Foods-Shelf Life

by **ReadyMom** Tue Aug 14, 2018 7:47 pm

Here's a pretty good video:

Canned Foods With Longest Shelf Life For Prepping
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih1xisOnFGg

by rick1 Sun Sep 02, 2018 4:36 pm

Here's a link for the shelf life of stored dry foods:

https://www.usaemergencysupply.com/information-center/self-reliance/storage-life-of-dry-foods

by **ReadyMom** Wed Nov 14, 2018 8:42 pm

This title is misleading. There's a lot of info about canned goods & their shelf life!

What Should You Do With Your Canned Foods After the Expiration Date?
http://www.askaprepper.com/what-should-you-do-with-your-canned-foods-after-the-expiration-date/

The winches strained and squealed and gradually the steamboat Bertrand was excavated from the silt and sand of the Missouri River and brought to the surface. The year was 1968. The Bertrand, a shallow-draft riverboat, had caught a snag north of Omaha, Nebraska and sank on April 1, 1865. The vessel was carrying goods to the gold camps in Montana and over 10,000 cubic feet of cargo were covered in the salvage effort – clothes, tools and medicine.

And plenty of canned foods including dried beef, oysters, peaches, mustard from France, and assorted brandied fruits. In 1974 a selection of the food from the hold of the Bertrand was sent to the National Food Processors Association for testing. The appearance of the fruits and vegetables and meats was somewhat gnarly, it was not a taste sensation and most of the nutritional value had long since evaporated but the scientists concluded the edibles were 100 percent safe to eat. There was no trace of microbial growth whatsoever. ---CONTINUED---

by **ReadyMom** Wed Nov 14, 2018 8:54 pm

Great booklet in a 15 page PDF file for download!

Food Storage Guide Answers the Question
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/foods/fn579.pdf

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. ---CONTINUED---

by **ReadyMom** Wed Nov 14, 2018 8:57 pm

This is part of a larger publication.

FOOD SHELF LIFE
http://standeyo.com/News_Files/Food/Extend_Shelf_Life.html

Temperature: Store foods in cool cabinets, away from appliances that produce heat. Store at 70 degrees F.

Time: Many staples and canned foods have a relatively long shelf life. Buy only what you expect to use in the time recommended for each product. Date food packages and use the oldest first. Geographic area will affect recommended storage time. Warm and humid climates shorten the shelf life of foods.

Purchasing: Buy fresh-looking packages. Dusty cans or torn labels may indicate old stock. Carefully check dented cans before buying. Do not purchase bulging cans. ---list can be found at link, above ---

Includes:
STAPLES
SHELF LIFE
STORING TIPS

by **ReadyMom** Wed Nov 14, 2018 9:05 pm

From Virginia State University, Virginia Cooperative Extension. Note: There are 2 formats that you can choose from to download this!

Food Storage Guidelines for Consumers
https://pubs.ext.vt.edu/348/348-960/348-960.html

Authors: Tim Roberts, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Food Safety, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise and Paul Graham, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Muscle Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology; Virginia Tech

Publication Number 348-960, Revised 2001

"The following charts provide general recommended storage times from date of purchase for various food products stored under optimum conditions. Storage generally is not recommended under conditions where no time is listed in the chart. For maximum shelf-life, consumers should always purchase fresh food and never temperature abuse food."

Chart includes:

Bread and Cereal Products
Packaged Foods and Mixes
Spices, Herbs, Condiments, Extracts
Other Food Staples
Vegetables
Fruits
Dairy Products
Meats
Poultry
Eggs
Fish
Wild Game

For Storage Charts, Go Here: http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/foods/348-960/348-960.html

by **ReadyMom** Wed Nov 14, 2018 9:07 pm

From the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Texas A&M University System, this is a 15 page PDF File

Safe Home Food Storage
http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/store/texas_storage.pdf

Written by Peggy Van Laanen, Associate Professor and Extension Nutrition Specialist

Extensive 'How-To' information and chart detailing item by item storage times. ---CONTINUED---

by **ReadyMom** Wed Nov 14, 2018 9:09 pm

Keep It or Toss It?
https://stilltasty.com/

How long will your favorite food or beverage stayy safe and tasty?
What's the best way to store it?

Get the answers for thousands of items!
(Type in food or beverage name here ... or browse categories below)

by **ReadyMom** Wed Nov 14, 2018 9:10 pm

Food Storage and Shelf Life
https://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--587/food-storage-and-shelf-life.asp#storagecharts

The chart below shows how long different food items can be stored under different conditions. When freezing food, most can be stored in the freezer longer than suggested below and still be safe to eat but the quality and texture of the food will be affected. Food items that are going to be stored for any period of time should be purchased before the "sell by" or "expiration" date.

