Recomended Shelf Life of Different Products
 

Just Some FYI I Found while stumbling around the inner working Of my Ol' Puter..

<table border="1" cellpadding="7" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" width="236">Food Product</td> <td valign="top" nowrap="nowrap">Storage Life In Months</td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bg="" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top">STAPLES</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Baking Powder</td> <td valign="top" width="151">18 or exp. date</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Baking Soda</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Bisquick</td> <td valign="top" width="151">Exp. date</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Bouillon</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Cereals</td> <td valign="top" width="151">6-12</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Chocolate Pre-melted
Semi Sweet
</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12 18
18
</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Chocolate Syrup</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Cocoa Mixes</td> <td valign="top" width="151">8</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Cocoa Mix</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Coffee </td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Coffee Lighteners (dry)</td> <td valign="top" width="151">9</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Cornmeal</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Cornstarch</td> <td valign="top" width="151">18</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Argo Cornstarch</td> <td valign="top" width="151">Indefinite</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Country Time Lemonade Drink Mix</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Crystal Light Drink Mix</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Tang Drink Mix</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Kool Aid Drink Mix</td> <td valign="top" width="151">18-24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">White Flour Whole wheat
</td> <td valign="top" width="151">6-8 6-8
</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Gelatin, all types</td> <td valign="top" width="151">18</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Jell-O</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Grits</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Honey</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Honey</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12-24-</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Jellies, Jams</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Molasses</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12+</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Marshmallow Cream</td> <td valign="top" width="151">3-4</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Mayonnaise</td> <td valign="top" width="151">2-3</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Milk Condensed
Evaporated
</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12 12
6
</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Pasta</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">White Rice</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24+</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Minute Rice</td> <td valign="top" width="151">18</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Bottled Salad Dressings</td> <td valign="top" width="151">10-12</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Salad Oils</td> <td valign="top" width="151">6</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Oil � Crisco or Puritan</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Corn Oil,</td> <td valign="top" width="151">18mo</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Crisco Shortening</td> <td valign="top" width="151">Indef.</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Vinegar - Container With Plastic Lid</td> <td valign="top" width="151">Indef.</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Salt</td> <td valign="top" width="151">Indef.</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Sugar Brown
Confectioners
Granulated
</td> <td valign="top" width="151">Indef 18
24+
24+
</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Syrups</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Tea Bags
Instant
</td> <td valign="top" width="151">18 36
24
</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Vinegar</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24+</td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bg="" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top">MIXES AND PACKAGED FOODS</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Biscuit, Brownie, Muffin Mix</td> <td valign="top" width="151">9</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Cake Mixes</td> <td valign="top" width="151">9</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Casseroles, complete or add own meat</td> <td valign="top" width="151">9-12</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Cookies</td> <td valign="top" width="151">2-3 wks</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Krusteaz Mixes</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24 </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Pillsbury Mixes</td> <td valign="top" width="151">18</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Betty Crocker Mixes</td> <td valign="top" width="151">8-12+</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Jiffy Mixes</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Crackers</td> <td valign="top" width="151">3</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Stove Top Dressing Mix </td> <td valign="top" width="151">Exp. Date</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Frostings Canned
</td> <td valign="top" width="151">3 8
</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Hot-Roll Mix</td> <td valign="top" width="151">18</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Pancake Mix</td> <td valign="top" width="151">6-9</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Pie Crust Mix</td> <td valign="top" width="151">8</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Pies and Pastries</td> <td valign="top" width="151">2-3 days</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Potatoes, Instant</td> <td valign="top" width="151">6-12</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Pudding Mixes</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Rice Mixes</td> <td valign="top" width="151">6</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Rice-a-Roni</td> <td valign="top" width="151">Exp. Date</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Pasta-Roni</td> <td valign="top" width="151">Exp. Date</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Rice & Sauce</td> <td valign="top" width="151">10-15</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Noodles & Sauce</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12-24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Pasta & Sauce</td> <td valign="top" width="151">9-12 </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Sauce/Gravy Mix</td> <td valign="top" width="151">6-12</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Soup Mix</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Soup Base</td> <td valign="top" width="151">120 mos</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Country Kitchen Soup</td> <td valign="top" width="151">36 </td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Toaster Pastries</td> <td valign="top" width="151">2-3</td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bg="" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top">CANNED AND DRIED FOODS</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Canned Baby foods Canned Tomato Sauce
</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12 12
</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Canned Cheese Sauce</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24-36</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Canned Tuna, Fish & Seafood</td> <td valign="top" width="151">5 years</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Canned Cranberry Sauce</td> <td valign="top" width="151">Exp. Date</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Canned Fruits</td> <td valign="top" width="151">36+</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Canned Fruit Pie Fillings</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24-36</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Dinty Moore Spam
Ham Chunks
Chili
Dried Beef
</td> <td valign="top" width="151">Indefinite</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Black Label Ham</td> <td valign="top" width="151">Exp. Date</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Canned Meat Canned Chicken
</td> <td valign="top" width="151">36 36
</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Canned Soup</td> <td valign="top" width="151">Exp. Date</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Canned Tomatoes</td> <td valign="top" width="151">36+</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Canned Vegetables </td> <td valign="top" width="151">24-48</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Canned Baked Beans</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24-36</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Canned Black Beans</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Canned French Fried Onions</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Canned Ragu Spaghetti Sauce</td> <td valign="top" width="151">Use By Date</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Canned Five Brothers Pasta Sauce</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Canned Fruit Juices</td> <td valign="top" width="151">6</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Juices</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12-24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Dried Fruits</td> <td valign="top" width="151">6</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Dried Vegetables </td> <td valign="top" width="151">12</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Dried Peas & Beans </td> <td valign="top" width="151">12</td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bg="" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top">SPICES, HERBS, CONDIMENTS, AND EXTRACTS</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Catsup</td> <td valign="top" width="151">18-24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Chili Sauce</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Mustard, Yellow Prepared</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Jar Pickles </td> <td valign="top" width="151">12-24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Spices</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12-24 mos</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Steak Sauce</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Tabasco Sauce</td> <td valign="top" width="151">60</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Extracts Vanilla
</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24 12
</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Vegetables, dehydrated flakes</td> <td valign="top" width="151">6</td></tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" bg="" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="top">OTHERS</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Cheese, Parmesan grated</td> <td valign="top" width="151">10</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Coconut, Shredded canned or pkg.</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Meat Substitutes TVP; imitation bacon bits</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Metered-Caloric Products, instant breakfast</td> <td valign="top" width="151">6</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Nuts In shell pkg
Nutmeats pkg.
</td> <td valign="top" width="151">4 24
3
</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Peanut Butter</td> <td valign="top" width="151">6-9</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Jif Peanut Butter</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Popcorn</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Freeze Dried Mushrooms</td> <td valign="top" width="151">24</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Whipped Topping (dry)</td> <td valign="top" width="151">12</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="236">Yeast (dry)</td> <td valign="top" width="151">Exp. date</td></tr></tbody></table> <hr size="1" width="90%"> <hr size="1" width="90%">

