Food to last a few weeks may be the surest way to conserve cash. Could you go more than a few days without visiting a grocery store?
How long you can store food in the freezer*
Food/# of Months
Bacon and sausage/ 1 to 2
Meat, uncooked ground /3 to 4
Casseroles /2 to 3
Meat, cooked/ 2 to 3
Egg whites or egg substitutes /12
Poultry, uncooked whole /12
Frozen dinners and entrees /3 to 4
Poultry, uncooked parts/ 9
Gravy, meat or poultry /2 to 3
Poultry, uncooked giblets /3 to 4
Ham, hot dogs and lunch meats /1 to 2
Poultry, cooked /4
Meat, uncooked roasts /4 to 12
Soups and stews/ 2 to 3
Meat, uncooked steaks or chops /4 to 12
Wild game, uncooked /8 to 12
* Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Frozen foods are great until the power goes out; even if you don’t open the door much, the contents of a freezer will start to thaw within a couple of days.
Our plan in a disaster or blackout,then, is to:
*eat out of the fridge first.
*then move on to the freezer.
*keeping all the shelf-stable pantry foods like pasta, canned chili and rice for last.
How long can I store _________ before its
quality deteriorates or it's no longer safe to eat?
Like many answers, this one depends on several factors: the type of food, length of time the food sat on the store shelf before you bought it, the temperature of the food while it was in the store, its packaging, how efficiently your refrigerator or freezer runs, and the temperature in your cupboards.
While you can't control all these factors, there are some precautions you can take. For example, always read the package labels and buy the products with the most distant expiration dates. When you're shopping, buy perishable foods, like meats, last. In fact, you may want to organize your shopping list so your perishables are at the bottom. At home, put purchase dates on packaging and rotate your food supplies on a regular basis. Be sure to always use the "first in first out" rule.
This publication provides handling tips and recommendations for storing food in your cupboards, refrigerator or freezer. Beyond the guidelines, though, you still have to rely on some old-fashioned common sense. And remember the most basic of rules: When in doubt, throw it out.
Cupboard Storage Chart
Store foods in cool cabinets and away from appliances which produce heat.
Many staples and canned foods have a relatively long shelf life, but buy only what you can expect to use within the time recommended in the chart. Date food packages and use the oldest first. Foods stored for longer than recommended times or beyond date on the package may change quality, color and flavor.
Buy fresh-looking packages. Dusty cans or torn labels can indicate old stock. Do not purchase dented or bulging cans.
Staples
Food Storage Handling Hints
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Baking powder 18 months or Keep dry and covered.
expiration
date on can
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Baking soda 2 years Keep dry and covered.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bouillon cubes 1 year Keep dry and covered.
or granules
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bread crumbs (dried) 6 months Keep dry and covered.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bread, rolls 3 days
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bulgur 6-12 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cereals
- ready-to-eat, unopened 6-12 months Check date on package. Refold
- ready-to-eat, opened 2-3 months package liner tightly
after opening.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot cereal (dry) 6 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Chocolate
- premelted 12 months Keep cool.
- semi-sweet 18 months Keep cool.
- unsweetened 18 months Keep cool.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cocoa Indefinitely
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Chocolate syrup
- unopened 2 years
- opened 6 months Cover tightly. Refrigerate
after opening.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cocoa mixes 8 months Cover tightly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Coffee
- cans, unopened 2 years Refrigerate after opening;
- cans, opened 2 weeks keep tightly closed. Use dry
- instant, unopened 1 to 2 years measuring spoon. Can be
- instant, opened 2 months frozen to extend shelf life.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Coffee lighteners
- unopened, dry 9 months Keep tightly covered.
- opened, dry 6 months Keep tightly covered.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cornmeal 12 months Keep tightly covered. Can be
frozen for indefinite storage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cornstarch 18 months Keep tightly covered.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Flour - Can be frozen for indefinite storage.
- white 6-8 months Keep in airtight container.
Keep refrigerated.