Different foods require different preparation methods depending on how it will be stored. Some common preparation methods are shown in the chart below. (Go to link for the charts!) ---CONTINUED---

by **ReadyMom** Wed Nov 14, 2018 9:18 pm

"Longer-Term Storage”30 Years or More
https://www.lds.org/topics/food-storage/longer-term-food-supply?lang=eng&old=true#1

Properly packaged, low-moisture foods stored at room temperature or cooler (75Â°F/24Â°C or lower) remain nutritious and edible much longer than previously thought according to findings of recent scientific studies. Estimated shelf life for many products has increased to 30 years or more (see chart for new estimates of shelf life). Previous estimates of longevity were based on "best-if-used-by" recommendations and experience. Though not studied, sugar, salt, baking soda (essential for soaking beans), and vitamin C in tablet form also store well long-term. Some basic foods do need more frequent rotation, such as vegetable oil every 1 to 2 years.

While there is a decline in nutritional quality and taste over time, depending on the original quality of food and how it was processed, packaged, and stored, the studies show that even after being stored long-term, the food will help sustain life in an emergency.

For tips on how to best preserve longer-term food storage products, see Longer-Term Supply.

Food: Wheat
New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-Life Estimates (In Years): 30+
Food: White rice
New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-Life Estimates (In Years):30+
Food: Corn
New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-Life Estimates (In Years):30+
Food: Sugar
New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-Life Estimates (In Years):30+
Food: Pinto beans
New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-Life Estimates (In Years):30
Food: Rolled oats
New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-Life Estimates (In Years):30
Food: Pasta
New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-Life Estimates (In Years):30
Food: Potato flakes
New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-Life Estimates (In Years):30
Food: Apple slices
New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-Life Estimates (In Years):30
Food: Non-fat powdered milk
New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-Life Estimates (In Years):20
Food: Dehydrated carrots
New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-Life Estimates (In Years):20

by **ReadyMom** Wed Nov 14, 2018 9:24 pm

From: National Terror Alert Response Center

My own note: I don't think having the vegetable oils on this list for 'indefinite' would be correct. Don't even vegetable oils go rancid (You can smell it, when it does go bad!)

Food Storage and Preparedness-Shelf-life of Foods for Storage
http://www.nationalterroralert.com/foodstorage/

Use within 6 months:

Use Within 1 year:

May Be Stored Indefinitely (in proper containers and conditions):

by **ReadyMom** Wed Nov 14, 2018 9:25 pm

Food Storage Guidelines
http://www.storeitfoods.com/shelf-life

How long can you safely store food? The guidelines which follow will provide some paramaters for that safe food storage. Be aware, however, that these are indeed "guidelines." Foods will often remain edible, and safely edible, beyond the timelines shown. Commercially prepared canned and packaged foods often have "Best Before" or "Use by" dates imprinted. Use of foods after these expiry dates means you may find that the quality of these foods in the form of color or texture has been affected, and possibly but not necessarily the nutrition. In the case of the fresh foods that have been placed into your food storage, there is, of course, definitely a need to be wary. Spoilage is much more likely to accompany that decrease in quality. Note, too, that the signs of spoilage are not always obvious. A slight slimy feel to meat, for instance, is easily missed but often means that bacterial action has begun, even without the presence of telltale odors.

In any case, err on the side of caution. Rotate your foods. Use the oldest first. Be aware of the guidelines, even if you don't follow them exactly. When in doubt, throw it out. Be safe, not sorry. ---CONTINUED---

by **ReadyMom** Wed Nov 14, 2018 9:26 pm

Shelf Life of Canned Goods
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/shelf-life-of-canned-goods.html

Knowing the shelf life of canned goods is a must to ensure that the food item is fit to consume. Canned goods shelf life varies depending upon the type of food canned. Read on to know more.

Canned foods account for about 12% of the total grocery sales, in the United States. Around 1500 different food items are preserved through the process of canning. Canning is done in order to obtain a particular food item around the year. This is particularly true in case of certain fruits and vegetables, which are available only in a particular season. Thus, canning allows the consumers to enjoy the food item of their choice in any season. Moreover, loading your refrigerator with canned foods, saves unnecessary trips to the supermarket.

