How long will food storage last?

It is difficult to predict how long food products will last. Storage life depends on the original quality of the product and the temperature of the storage room.

Dry-pack products will slowly lose nutritional value as they are stored. However, the products do not need to be discarded immediately after the expiration date printed on the label. Most products, if properly stored, will still be safe and have some nutritional value even after the expiration date.

Rotation Suggestions for Properly Packaged Dry-Pack Foods
(when stored in a cool, dry place under ideal conditions)

Wheat	20+ years
Sugar	20+ years
Dried Carrots	8-10 years
Brown Sugar	12 months
Dry Beans	6-8 years
Dried eggs	12 months
Salt and Baking Soda	25+ years
Dried Fruit	2-3 years
Spaghetti/ Macaroni (pasta)	6-8 years
Powdered Sugar	12-18 months
Cornmeal	12 months
Cocoa	3-4 years
Rolled Oats	4-5 years
Pudding	5 years
White Flour	5 years
Soup Mix	4-5 years
Rice	3-4 years
Nonfat Dry Milk	3-5 years
Instant Potatoes	1–2 years

Other Foods (wet-pack)

Canned Fruit/Vegetables	2-3 years
Canned Soups	2-3 years
Chili/Pork & Beans	2-3 years
Honey	1-2 years
Jam/Jelly/Preserves	1-2 years
Syrup/Molasses	12 months
Mayo	6-9 months
Peanut Butter	6-9 months
Salad Dressing	9-12 months
Vinegar	2-3 years
Ketchup	1-2 years
Canned Meat	1-2 years
Canned Fruit Juices	2-3 years
Tuna Fish	2-3 years
Shortening	3-4 years
Oil	1 year