- whole wheat 6-8 months Store in airtight container.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gelatin (all types) 18 months Keep in original container.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Grits 12 months Store in airtight container.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Honey 12 months Cover tightly.
If crystallizes, warm opened
jar in pan of hot water.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Jellies, jams 12 months Cover tightly.
Refrigerate after opening.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Molasses
- unopened 2 years
- opened 6 months Keep tightly covered.
Refrigerate to extend
storage life.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Marshmallow cream
- unopened 3-4 months Cover tightly. Refrigerate
after opening to extend
storage life. Serve at room
temperature.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Marshmallows 2-3 months Keep in airtight container.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mayonnaise - unopened 2-3 months Check package date.
Refrigerate after opening.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Milk
- condensed or 12 months Refrigerate after opening.
evaporated, unopened
- nonfat dry
. unopened 6 months
. opened 3 months Store in airtight container.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasta
- spaghetti,macaroni,etc. 2 years Once opened, store in
- egg noodles 6 months airtight container.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pectin
- liquid or dry 1 year or expiration date
. unopened
- liquid - opened 1 month Recap and refrigerate.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rice
- white 2 years Keep tightly covered.
- brown, wild 6-12 months
- flavored or herb 6 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Salad dressings
- bottled, unopened 10-12 months
- bottled, opened 3 months Refrigerate after opening.
- made from mix 2 weeks Refrigerate prepared dressing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vegetable oils
- unopened 6 months
- opened 1-3 months Refrigeration not needed.
Store in a cool, dark place
in tightly closed container.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shortenings (solid) 8 months Refrigeration not needed.
Store in a cool, dark place
in tightly closed container.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sugar
- brown 4 months Put in airtight container.
- confectioners' 18 months Put in airtight container.
- granulated 2 years Cover tightly.
- artificial sweeteners 2 years Cover tightly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Corn syrup Up to 3 years Keep tightly covered.
Refrigerate to extend storage
life. Remove any light
surface mold and heat to
180 �F before use.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pancake syrup 3-4 months Refrigerate after opening.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tea
- bags 18 months Put in airtight container.
- instant 3 years Cover tightly.
- loose 2 years Put in airtight container.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vinegar
- unopened 2 years
- opened 12 months Keep tightly covered.
Slightly cloudy appearance
doesn't affect quality.
Distilled vinegar keeps
longer than cider vinegar.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Refrigerator/Freezer Storage Chart
Use foil, plastic wrap, plastic bags or airtight containers designed for use with food for packaging foods for refrigerator storage. Moisture- and vapor-proof materials are best.
Clean refrigerator regularly to reduce food odors. Remove spoiled foods immediately so decay cannot pass to other foods.
Store foods at cool temperatures. From 34 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit is best. Perishable foods stored at temperatures above 40 �F spoil rapidly. Check temperatures with a refrigerator thermometer or an outdoor thermometer.
Use foods quickly. Don't depend on maximum storage time.
Freeze foods in containers or materials designed for freezer storage.
Keep freezer clean and at 0 �F or lower.
Breads, Pastries, Cakes
Refrigerator Freezer
Products at 32 to 40 �F at 0 �F Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Unbaked 2-3 weeks 1 month Longer storage causes
rolls and yeast to become
bread inactivated and the
gluten weakened.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Partially baked 2 months
cinnamon rolls
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Baked quick 2 months
breads
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Baked muffins 6-12 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Baked breads 2-3 weeks 2-3 months Refrigeration storage is
with no recommended to inhibit
preservatives mold growth.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Unfrosted 2-4 months
doughnuts
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Waffles 1 month
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Unbaked 1-2 days 2-4 months
fruit pies
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Baked 2-3 days 6-8 months
fruit pies
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pumpkin or 2-3 days 1-2 months
chiffon pies
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Baked cookies 6-12 months Cookies will keep two to
three weeks in airtight
container in cupboard.
