Food Storage Guidelines

Ingredients:

Directions:

Staples Food Product Storage Life

Baking Powder
18 months or expiration date

Baking Soda
24 months

Bisquick Expiration date

Bouillon
24 months

Bread Crumbs, dried
6 months

Bread - Rolls
3 days

Bulgar 6-12 months

Cereals - Unopened
6-12 months

Cereals - Opened
2-3 months

Cereal - Hot, dry
6 months

Chocolate - Pre-melted
12 months

Chocolate - Semi-sweet 18 months

Chocolate - Unsweetened
18 months

Chocolate Syrup - Unopened
24 months

Chocolate Syrup - Opened 6 months

Cocoa Indefinite

Cocoa Mixes
8 months

Coffee
24 months

Coffee Lighteners (dry)
9 months

Cornmeal 12 months

Cornstarch
18 months

Drink Mix - Country Time Lemonade
24 months

Drink Mix - Crystal Light
24 months

Drink Mix - Kool Aid
Refrigerator Storage Life: 18-24 months

Flour - White
Refrigerator Storage Life: 6-8 months

Flour - Whole Wheat
Refrigerator Storage Life: 6-8 months

Gelatin, all types
Refrigerator Storage Life: 18 months

Grits
Refrigerator Storage Life: 12 months

Honey
Refrigerator Storage Life: 12-24 months

Jellies, Jams
Refrigerator Storage Life: 12 months

Molasses
12+ months

Marshmallow Cream
3-4 months

Marshmallows 2-3 months

Mayonnaise
2-3 months

Milk - Condensed, unopened
12 months

Milk - Evaporated, unopened
12 months

Milke - Nonfat, dry, unopened 6 months

Pasta
24 months

Pectin - liquid or dry, unopened 12 months or expiration date

Rice - White 24+ months

Rice- Brown, Wild
6-12 months

Rice - Flavored or Herb
6 months

Rice - Minute
18 months

Salad Dressings - Bottled, unopened
10-12 months

Salad Oils
6 months

Oil - Crisco or Puritan
24 months

Oil - Corn
18 months

Oil - Vegetable 6 months

Shortening, solid
8 months

Vinegar (in container with plastic lid)
Indefinitely

Salt
Indefinitely

Sugar - Brown 18 months

Sugar - Confectioners' 24+

Sugar - Granulated Indefinitely

Sugar - Artificial Sweeteners
24 months

Syrup - Corn
36 months

Syrup - Pancake 3-4 months

Tea - Bags
18 months

Tea - Instant 36 months

Teat - Loose
24 months

Vinegar - Unopened
24 months

Vinegar - Opened 12 months

Bread, Pastries and Cakes

Food Product Storage Life:

Refrigerator Storage Life:

Freezer:

Unbaked Rolls and Breads 2-3 weeks
1 month

Partially-Baked Cinnamon Rolls
2 months

Baked Quick Breads
2 months

Baked Muffins
6-12 months

Baked Breads with no preservatives 2-3 weeks
2-3 months

Unfrosted Doughnuts
2-4 months

Waffles
1 month

Unbaked Fruit Pies
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 days
Freezer: 2-4 months

Baked Fruit Pies
Refrigerator Storage Life: 2-3 days
Freezer: 6-8 months

Pumpkin or Chiffon Pies
Refrigerator Storage Life: 2-3 days
Freezer: 1-2 months

Baked Cookies
6-12 months

Freezer Pie Shells
12 months

Cookie Dough
3 months

Unbaked Cake Batter
1 month

Frosted Baked Cakes
1 month

Unfrosted Baked Cakes
2-4 months

Angel Cakes
6-12 months

Fruit Cakes
6-12 months

Refrigerated biscuits, rolls, pastries, cookie dough
Expiration date

Dairy Products - Real and Substitutes
Food Product Storage Life:

Refrigerator Storage Life:

Freezer

Butter 1-2 weeks

Buttermilk 1-2 weeks

Cheese - Cottage, Ricotta Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 weeks, Freezer: 4 weeks

Cheese - Cream, Neufchatel 2 weeks

Cheese - Hard, Wax-Coated Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 months, Freezer: 6-8 months

