months
Legumes, bottled or canned - 24-36 months
Marshmallows - 2-3 months
Marshmallow Creme - 2-3 months
Mayonnaise - 3-4 months
Meat, Beef, canned (original package @ 70° F. cool basement) - 30 months
Meat, Beef, canned (in chunks with natural juices) – 30 months
Meat, Beef, Dried, canned - indefinitely
Meat, Beef, dried (can @ 70° F. cool basement) - 18 months
Meat, Beef, fresh (original package @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 10-14 days
Meat, Beef, frozen (air & moisture proof @ 0° F. freezer) - 10 months
Meat, Beef, Roast, can - indefinitely (in original container)
Meat, canned (most) - 12-36 months unopened (1-2 months opened, refrigerated)
Meat, canned, Tyson - 36 months
Meat, Chicken, canned - 12-36 months
Meat, Chicken Breast, canned – 36 months
Meat, Chicken Breast (can), Tyson - 36 months
Meat, Chicken, canned, Tyson - 36 months
Meat, Chili, canned – indefinitely
Meat, Chili w/beans and without, can - indefinitely (in original container)
Meat, Chili w/beans, Hormel - indefinite 1-800-523-4635
Meat, Chili, Seafood Cocktail - 24 months
Meat, Fish or shellfish, canned – 12-18 months
Meat, Ham, canned (shelf stable, unopened) - 24 months
Meat, Ham, Country style (unsliced) - 12 months
Meat, Ham Chunks, canned - indefinitely
Meat, Ham, Deviled, can - indefinitely in original container
Meat, Lamb, fresh (original package @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 7-10 days
Meat, Lamb, frozen (air & moisture proof @ 0° F. freezer) - 8 months
Meat, Pork, cured (vacuum package @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 4 weeks
Meat, Pork, fresh (original package @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 4 days
Meat, Pork, frozen (air & moisture proof @ 0° F. freezer) - 4-6 months
Meat, Pork, sausage (original package @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 4 days
Meat, Poultry, fresh (original package @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 5 days
Meat, Poultry, frozen (air & moisture proof @ 0° F. freezer) - 8 months
Meat, Seafood, canned – 48-60 months
Meat, Spam, canned - indefinitely (in original container)
Meat, Spam, Hormel - Indefinite 1-800-523-4635
Meat substitutes (air & moisture proof @ 0° F. freezer) - 4 months
Meat, Tuna, canned – 48-60 months
Meat, Tuna, Starkist - 4-6 years 1-800-252-1587
Meat Turkey, can - 12 months
Meat, Turkey and Gravy canned dinners - indefinitely in original container
Meat, Veal, fresh (original package @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 6 days
Meat, Veal, frozen (air & moisture proof @ 0° F. freezer) - 8 months
Meat, Vienna Sausage, canned – 24 months
Meat, Vienna Sausage, Libby's - 24 months 1-888-884-7269
Milk Alternate, Morning Moo brand powdered - 5 years in original bag (7 years in bucket) http://www.bluechipgroup.net/
Milk, aseptic packaging - Pkg. date
Milk, Canned, Condensed - 12 months
Milk, Canned, Sweetened Condensed - 24-36 months
Milk, Canned, Evaporated - 12-36 months (Invert can every 2 months.)
Milk, Evaporated, Publix - 18-24 months
Milk, Powdered (Instant Non-fat) - 6-15 months
Milk, Powdered (Nonfat dry) - 3 years (in Mylar pouch)
Milk, Powdered (Non-Instant) - 24-48 months
Mixes, Biscuit - 5+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Mixes, Bread Mix, White - 5+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Mixes, Brownie (most) - 9 months
Mixes, Brownie - 5+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Mixes, Cookie mixes - 12 months
Mixes, Cornbread - 5+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Mixes, Muffin Mix (most) - 9 months