Re: Recomended Shelf Life of Different Products
 

Shorty, those numbers are very conservative, in my experience.

I have baking soda and baking powder past their expiration dates. Keep them dry and sealed away from moisture. What can possibly go wrong with them?

Yesterday I looked at the ingredients on Bisquick. I had inadvertently purchased two boxes when I needed one. There's nothing in that box that will go bad in the absence of oxygen, so I stored my extra Bisquick in quart canning jars with O2 absorbers. It should keep a long time.

I can't go through your entire list. But, my rule is keep it cool, keep it dry, and if you're able, keep it away from oxygen.

My other rule is: don't throw anything away just because the "best used by" date has expired. We're talking about survival food here, I think. Please make sure you don't throw away the foods that might keep you alive in a SHTF situation. For example, I have canned chicken breast that expired in 2006 -- there's nothing wrong with it! I also have tomato sauce that expired a couple of years ago, and it's perfectly OK today. You have to make decisions about foods you have in your storage; and the "best used by" dates are marketing dates. Don't bet your life on them.

Re: Recomended Shelf Life of Different Products
 

But if you're not comfortable with that, open it. Eat it now. Just make sure you replace it.

Re: Recomended Shelf Life of Different Products
 

Hmmm, didnt see the shelf life of fresh eggs. Well, here is an experiment in progress, I wonder who he is gonna test them out on in three months.