Cheese - Sliced 2 weeks

Cheese - Cream Cheese, soft 5-6 days

Cheese - Parmesan Romano, grated 2 months

Cheese - Processed Refrigerator Storage Life: 3-4 months, Freezer: 6-8 months

Dips - Commercial 2 weeks

Dips - Homemade 2 days

Eggs - In Shell 3 weeks

Eggs - Whites or Yolks Refrigerator Storage Life: 2-4 days, Freezer: 1 year

Eggs - Hard Cooked 1 week

Egg Custards, Fillings, Pastries or Cream Pies 1-2 days

Egg Substitutes - Opened 3 days

Egg Substitutes - Unopened Refrigerator Storage Life: 10 days, Freezer: 1 year

Margarine Refrigerator Storage Life: 4-6 months, Freezer: 12 months

Milk - Evaporated, opened 4-5 days

Milk - Homogenized, dry nonfat 5 days

Milk - Sweetened, condensed, opened 4-5 days

Sour Cream 2 weeks

Whipped Topping - Can 3 months

Whipped Topping - From Mix 3 days

Whipped Topping - Cool Whip (eg.) Refrigerator Storage Life: 2-3 weeks, Freezer: 14 months

Yogurt 7-10 days

Fruits, Vegetables and Juices
Food Product Storage Life:

Refrigerator
Storage Life:

Freezer

Apples 1 month
8-12 months

Apricots, Grapes, Nectartines, Peaches, Pears, Plums Refrigerator Storage Life: 3-5 days, Freezer: 8-12 months

Artichokes
1 week

Asparagus
Refrigerator Storage Life: 2-3 days
Freezer: 8-12 months

Avocados 3-5 days
8-12 months

Bananas, Plantains
8-12 months

Beets, Carrots
Refrigerator Storage Life: 2 weeks
Freezer: 8-12 months

Beans, Broccoli, Lima Beans, Peas, Summer Squash
Refrigerator Storage Life: 3-5 days
Freezer: 8-12 months

Berries, Cherries
Refrigerator Storage Life:2-3 days
Freezer: 8-12 months

Cauliflower
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1 week
Freezer: 8-12 months

Celery, Cabbage, Chilies, Green Beans, Peppers, Tomatoes
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1 week
Freezer: 8-12 months

Cilantro, Parsley
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1 week
Freezer: 8-12 months

Citrus Fruit 3 weeks 4-6 months

Corn Day purchased
Refrigerator Storage Life: 8-12 months

Cranberry Cocktail, canned
Refrigerator Storage Life: 5-6 days
Freezer: 3-6 months

Greens - Colards, Kale, Mustard, Spinach, Swiss Chard
Refrigerator Storage Life: 3-5 days
Freezer: 8-12 months

Greens - Lettuce and Salad
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1 week

Green Onions
Refrigerator Storage Life: 3-5 days

Guavas, Papayas
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 days
Freezer: 8-12 months

Kiwis
Refrigerator Storage Life: 3-5 days
Freezer: 4-6 months

Mangoes
Refrigerator Storage Life: 8-12 months

Melons
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1 week
Freezer: 8-12 months

Mushrooms, Okra
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 days
Freezer: 8-12 months

Pineapple
Refrigerator Storage Life: 2-3 days
Freezer: 4-6 months

Juices - canned, bottled or reconstituted
Refrigerator Storage Life: 6 days
Freezer: 8 months

Pre-mixed, full strength Fruit Juice Expiration date

Radishes
Refrigerator Storage Life: 2 weeks

Real Lemon
Refrigerator Storage Life: 12 months

Squash, hard
Refrigerator Storage Life: 8-12 months

Meats, Poultry and Seafood

Food Product Storage Life:

Refrigerator Storage Life:

Freezer

FRESH MEAT

Beef Roasts, Steaks
Refrigerator Storage Life: 3-5 days
Freezer: 6-12 months

Chicken or Turkey, pieces
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 days
Freezer: 9-12 months

Chicken or Turkey, whole
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 days
Freezer: 1 year

Duck, Goose
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 days
Freezer: 6 months

Game Birds
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 days
Freezer: 6 months

Giblets
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 days
Freezer: 3-4 months

Ground Meat, Stew
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 days
Freezer: 3-4 months

Lamb, roasts or chops
Refrigerator Storage Life: 3-5 days
Freezer: 6-9 months

Pork, roasts or chops
Refrigerator Storage Life: 3-5 days
Freezer: 4-6 months

Pre-stuffed Pork, Lamb Chops and Chicken Breasts
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1 day
Freezer: 4-6 months

Sausage
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 days
Freezer: 1-2 months

Variety Meats: Heart, liver, tongue, etc.
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 days
Freezer: 1-2 months

Venison, roasts, steaks, chops
Refrigerator Storage Life: 3-5 days
Freezer: 6-12 months

COOKED MEATS

Breakfast Sausage, smoked
Refrigerator Storage Life: 7 days
Freezer: 1-2 months

Ham - Whole
Refrigerator Storage Life: 7 days
Freezer: 1-2 months

Ham - Half
Refrigerator Storage Life:3-5 days
Freezer: 1-2 months

Ham - Slices
Refrigerator Storage Life: 3-4 days
Freezer: 1-2 months

Ham - Canned
Refrigerator Storage Life: 6-9 months

Hot Dogs, Luncheon Meats - Unopened
Refrigerator Storage Life: 2 weeks
Freezer: 1-2 months