Mixes, Muffin, Blueberry - 5+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Mixes, Muffin Mix, Krusteaze, any flavor except mix for bread machines - 24 months
Mixes, Pancake Mix (most) - 6-9 months
Mixes, Pancake, Buttermilk - 5+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Mixes, Pie Crust Mix - 8 months
Mixes, Sweet Roll Mix - 5+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Molasses (opened) - 6 months
Molasses (unopened) - 12-24 months
Mushrooms, Freeze Dried, Tone - 24 months
Mushrooms, Green Giant - 48 months
Nuts (in the shell) – 24 months
Nutmeats (in vacuum can) – 3 months
Oils (unopened) - 18 months Store in cool place away from heat
Oils (opened) - 6-8 months Store in cool place away from heat
Oil (some) - indefinitely (in original container)
Oil, Canola, Best Foods - 18-24 months 1-800-338-8831
Oil, Corn, Mazola (Best Foods) – 18 months from pkg. Date1-800-338-8831
Oil, Olive - 24 months
Oil, Salad - 6-9 months
Olives (canned, unopened) - 1-3 months
Pasta - 24 months (indefinitely resealed in a food grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum sealed in a food grade bag)
Pasta, American Beauty - 36 months (in original package)
Pasta, Cup-O-Noodles - 24 months
Pasta, Fusilli - 8+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Pasta, Macaroni - 8 years (in Mylar pouch)
Pasta, Macaroni & Cheese - 12 months
Pasta Mixes – 6 months
Pasta, Noodles & Sauce, Chicken Flavor, Lipton - 24 months
Pasta, Noodles, Fettuccine, Montalcino - 18 months+
Pasta, Penne - 8+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Pasta & Sauce, Lipton - 12 months
Pasta-Roni – Exp. Date
Pasta Sauce - 24 months (unopened) (2 weeks opened, refrigerated)
Pasta Sauce - Lipton 5 Brothers - 24 months
Pasta Sauce (Ragu-Jar), Lipton - 24 months 1-800-328-7248
Pasta, Shells - 8+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Pasta, Spaghetti - 8 years (in Mylar pouch)
Pasta, Spaghetti - 18-24 months
Pasta, Spaghetti, Montalcino - 18 months+
Peanut Butter (opened) - 2-3 months Refrigeration prolongs storage time
Peanut Butter (unopened) - 6-24 months Refrigeration prolongs storage time
Peanut Butter (Jif), Proctor & Gamble - 24 months 1-800-543-7276
Peanut Butter, Jiffy - 24 months
Peanut Butter, Skippy - 24 months
Peanuts – 24-36 months
Peanuts, Planter's - 24-36 months 1-800-622-4726
Pectin, Dry - 3 years
Pectin, Liquid - 12-18 months
Pectin, liquid (opened) - 1 month (Refrigerate)
Pickles (canned, unopened) - 1-3 months
Popcorn - 8+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Popcorn, both microwaveable and regular - 24 months
Popcorn, whole kernels - 12-24 months
Popcorn, Pops Rite - 24 months
Potato chips (original container @ 70° F. basement) - 1 month
Pudding Mixes – 12 months
Pudding Mix, Chocolate or Vanilla - 5 years (in Mylar pouch)
Ready Meals, Chicken and Dumplings, can - indefinitely in original container
Ready Meals, Chicken & Dumplings, Sweet Sue - 24 months
Ready Meals, Chicken & Noodles, Sweet Sue - 24 months
Ready Meals, MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) – 3-10 years (stored at 80 degrees or cooler)
Rice, flavored or herb mixes – 6 months
Rice, Minute Rice, Kraft Foods - 18 months
Rice Mixes - 6 months
Rice, parboiled - 6-12 months (stored unopened in cool, dry place)
Rice, White Emerald - 12 months+
Rice & Sauce, Lipton - 12 months
Rice-a-Roni – Exp. Date
Rye (a soft grain) - 5-8 years (at room temperature sealed without oxygen)
Salad dressings, bottled (unopened) - 10-12 months (Store on shelf)
Salad dressings, bottled (opened) - 3 months (Refrigerate after opening)
Salad dressings, made from mix - 2 weeks (Refrigerate, after mixing)
