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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.
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.