Cookies do not need to
be refrigerated.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Freezer 12 months If package is open and
pie shells not used, rewrap and
(ex. Pet Ritz) freeze remaining crust
and use within two months.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cookie dough 3 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Unbaked 1 month Use double-action
cakes (batter) baking powder if batter
is frozen.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Frosted 1 month
baked cakes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Unfrosted 2-4 months
baked cakes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Angel cakes 6-12 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fruit cakes 6-12 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Refrigerated Expiration * Don't store in
biscuits, date on label refrigerator door because
rolls, temperature fluctuation
pastries, and jarring lower quality.
cookie dough
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dairy Products – Real and Substitutes
Refrigerator Freezer
Products at 32 to 40 �F at 0 �F Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Butter 1-2 weeks Wrap or cover tightly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Margarine 4-6 months 12 months Wrap or cover tightly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Buttermilk 1-2 weeks * Cover tightly. Flavor not
affected if buttermilk
separates; remix before
serving. Check date on
carton. Will keep several
days after date.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheese
- cottage, 1-2 weeks 4 weeks Keep all cheese tightly
ricotta packaged in moisture-
- cream, 2 weeks * resistant wrap. If outside
Neufchatel of hard cheese gets
- hard and slightly moldy, just cut
wax-coated in away cheese � inch beneath
large pieces, and beside the mold - it
Cheddar, Edam, won't affect flavor. If
Gouda, Swiss, cheese is covered with
brick heavy mold, discard
. unopened 1-2 months 6-8 months entire block. For longer
. opened 3-4 weeks storage, freeze. Freezing
- sliced 2 weeks will affect the texture
- soft cream 5-6 days and possible taste. Cream
cheese (after opening) cheese becomes crumbly
when frozen, may be used
for cooking. Keep
refrigerated. Use within
one week of the "best
when purchased by" date.
- Parmesan 2 months Refrigerate after opening.
Romano- See cupboard storage
grated chart.
(opened)
- process 3-4 weeks 6-8 months Refrigerate slices of
(opened) process cheese and cheese
food. Refrigerate loaves
and jars after opened.
Most squeeze packages and
aerosol cans don't need
refrigeration, but
check label.
- shredded cheeses Keep refrigerated. Use
within two days of the
"best when purchased by"
date on the label.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dips
- commercial 2 weeks Keep tightly covered.
- homemade 2 days Keep tightly covered.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Milk
- evaporated 4-5 days * Keep covered.
(opened)
- homogenized, 5 days * Keep containers tightly
reconstituted closed. To prevent
dry nonfat, spoilage, skimmed don't
return unused milk to
original container.
- sweetened, 4-5 days * Keep covered.
condensed
(opened)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sour cream 2 weeks * Keep covered.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Whipped topping
- in aerosol 3 months *
can
- prepared 3 days * Keep covered.
from mix
- (eg. 2-3 weeks 14 months May be refrozen four or
Cool Whip) five times if thawed in
refrigerator.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yogurt 7-10 days * Keep covered and
refrigerated. Follow the
"use by" date on the
package, or up to two
weeks after the "sell by"
date. Yogurt may separate
when frozen.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Eggs
- in shell 3 weeks * Store covered. Keep small
end down to center yolks.
- whites 2-4 days 1 year Store in covered
or yolks container. For longer
storage, freeze.
- hard cooked 1 week *
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Eggs
- containing 1-2 days *
products
- custards,
custard-filled
pastries, cream pies
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquid
pasteurized
eggs or egg
substitutes
- opened 3 days *
- unopened 10 days 1 year
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fruits and Juices
Refrigerator Freezer
Products at 32 to 40 �F at 0 �F Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bananas Refrigerate only when
fully ripe. Skin will
darken.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Apples 1-3 weeks Discard bruised or
decayed fruit. Don't wash
before storing because
moisture encouraged
spoilage. Store in
crisper or moisture-
resistant bag or wrap.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Berries, 1-2 days
cherries
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Citrus fruit 3 weeks
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Juices - 6 days 8 months Thaw in refrigerator.
canned, (diluted) Keep fruit juice tightly
bottled or covered. Transfer canned
reconstituted juice to glass or plastic
container when opened. Do
not store in cans.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-mixed, Keep refrigerated. Do not
full strength use after the "used by"
fruit juice date on the carton.