Salt - 24 months (indefinitely resealed in a food grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum sealed in a food grade bag)
Salt - indefinitely if stored free of moisture
Sauce, Barbecue - 12 months
Sauce, Chili - 12 months
Sauces, Gravies, powdered mixes (most) - 12 months
Sauce, Hot sauce (commercial) - 24 months
Sauces, powdered mixes (most) - 12 months
Sauce, Salsa (commercial) (unopened) - 12-18 months
Sauces, Sloppy Joe Sauces - 24 months
Sauces (steak, etc.) - 24 months (stored unpacked in cool, dry place)
Sauce, Tabasco Sauce, McIInenny - 5 years
Sauce, Worcesterhire (commercial) - 24 months
Sherbet (frozen) - 1-2 months
Shortenings, solid - 8 months
Shortening, Crisco, Proctor & Gamble - Indefinite 1-800-543-7276
Shortening, Crisco - indefinitely (in original container)
Shortening, Powdered - 5+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Soup Base, Tone - 10 years
Soup, Bear Creek - 36 months (435) 654-2660
Soup Broth, Chicken Broth, Swanson - 18 months
Soup, Campbell - 18-24 months 1-800-871-0988
Soup, canned - 3+ years
Soup, Country Kitchen - 36 months
Soup, Progresso - 36 months 1-800-200-9377
Soup Mix, Chicken Noodle, Bear Creek - 18 months
Soup mix (dry) (most) - 12 months
Soup Mix, dry - 5 years (in Mylar pouch)
Spaghetti Sauces - 24 months
Spices - 24 months (indefinitely resealed in a food grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum sealed in a food grade bag)
Spices, ground - 6 months (in airtight container in dry place away from sunlight and heat)
Spices, whole - 12-24 months (in airtight container in dry place away from sunlight and heat)
Spice, Cinnamon sticks, whole - 24 months+ (in airtight container in dry place away from sunlight and heat)
Spice, Cloves, whole - 24 months+ (in airtight container in dry place away from sunlight and heat)
Spice, Nutmeg, whole - 24 months+ (in airtight container in dry place away from sunlight and heat)
Stew, Beef, Dinty Moore - 24-36 months 1-800-523-4635 (some sources say indefinitely in original container)
Sugar - 24 months (indefinitely resealed in a food grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum sealed in a food grade bag)
Sugar - indefinitely if stored free of moisture
Sugar, Brown - 4-18 months
Sugar, Confectioners - 18-48 months
Sugar, Granulated – 24-48 months (indefinitely resealed in a food grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum sealed in a food grade bag)
Sugar, Granulated - 20+ years (in Mylar pouch)
Sweetener, Artificial - 24 months
Syrups - 12 months (Refrigerate, after opening)
Tapioca - 12 months (stored unopened in cool, dry place)
Toaster pastries - 2-3 months (Keep in airtight package)
TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) Meat substitute (bacon bits) - 4 months (Keep tightly closed)
TVP, unflavored - 5+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Vanilla Extract (opened) - 12-18 months
Vanilla Extract (unopened) - 24 months
Vegetables, Beets, fresh (ventilated box @ 32° F. moist pit or cellar) - 6 months
Vegetables, Cabbage, fresh (ventilated box @ 32° F. mod. moist pit/cellar) - 6 months
Vegetables, canned - 24-48 months (unopened)
Vegetables, Canned veggies original container @ 70° F. dry basement) - 2 years
Vegetables, can, Bush Beans Brand - 26 months
Vegetables, can, Del Monte - 24 months
Vegetables, can, Green Giant - 24 months
Vegetables, can, Progresso - 24 months
Vegetables, Carrots, fresh (ventilated boxes/bags @ 32° F. moist pit or cellar) - 6 months
Vegetables, Carrots, dehydrated - 10 years (in Mylar pouch)
Vegetables, Corn, canned – 24–36 months
Vegetables, Corn, can, Green Giant - 36 months
Vegetables, Corn, can (whole & creamed), Del Monte - 24 months 1-800-543-3090
