Last Updated 20-DEC-2020
Interesting list for those who like to toss stuff YEARS before you need to.
This comes from a number of sources. I agree with most of the data but some of it seems shorter than what I have experienced.
Shelf life data below gives specific foods and average shelf life assuming optimum storage conditions. Foods kept at lower temperatures extend their shelf life.
Shelf life of Food Items
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)