(eg. Tropicana)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Real Lemon 12 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cranberry 5-6 days 3-6 months
cocktail (diluted)
(canned)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Melons 1 week Wrap uncut cantaloupe
and honeydew to prevent
odor spreading to other
foods.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Other 3-5 days Wrap cut surfaces of
citrus fruit and
cantaloupe to prevent
drying.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fresh Vegetables
Frozen vegetables
(in box or bag, without sauce): Keep frozen three to six months.
Once prepared, store covered in the
refrigerator up to two days.
Refrigerator
Products at 32 to 40 �F Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Asparagus, 1-2 days Keep moist.
corn in husks
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Beans - 1-2 days Keep in crisper or moisture-
green or wax resistant wrap or bag.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Beets, 1-2 weeks Remove leafy tops and keep in crisper.
carrots,
radishes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cabbage, 1-2 weeks Keep in crisper or moisture-resistant
celery wrap or bag.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lettuce, head
- unwashed 5-7 days Store in moisture-resistant wrap, bag
or lettuce keeper.
- washed, 3-5 days Wrap and store away from other drained
thoroughly vegetables and fruits to prevent
russet spotting.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mushrooms 1-2 days Do not wash before storing.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Onions, Refrigeration not needed.
potatoes, See cupboard storage chart.
sweet potatoes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Shredded 1-2 days Keep in moisture-resistant
cabbage, wrap or bag.
leaf and
Bibb lettuce,
salad greens
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tomatoes 1-2 days Ripen tomatoes at room temperature
(ripe) away from direct sunlight;
then refrigerate.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Unshelled 3-5 days Keep in crisper or moisture-resistant
peas, lima wrap or bags.
beans
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fresh Uncooked Meat, Fish, Poultry
Refrigerator Freezer
Products at 32 to 40 �F at 0 �F Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Red meats
- chops 3-5 days 4-6 months When meat, poultry or
- ground meat 1-2 days 3-4 months fish is bought in plastic
- roasts 3-5 days 6-12 months wrapping from self-service
- steaks 3-5 days 6-12 months counters, store in these
- stew meat 1-2 days 3-4 months packages. Meat packages in
- bratwurst, 5-7 days 2-3 months self-service counters have
precooked been handled by many
- bratwurst, 2-3 days 2-3 months shoppers. Opening these
fresh before storing risks
- variety 1-2 days 3-4 months contamination.
meats
(liver,
heart,
etc.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Poultry
- chicken 1-2 days 1 year
or turkey,
whole
- chicken
or turkey,
pieces 1-2 days 9 months
- duck or
goose,
whole 1-2 days 6 months
- giblets 1-2 days 3-4 months
- ground 1-2 days 6 months
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fish and Shellfish
Refrigerator
at 32-40 �F
-------------- Freezer at 0 �F
(Thawed: --------------------------
Never frozen (Purchased
or previously (Purchased commercially
frozen fresh frozen for
and home and home freezer
Products refrigerated) frozen) storage) Comments
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fish fillets/steaks
- lean
�cod, 36 hours 6-8 months 10-12 months N/A � not
flounder applicable or not
�haddock, 36 hours 6-8 months 10-12 months advised. These
halibut storage guidelines
�pollock, 36 hours 4 months 8-9 months indicate optimal
ocean shelf life for
perch seafood products
�sea 36 hours 4 months 8-9 months held under proper
trout, refrigeration or
rockfish freezing
�Pacific 36 hours 4 months 8-9 months conditions.
Ocean Temperature
perch fluctuations in
home refrigerators
- fat will affect
�mullet, 36 hours N/A 6-8 months optimal shelf
smelt life, as will
�salmon 36 hours N/A 7-9 months opening and
(cleaned) closing
refrigerators and
freezers often.