Vegetables, Dark green, fresh (flexible package @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 7 days
Vegetables, Dehydrated veggies (air/moisture proof @ 70° F. dry basement) - 8 months
Vegetables, Dehydrated - 8-12 (at room temperature sealed without oxygen)
Vegetables, dehydrated flakes - 6 months
Vegetables, Green Beans, Del Monte - 24-30 months 1-800-543-3090
Vegetables, Hominy - 12 months
Vegetables, Libby's - 36 months+ 1-888-884-7269
Vegetables, misc. fresh veggies (flexible package @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 1-2 weeks
Vegetables, Onions, dry - 2-4 weeks (Keep in cool, dry, ventilated area.)
Vegetables, Onions, dehydrated - 8 years (in Mylar pouch)
Vegetables, Onions, fresh, dry (net bag @ 32° F. cool, dry area) - 6 months
Vegetables, Peas, dry - 12-24 months (indefinitely resealed in a food grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum sealed in a food grade bag)
Vegetables, Peas, dry - 8+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Vegetables, Pillsbury - 24 months 1-800-328-6787
Vegetables, Potato, canned (original container 70° F. dry basement) - 30 months
Vegetables, Potato, dehydrated (original package @ 70° F. dry basement) -30 months
Vegetables, Potato Flakes - 3+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Vegetables, Potatoes, fresh – 4 weeks (Keep dry and away from sun. Keep about 50 degrees for longer storage.)
Vegetables, Potato, fresh (ventilated boxes/bags @ 35 - 40° F. mod. moist pit/cellar) - 6 months
Vegetables, Potato, frozen )original package @ 0° F. freezer) - 8 months
Vegetables, Potatoes, sweet – 2 weeks (Don’t refrigerate sweet potatoes.)
Vegetables, Potato, sweet, fresh (ventilated boxes/bags @ 55 - 60° F. dry) - 6 months
Vegetables, Potatoes, Instant – 6-12 months
Vegetables, Potatoes, Instant - 3 years (in Mylar pouch)
Vegetables, Potatoes, Instant, Idahoan (in a can) - indefinitely (in original container)
Vegetables, Pumpkin, fresh (ventilated box @ 55° F. mod. dry basement) - 6 months
Vegetables, Squash, pumpkin - 6 months
Vegetables, Squash, acorn - 6 months
Vegetables, Squash, spaghetti - 6 months
Vegetables, Squash, butter-nut - 6 months
Vegetables, Squash, winter, fresh (ventilated box @ 55° F. mod. dry basement) - 6 months
Vegetables, Tomatoes, canned – 30-36+ months (unopened) (2-3 days opened, refrigerated)
Vegetables, Tomatoes, can, Crushed, Flavored Diced - 24 months
Vegetables, Tomatoes, can, Diced, Wedge, Stewed, Whole - 30 months
Vegetables, Tomatoes, can, No Salt Added Stewed - 18 months
Vegetables, Tomatoes, fresh ripe (flexible package @ 38 - 40° F. refrigerator) - 2 weeks
Vegetables, Tomatoes, green (flexible package @ 55 - 70° F. mod. dry basement) - 4 - 6 weeks
Vegetables, Tomatoes, Libby's - 36 months+ 1-888-884-7269
Vegetables, Tomato Paste - 30 months
Vegetables, Tomato Powder - 5+ years (in #10 can with oxygen absorber)
Vegetables, Tomato Sauce - 12-24 months (unopened) (3 days opened, refrigerated)
Vinegar (opened) - 12 months
Vinegar (unopened) - 24 months (some sources say indefinitely in original container)
Yeast - 24 months (or expiration date on package)
Yeast (Fleischman's), Freshlike - 24 months 1-800-435-5300
Yeast, Fleischman’s (800) 777-4959 Date is stamped. If you use it past the stamped date, you must first "PROOF" it. Proof it by bringing ¼ cup of water to the temperature in the instructions on the back. Stir in 1 tsp. of sugar and one packet of yeast. After five minutes it should begin to bubble. At the end of 10 minutes, it should have a rounded crown of foam on it. If this happens, yeast is active. (Be sure to deduct ¼ cup of liquid from your recipe)

