Food expiration dates

A.  The Real Expiration Date for Common Foods
15 March 2014, Natural Blaze.com, by Heather Callanghan
Pasted from: http://www.thedailysheeple.com/the-real-expiration-date-for-common-foods_032014

By Heather Callaghan
The regulation guidelines for expired foods are few and arbitrary, really. They are also voluntary. They sprang up in the 1970s for more consumer information and perceived freshness. Expiration labels are only required by law for infant formula and baby foods; other laws regarding dairy are left up to some states and vary. There is waste before, during and after a food item’s grocery stay. Now, more than ever, when throwing out food we’re unsure of, it feels like trashing bags of money – and most of it is completely unnecessary. But nobody wants too read yet another scolding article about it. So…

Now that we know our expiration labels don’t tell us anything at all – where do we go from here? What can we eat with confidence?

First, let’s define some terms for the dates printed on food products:

Expiration – This is an estimated date for when the item is expected to go bad and the consumer is expected to proceed with caution. Still, a surprisingly large amount of these can be expanded, with some exceptions.

Sell by – That’s for the retailer, not for you. It’s about peak quality, like with flavor. It’s for store display and maddeningly, much of this gets tossed – prompting a “dumpster dive” revolution. Wouldn’t it be nice if people didn’t have to relegate themselves to a dumpster to get this perfectly good food? But in the dump it goes first.

Best if Used By/Before and Use By – Again, these refer to quality, not safety.
Pack or Born On – This is the manufacture date stamp and often refers to canned goods and beer.
Guaranteed Fresh – This is mostly the baker’s way of letting you know how long you can enjoy the baked good before it possibly goes stale. It doesn’t mean it’s harmful, but could be stale.

Yogurt and deli meat can last a week to 10 days more than the “sell by” date. Salami at two to three weeks. Most fresh meats, especially poultry and seafood, should be cooked and eaten within days. Eggs a whopping five weeks after expiration. When in doubt, gently place eggs in a big bowl of cold water filled to the top. If the eggs float, toss them. If they “stand up” that just means they are not as fresh but are still okay to eat.

Packaged items can last a long time after expiration but after months you may notice a staleness and waxy taste which could be rancid oils. Packaged and canned items can generally last a year or more after the stamped date.

The key to keeping storable foods the longest, is cool, dry and airtight. Canned goods included. If you see bulging cans – do not open! It’s rare, but it could be botulism. Bill Nye made this crystal clear to me as a kid.

Real Simple and iVillage offer a list of items and a “true” expiration, some lasting for years, but again, take with a grain of salt. Throwing out opened juice after a week in the fridge? No way! Of course if you make your juice yourself, ideally, it should be consumed immediately for best benefits. Whole, natural foods and drinks do not generally last as long as the grocery store – but you knew that! For instance, when I buy homemade bread I know to freeze it, otherwise mold is great indicator I waited one day too long. Lesson learned. Raw honey can last forever and honey and brown sugar indefinitely.

Cheese can have a long fridge life too. According to one naturopath, Kerrygold cheese from grass fed cows can be bought in bulk at Whole Foods and sit in the fridge for six months – mine is still fine after one month.

Is it really a great idea to be eating old food? Debatable. Some fruits like bananas can have added benefits with age. Ayurvedic principles frown on old or rotten food for its effect on the body or bio-rhythms (except for items better with age or fermentation). But, I’ve seen depression-era folks charge through their 80′s having lived a frugal life eating the bad fruits first, expired foods and keeping the fridge well above the suggested 40 degree mark. (Where can I get an immune system like that!)

The bottom line is that expiration is perception and to follow your nose and your gut. If something smells or tastes funny, do not risk it! Common sense and intuition are our friends and thankfully, we are much less likely to get sick in a clean home than from a restaurant. If you think you might get food poisoning, immediately take homeopathic Arscenicum Album 30c and Activated Charcoal.
What have you noticed that you can eat after the stamped date?

Two websites devoted completely to real expiration dates:
http://www.stilltasty.com/
http://www.eatbydate.com/

All Recipes allows you to type in what ingredients you currently have and pulls up recipes you can use. You can save favorite recipes in your own online recipe box.
Love Food Hate Waste is an English web site devoted to helping people use food on its way out

– See more at: http://www.thedailysheeple.com/the-real-expiration-date-for-common-foods_032014#sthash.iOuVubo3.dpuf

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 B.  Shelf Life for Long-Term Food Storage
ThePreppersWife
Pasted from: http://prepperswife.blogspot.com/p/shelf-life.html

The following may be stored indefinitely (in proper containers and conditions):
Wheat
Vegetable oils
Corn
Soybeans
Sugar
White rice
Bouillon products
Powdered milk (in nitrogen-packed cans)
Vitamin C
DRY Pasta

PRETTY GOOD REFERENCE FOR LONG TERM FOOD STORAGE ~ Your mileage may vary ~ not a complete list but a good start.  Shelf life data provided below gives specific foods and average shelf life assuming optimum storage conditions.  Foods kept at lower temperatures extend their shelf life. Foods vac sealed – last longer

“A hungry man decides for himself what’s fit to  eat, A hungry Mom decides what’s fit to eat for the family” ~ The Prepper’s Wife 2011 Shelflife of Food Items * NOTE: Shelf life info from various sources.  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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Ice Cream (frozen) – 1-2 months
Ice Milk (frozen) – 1-2 months
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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
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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) Food storage and gluten-free food products – Augason Farms
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
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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
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Pasta – 24 months  to indefinitely
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 – 10+ years vac packed
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 (Do not 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, Fleischmans (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)

We use our best judgment NOT the date stamped on a can or box.!

(Survival manual/ Prepper articles/ Food expiration dates)