- shellfish
�dungeness 5 days 6 months 6 months Although these
crab storage times
�snow crab 5 days 6 months 6 months ensure a fresh
�blue 5-7 days 4 months N/A product for
crabmeat maximum
(fresh) refrigeration
�blue 6 months N/A N/A storage life at
crabmeat 32 �F, the
(pasteurized) consumer should
�cocktail 5 days 4 months N/A plan on using
claws seafood within 36
�king crab 7 days 9 months 12 months hours for optimal
�surimi 2 weeks 9 months 10-12 months quality and
seafoods freshness of the
�shrimp 4 days 5 months 9 months product.
�oysters, 4-7 days N/A N/A
shucked
�clams, 5 days N/A N/A
shucked
�lobster, 1-2 days N/A N/A
live
�lobster, 4-5 days 6 months 8 months
tailmeat
- breaded seafoods To determine
�shrimp N/A 8 months 12 months approximate
�scallops N/A 10 months 16 months storage time for
�fish sticks N/A N/A 18 months those species not
�portions N/A N/A 18 months listed, ask your
retailer which
category (lean,
fat, shellfish,
breaded, or
smoked) they fall
within.
- smoked fish
�herring 3-4 days 2 months N/A
�salmon, 5-8 days 2 months N/A
whitefish
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wild Game
Refrigerator
at 32-40 �F
-------------- Freezer at 0 �F
(Thawed: --------------------------
Never frozen (Purchased
or previously (Purchased commercially
frozen fresh frozen for
and home and home freezer
Products refrigerated) frozen) storage) Comments
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Venison 3-5 days 3-4 months
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rabbit, 1-2 days 12 months
squirrel
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wild duck, 1-2 days 6 months
pheasant,
goose
(whole)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cooked Meat
Refrigerator Freezer
Products at 32 to 40 �F at 0 �F Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Meat leftovers
- cooked meat 3-4 days 2-3 months Keep covered.
and meat
dishes
- gravy and 1-2 days 2-3 months Keep covered.
meat broth
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cooked poultry, leftovers
- fried chicken 3-4 days 4 months
- cooked 3-4 days 4-6 months
poultry
dishes
- pieces, plain 3-4 days 4 months
- pieces 1-2 days 6 months For quick cooking, cool
covered with meat and broth separately.
broth, gravy Stir broth to prevent the
formation of a top coating
of fat which may seal in
heat. Ice cubes can be
added to concentrated
broth to speed cooling.
- chicken 1-2 days 1-3 months
nuggets,
patties
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cured and Smoked Meats
Refrigerator Freezer
Products at 32 to 40 �F at 0 �F Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bacon 7 days 1 month Keep wrapped. Store in
------------------------------------------ coldest part of refrigerator
Bologna, 4-6 days or in meat keeper. Times
liverwurst are for opened packages.
------------------------------------------ Refer to processor's
Dried beef 10-12 days freshness date on package
for storage times of
unopened packages.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hotdogs and lunch meats
- hotdogs, 1 week 1-2 months In freezer wrap.
opened
package
- hotdogs, 2 weeks 1-2 months
unopened
package
- lunch meats, 3-5 days 1-2 months
opened
- lunch meats, 2 weeks 1-2 months
unopened
- sausage, 1-2 days 1-2 months
raw from
pork, beef,
turkey
- smoked 7 days 1-2 months
breakfast
links,
patties
- hard 2-3 weeks 1-2 months
sausage -
pepperoni,
jerky sticks
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Ham, corned beef
- corned 5-7 days 1 month Drained, wrapped.
beef, in
pouch with
pickling
juices.
- ham, canned 6-12 weeks Don't freeze Store ham in refrigerator
(unopened) unless label indicates
label says refrigeration is not
keep needed. Once canned ham is
refrigerated opened, use within three
- ham, fully 7 days 1-2 months to five days.
cooked, whole
- ham, fully 3-5 days 1-2 months
cooked, half
- ham, fully 3-4 days 1-2 months
cooked, slices
- liver sausage 4-6 days
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Baby Food
Refrigerator Freezer
Products at 32 to 40 �F at 0 �F Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquids
- expressed 2 days 3-4 months For shelf storage of
breast milk unopened cans of
- formula 2 days not recommended formula, observe "use
- whole milk 5 days 3 months by" dates printed on
- reconstituted 3-5 days not recommended containers. Store
evaporated milk evaporated milk up to
12 months. Heat
liquid in hot tap
water, not the
microwave oven. Shake
bottle before testing
the temperature on the
top of your hand.
