Food Storage

The following information on pantry shelf storage is taken from the pamphlet “Food Storage in the Home (EC 257 rev.)” published by the Extension Services, Utah State University in Logan. It is reprinted for your information, in the hope it will better prepare you and your family for emergency situations.

Temperature
Store food in the coldest cabinets, not over ranges or by refrigerator exhausts. Use the coolest spots (cellars, garages, outside utility sheds) for storing large quantities of potatoes or onions, and for long-term storage of canned foods.

Time
Most staples and canned foods have expiration dates, you should buy no more than you expect to use in the recommended storage times, as flavors will fade and textures may wilt. Date your foods, and then remember to check the cabinets every 6 months to use up the oldest items.

Buying
Purchase the freshest looking package. Messy or shopworn labels indicate old stock. Do not buy cans with swollen ends, as the food inside has gone bad.

Canned & Dried Food Shelf Life

Food Shelf Life
Fruits, Canned (store in cool area)
12 months
Fruits, Dried (place in air-tight container)
6 months
Gravy, Canned
12 months
Meat, Fish, Poultry
12 months
Pickles, Olives (refrigerate after opening)
12 months
Soups, Canned (store in cool area)
12 months
Vegetables, Canned (store in cool area)
12 months
Vegetables, Dried (store in cool area)
12 months

Herbs, Spices & Condiments Shelf Life

Food Shelf Life
Catsup (opened)
1 month
Whole Spices
12 months
Ground Spices
6 months
Herbs (place in airtight container)
6 months
Hot Pepper Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce
24 months
For herbs and spices, check the item's aroma. When it fades, replace the items.

Staples Shelf Life

Food Shelf Life
Baking Powder (keep covered and dry)
18 months
Bouillon Cubes (keep covered and dry)
12 months
Bread Crumbs, Dried (keep covered and dry)
6 months
Cereals, Ready to Eat (keep covered and dry)
4 months
Cereals, Cooking (keep covered and dry)
6 months
Chocolate, Pre-melted (store in cool area)
12 months
Chocolate, Semisweet (store in cool area)
24 months
Chocolate, Unsweetened (store in cool area)
18 months
Coffee, Canned-Unopened (refrigerate after opening)
1 month
Coffee, Instant - Opened (keep tightly closed)
1 month
Coffee, Instant - Unopened
6 months
Coffee Lighteners, Dry-Opened (keep tightly closed)
6 months
Condensed/Evaporated Milk (refrigerate if opened)
12 months
Flour, All types (place in airtight container)
18 months
Gelatin, All types (keep in original container)
18 months
Honey, Jams, Syrups (keep tightly covered)
12 months
Nonfat Dry Milk (place in airtight container)
6 months)
Pasta (keep tightly covered)
24 + months
Pudding Mixes (keep in original container)
12 months
Rice Mixes
6 months
Salad Dressing, All types (refrigerate if opened)
3 months
Salad Oil
1/3 month
Shortening, Solid (refrigeration not needed)
8 months
Sugar, Brown (place in airtight container)
4 months
Sugar, Granulated (keep tightly covered)
24 + months
Sugar, Powdered (place in airtight container)
4 months
Molasses (keep tightly covered)
24 + months
Tea Bags (place in airtight container)
18 months
Tea, Instant (keep tightly covered)
36 months
Tea, Loose (place in airtight container)
36 months

Mixes & Packaged Foods Shelf Life

Food Shelf Life
Cake Mixes (store in cool area, keep dry)
12 months
Casserole Mixes (store in cool area, keep dry)
18 months
Cookies, Packaged (keep tightly covered)
4 months
Crackers (keep tightly covered)
3 months
Frosting, Cans or Mixes
8 months
Hot Roll Mix (open and place in airtight container)
18 months
Pancake Mix (place in airtight container)
6 months
Pie Crust Mix
8 months
Potatoes, Instant (keep in original package)
18 months
Toaster Pop-Ups (store in airtight container
3 months

Miscellaneous Shelf Life

Food Shelf Life
Coconut (refrigerate after opening)
12 months
Metered Calorie Products (keep in cans, closed jars, or original package)
 
Instant Breakfasts
6 months
Nuts (refrigerate after opening)
9 months
Onions, Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes *
2 weeks
Cheese, Parmesan (keep tightly closed)
2 months
Peanut Butter, Unopened
9 months
Peanut Butter, Opened
2 months
Soft Drinks
3 months
Whipped Topping Mix Package
12 months
*Store at room temperature. For longer storage, keep below 50 degrees, but not refrigerated. Keep dry and out of the sun. Plan short storage in spring, when sprouting is a serious problem.