Hot Dogs, Luncheon Meats - Opened
Refrigerator Storage Life: 3-7 days
Freezer: 1-2 months

Cooked, leftover meat
Refrigerator Storage Life: 3-4 days
Freezer: 2-3 months

Leftover Gravy and Meat Broth
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 days
Freezer: 2-3 months

Cooked, leftover poultry
Refrigerator Storage Life: 3-4 days
Freezer: 4-6 months

Cooked, leftover chicken nuggets or patties
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 days
Freezer: 1-3 months

FRESH SEAFOOD

Lean Fish - Cod, Flounder, Trout, Haddock, Halibut, Pollack, Perch
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 days
Freezer: 4-6 months

Fatty Fish - Mullet, Smelt, Salmon, Mackerel, Bluefish, Tuna, Swordfish
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 days
Freezer: 2-3 months

Live Crabs and Lobsters
Day purchased

Live Mussels and Clams
Refrigerator Storage Life: 2-3 days

Live Oysters
Refrigerator Storage Life: 7-10 days

Shucked Mussels and Clams
Refrigerator Storage Life: 1-2 days
Freezer: 3-4 months

Shucked Oysters
Refrigerator Storage Life: 5-7 days
Freezer: 3-4 months

Shrimp, Crabmeat
Refrigerator Storage Life: 2-3 days
Freezer: 4 months

Scallops
Refrigerator Storage Life: 2-3 days
Freezer: 3 months

COOKED FISH

Fish Sticks
Refrigerator Storage Life: 18 months

Breaded Shrimp, commercial
1 year

Cooked pieces
Refrigerator Storage Life: 3-4 days
Freezer: 3 months

Mixes and Packaged Foods Food Product Storage Life

Biscuit, Brownie, Muffin Mixes
9 months

Cake Mixes
9 months

Casseroles (complete or add own meat)
9-12 months

Cookies
2-3 weeks

Krusteaz Mixes
24 months

Pillsbury Mixes
18 months

Betty Crocker Mixes
8-12+ months

Jiffy Mixes
24 months

Crackers
3 months

Stove Top Dressing Mix Expiration Date

Frosting
3 months

Hot-Roll Mixes
18 months

Pancake Mixes
6-9 months

Pie Crust Mixes
8 months

Pies and Pastries
2-3 days

Potatoes - Instant
6-12 months

Pudding Mixes
12 months

Rice Mixes
6 months

Rice-a-Roni
Expiration Date

Pasta-Roni
Expiration Date

Rice and Sauce
9-12 months

Sauce/Gravy Mix
6-12 months

Soup Mix
12 months

Soup Base
12 months

Country Kitchen Soup
36 months

Toaster Pastries
2-3 months

Canned and Dried Foods

Food Product
Storage Life

Canned Baby 12 months

Canned Tomato Sauce
12 months

Canned Cheese Sauce 24-36 months

Canned Tuna, Fish and Seafood
5 years

Canned Cranberry Sauce
Expiration date

Canned Fruits
36+ months

Canned Fruit Pie Fillings
24-36 months

Black Label Ham
Expiration date

Canned Meat
36 months

Canned Chicken
36 months

Canned Soup
Expiration date

Canned Tomatoes
36+ months

Canned Vegetables
24-48 months
Canned Baked Beans
24 months

Canned French Fried Onions
24 months

Canned Ragu Spaghetti Sauce
Expiration date

Canned Five Brothers Pasta Sauce
24 months

Canned Fruit Juices
6 months

Juices
12-24 months

Dried Fruits
6 months

Dried Vegetables
12 months

Dried Peas and Beans
12 months

Spices, Herbs and Condiments Food Product Storage Life

Catsup
18-24 months

Chili Sauce
24 months

Mustard - Yellow, Prepared
24 months

Jar Pickles
12-24 months

Spices
12-24 months

Steak Sauce
24 months

Tabasco Sauce
60 months

Extracts
24 months

Vanilla
12 months

Vegetables - Dehydrated, flaked
6 months

Others Food Product Strorage Life

Cheese - Parmesan, grated
10 months

Coconut, shredded, canned or packaged
12 months

Imitation Bacon Bits
12 months

Instant Breakfast
6 months

Nuts
4 months

Nuts - In Shell
24 months

Nut Meats Package
3 months

Peanut Butter
6-9 months

Jif Peanut Butter
24 months

Popcorn
24 months

Freeze-Dried Mushrooms
24 months

Whipped Topping (dry)
12 months

Yeast (dry)
Expiration date