http://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Article/ ... efully.htm

WOW

Thank YOU VERY MUCH Ting, this one's a KEEPER!!!!

awesome list...but now I have to replace alot of what I have or I can keep and pray its still good....

Kelee a lot of stuff stays good longer then the list says. I have been trying to buy many things in glass jars lately. They have a real long shelf life. How ever it is getting harder and harder to get things in glass jars. Now salad dressing is in plastic. It will not keep nearly as long in plastic.

Thank you ting! This is great!

It's probably still good-most "expiration dates" are a money-making gimmick to make you buy more.
They've made bread from wheat found in the pyramids that was thousands of years old, they've opened food canned 100 years ago and it was still edible, people have publicly eaten canned meats from decades ago and it was fine.
If a can isn't rusted, bulging, very dented, or hisses explosively when when you open it, it's fine. Not to mention, botulism is killed at boiling temperature, although any visible spores are still dangerous. Stay away from anything with botulism, but if you're worried about a can of food that looks fine but it's past the date, just make sure you cook it well, for peace of mind.
I've eaten hamburger helper over ten years past the exp date, I've made cake mixes almost ten years past the expiration date, I use expired stuff all the time, as long as there's no mold, it smells OK, and it looks and tastes OK, there's no reason in the world to throw it away.
Just another control method from TPTB. Our grandparents didn't throw away perfectly good food because a certain amount of time had passed and the government said they should. They threw it away because it was bulging, or moldy, or rancid.
I could kick myself for throwing away a bunch of soup a few years ago because it was "past the date." If I had known then what I've researched now, I definitely would have kept it.

Thanks tygerkittn for those comments

Thanks for your input tygerkittn.

I recently opened and used a can of cream of celery soup from 1998. It was fine except it was more solid and not as creamy as new stuff. I used it in a casserole and it was fine. I also opened and drank a jar of home canned apple juice from 1996 a few weeks ago. Yummmm it was so good. Just like the day I canned it. So use your common sense and you will be fine.

I got some information a few years ago from Emergency Essentials. Keep in mind that this is for nitrogen packed long term stored food in #10 cans. The dried powdered milk after about 13 years had lost 20% of its nutitional value. ( which means it still had 80%). They pushed back the reasonable shelf life for oats, dried fruit, etc to 20-30 years.

I am not sure if minerals can degrade over time, and I assume calories stay the same. But protein and vitamins are made of amino acids and they do break down. I have read that in water packed canned foods, within a year you can lost 95% of the nutritional value.

In a situation where you need calories just to stay alive the expired food provides that, but the nutrition will be severely degraded. Any good food stash must have significant vitamins as well as a source of hopefully daily fresh food ( sprouts, learn wild greens, etc).

It is one thing to use an old cake mix, or an old soup in a casserole. It is another to use old canned milk or formula with babies. I stopped stocking up on most canned foods a number of years ago and switched to #10 cans that last upwards of 20 years. Even though they cost maybe twice what canned foods do, I think it is worth it. I still buy peanut butter, tuna, and some things to rotate, but I no longer rely on that for the bulk of our food, and I do try to rotate what I have within the dates. Protein and vitamins are essential for good health.

lisianthus

Welcome to DTP

Good to have you here.

It's true nutritional values degrade, based on what I've read the emergency essentials sounds skewed (to sell more nitro packed cans?) I don't believe they degrade that fast, too many other studies disagree.
That said, I have vitamins because when they sent vitamins to starving people, they died from vitamins alone, but when bulk, cheap foods were combined with vitamins, it worked. So food that has lost nutritional value, combined with vitamins, would still work, whereas neither alone would be sufficient.

bump

quite true tyger..don't forget to add vit c..hate to live through a TEOTW event just to die becuase of scurvy

Has anyone done research/experimenting with the plastic bottles that juice comes in. I was reading that if you look at the recycle code on the bottle you can actually do some major recycling by using them for storage. It has to have a 1 in the triangle with PETE below the triangle. These bottles do not transfer air and they do seal. So I have been using them for storing rice and beans. I fill them right up to the neck and then squeeze the sides to expell enough air to create a vacuum when I tighten the lid. I have gone back weekly now for a couple months and the little indent from the sqeeze is still there. I am thinking that it does indicate a good seal.

joyce I use 2 litre pop bottles for storing my dried goods in, the only one I had long term problems with was sugar..it seem to have a bitter/sweet smell to it when I re-opened the pop bottles..the sugar was still good if you could get past the fruity smell...
on the other hand I read somewhere that juice and milk plastic containers were not the best to store in because you could not get all of the juice/milk reside out of the bottles...