Discard any unused
milk left in a bottle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Solids (opened or freshly made)
- strained 2-3 days 6-8 months Observe "use by" date
fruits and for shelf storage of
vegetables unopened jars. Check
- strained 1 day 1-2 months to see that the safety
meats and button in lid is down.
eggs If the jar does not
- meat/ 1-2 days 1-2 months "pop" when opened or
vegetable is not sealed safely,
combinations do not use. Do not
- homemade 1-2 days 3-4 months heat meats, meat
baby foods sticks, eggs or jars
of food in the
microwave. Transfer
food from jars to
bowls or heating dish.
For 4 ounces of food,
microwave on high for
15 seconds; stir and
let stand 30 seconds.
Stir and test the
temperature of the
foods before feeding
baby. Don't feed a
baby from the jar.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Foods
Refrigerator Freezer
Products at 32 to 40 �F at 0 �F Comments
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Canned goods
- fruits 1 week 1-2 months Transfer to glass or
(opened) plastic container as soon
- vegetables 2-3 days 1-2 months as opened. Do not store in
(opened) can. Keep covered. Texture
- puddings, 1-2 days * will be softer after
custards freezing, but product is
(opened) acceptable in sauce,soups,
- gravy 2 days 2-3 months stews. Store all canned
and broth food tightly covered.
- meats 2-3 days * Acidic foods should be
- sauce, 5 days 2-3 months transferred to glass or
tomato plastic containers to
based avoid metallic taste if
stored for more than one
or two days.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Miscellaneous
- soups, 2-3 days 4-6 months
stews
- sandwiches 2-3 days 1 month
- casseroles 1-2 days 1 month
- leftover see other 1 month
cooked charts
food
- ground 6 months 6-12 months Can be stored in cupboard
spices instead of refrigerator.
- candies not necessary 3-6 months
- fats, several months * Refrigeration is
oils, recommended to prevent
salad rancidity. Some oils may
dressings become cloudy or solidify
(opened) in the refrigerator, but
this is not harmful.
Commercial vegetable oils,
shortenings and salad
dressings may be stored at
room temperature for
several weeks without
undergoing flavor change.
- vegetable Keep refrigerated. Use
oil spread within one week of "best
when purchased by" date.
- mayonnaise 2 months * Refrigerate after opening.
(commercial)
- TV dinners, 3-4 months Keep frozen until ready to
frozen serve. (Best if used in
casseroles three or four months, may
be frozen up to
12 months.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Deli and vacuum-packed products
- store- 3-5 days *
prepared
(or homemade)
egg, tuna,
chicken, ham,
macaroni
salads
- pre-stuffed 1 day *
pork and lamb
chops, chicken
breasts stuffed
with dressing
- store-cooked 1-2 days
convenience
meals
- commercial 2 weeks *
brand
vacuum-
packed
dinners with
USDA seal,
unopened
- freezer 12-18 months
microwave
popcorn
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mixes and Packaged Foods
Food Storage Handling Hints
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Biscuit, brownie, 9 months Keep cool and dry.
muffin mix
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cakes
- purchased 1-2 days Refrigerate if buttercream,
- mixes 12 months whipped cream or custard frostings
- angel food 12 months or fillings. Keep cool and dry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Casserole mix
- complete or 9-12 months Keep cool and dry. After
add own meat preparation, store as casserole.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cookies
- homemade 2-3 weeks Put in airtight container.
- packaged 2 months Keep box tightly closed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Entrees 18 months Store in cool, dry place in
original container. Do not store
in a closed container that stops
air circulation around the package.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Crackers 3 months Keep box tightly closed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Frosting
- canned 3 months Store leftovers in the
- mix 8 months refrigerator.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hot roll mix 18 months If opened, put in airtight
container.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pie crust mix 8 months Keep cool and dry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pies and pastries 2-3 days Refrigerate whipped cream,
custard and chiffon fillings.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Potatoes
- instant mix 6-12 months Keep in airtight package.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Powdered 18-24 months
drink mixes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pudding mixes 12 months Keep cool and dry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Rice mixes 6 months Keep cool and dry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Sauce and 6-12 months Keep cool and dry.
gravy mixes
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Soup mixes 12-15 months Check package date.
Keep cool and dry.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Toaster pastries 2-3 months Keep in airtight package.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Canned and Dried Foods
Food Storage Handling Hints
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Canned food
- plastic cans 6-12 months Possibly longer, depending on
ingredients.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Canned fruit juices 9 months Keep cool.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Juice/drink boxes 9 months Follow "best used by" date
on label.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Canned foods
- unopened 12 months Keep cool.
- opened
� baby foods 2-3 days Close jar tightly and refrigerate.
� fish and seafood 2 days For all opened canned foods,
� fruit 1 week transfer foods in cans to glass or
� meats 2 days plastic storage containers.
� pickles, olives 1-2 months Tightly cover and refrigerate. If
� poultry 2 days left in the opened can, off
� sauce, tomato 5 days flavors of some foods may develop.
� vegetables 3 days
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fruits (dried) 6 months Keep cool in airtight containers.
Refrigerate if possible.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vegetables
- dried 1 year Keep cool in airtight container.
- dehydrated flakes 6 months Refrigerate if possible.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spices, Herbs, Condiments, Extracts
Food Storage Handling Hints
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Catsup, chili sauce
- unopened 12 months
- opened 1 month Refrigerate for longer storage.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mustard, prepared yellow
- unopened 2 years
- opened 6-8 months May be refrigerated.
Stir before using.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Spices and herbs
- whole 1-2 years Store in airtight containers in
- ground 6 months dry places away from sunlight and
- herb/spice blends 6 months heat. At times listed, check
aroma; if faded, replace. Whole
cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon sticks
maintain quality beyond two-year
period. Can be stored in the
freezer to extend shelf life.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vanilla
- unopened 2 years
- opened 12 months Keep tightly closed. Volatile
oils escape.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Other extracts
- opened 12 months Keep tightly closed. Volatile
oils escape.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Soy sauce (unopened) 3 years Use within six to nine months
after opening.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Tabasco, worchestershire 2 years
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Miscellaneous Foods
Food Storage Handling Hints
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Cheese, parmesan (grated)
- unopened 10 months
- opened 2 months Refrigerate after opening. Keep
tightly closed.
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Coconut
- shredded, canned
or packaged
� unopened 12 months
� opened 6 months Refrigerate after opening.
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Meat substitutes
- textured protein 4 months Keep tightly covered. For longer
products (imitation storage, refrigerate.
bacon bits, etc.)
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Metered caloric 6 months Keep in can, closed jar or
products, powdered original packets.
breakfast mixes,
liquid breakfast
formulas
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Nuts
- in shell, unopened 4 months
- nutmeats, packaged Refrigerate after opening. Freeze
� vacuum can, for longer storage. Unsalted and
unopened blanched nuts keep longer than
� other packaging, salted.
unopened 3 months
� package or can,
opened 2 weeks
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Peanut butter
- unopened 6-9 months Refrigeration not needed. Keeps
- opened 2-3 months longer if refrigerated. Natural
peanut butter must be
refrigerated after opening.
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Peas, beans (dried) 12 months Store in airtight container.
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Popcorn 2 years Store in airtight container.
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Microwave popcorn 18 months
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Vegetables, fresh
- onions 2 weeks Keep dry and away from sun.
- potatoes
� white 2-4 weeks For longer storage,keep below 50�F.
� sweet 1-2 weeks Don't refrigerate sweet potatoes.
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Soft drinks 6 months
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Whipped topping (dry) 12 months Keep cool and dry.
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Yeast (dry) Expiration date Can be frozen to extend shelf life.
on package.
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