Shelf Life of Canned Goods

If you want to determine what is the shelf life of canned goods, then you will have to look for its acid content. Low acid foods have a greater shelf life than those with higher acids in them. The shelf life of canned goods, according to the type of food items canned, is as follows: --- continued at link, above ---

Includes:
Fish and Meat
Fruits
Vegetables
Jams and Jellies
Milk and Other Dairy Products

by **ReadyMom** Wed Nov 14, 2018 9:39 pm

What Do the Dates on Your Canned Foods Mean?
http://www.families.com/blog/what-do-the-dates-on-your-canned-foods-mean

Are you unsure about how long a can of tuna will last? What do the stamps printed on the cans mean? Can the stamped dates tell you how long an item will store? Those codes sure can be confusing! Here are some things to keep in mind when storing canned foods:

First, you may be able to get some information from the product codes printed on the cans, but not much. Cans that list a “use by” date or a “best if eaten by” mean more than random numbers or dates without labels. Other codes or dates printed on cans are not even for customers, they are only labels for the food producers themselves. Here are some common dates printed on cans and other packaged foods and what they mean: --- CONTINUED---[/b]

by **ReadyMom** Wed Nov 14, 2018 9:44 pm

7 Critical Canned Goods Tips Every Survivalist Should Know About
http://www.survivalistcode.com/7-critical-canned-goods-tips-every-survivalist-should-know-about/

Canned goods are part of every prepper’s essential items to hoard as you’ll never know when you will be needing these.

Just like any food items that you have, it is best to have a first-in, first-out system when consuming them in order to make sure that your canned goods do not expire.

All along, I thought canned goods are only good until the expiration dates that manufacturers have printed on them. It appears that these are merely estimated dates by which the food item supposedly retains its “freshness”.

However, it is absolutely important to know that certain canned goods can also kill you if you do not know what critical factors to look out for. Imagine not being killed by a natural disaster or man-made catastrophe only to be killed because you ate contaminated canned goods. That will be a shame.

Now in case you find yourself in a SHTF situation where the only available food source are canned goods that were stored in the basement from who knows when, you might find the information that Jacob Hunter from PrimalSurvivor.net shared about canned goods.

Below are the 7 critical canned goods tips that every survivalist should know about: ---CONTINUED---

by **ReadyMom** Thu Mar 07, 2019 10:49 am

Forever foods: 10 cooking staples that can outlast you
https://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/photos/forever-foods-10-cooking-staples-that-can-outlast-you/distilled-white

Foods-Shelf Life Distilled-vinegar-forever-foods.jpg.638x0_q80_crop-smart

Foods-Shelf Life Distilled-vinegar-forever-foods.jpg.638x0_q80_crop-smart

A slide show of long-shelf life foods.

by justme_noname Wed Mar 13, 2019 7:13 am

rick1 wrote:Here's a link for the shelf life of stored dry foods:

https://www.usaemergencysupply.com/information-center/self-reliance/storage-life-of-dry-foods

Nice info. I bookmarked that link. Thumbs Up

by **ReadyMom** Wed Mar 13, 2019 9:55 am

justme_noname wrote:
rick1 wrote:Here's a link for the shelf life of stored dry foods:

https://www.usaemergencysupply.com/information-center/self-reliance/storage-life-of-dry-foods

Nice info. I bookmarked that link.

Agreed! Good find! I've shared it over on the EHP Storage Site for links.

by **ReadyMom** Wed Jun 19, 2019 11:39 am

10 Foods You Can Still Eat Past the Expiration Date
https://nutritiontips.club/2018/04/16/10-foods-you-can-still-eat-past-the-expiration-date/

Foods-Shelf Life Intro

The most important thing you need to know about food products is that they are actually labeled with expiration dates to give consumers information about the food’s freshness. In other words, most foods do not become unhealthy to eat when they’ve reached their sell-by dates, but they will start to lose quality in taste.

So, if it smells bad or looks rotten, DO NOT eat it. Use your common sense and never eat something you are unsure of. Fortunately, there are many foods that are safe to consume after their sell-by dates. Remember… Don’t waste food! ---CONTINUED---

by **ReadyMom** Sat Jul 13, 2019 11:52 am

Expiration Cheat Sheet Date for Everything
https://www.askaprepper.com/expiration-cheat-sheet-date-for-everything/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=AAP

To get the most out of an article about expiration I think we need to first discuss expiration. It’s a term that has several meanings in our world today and those meanings will change when we hit TEOTWAWKI.

To make the easiest distinctions between the several types of expiration we must look at the effect they have on the product or the producer. There are different goals when it comes to managing the three distinct types of expiration. ---CONTINUED---

by **ReadyMom** Thu Aug 08, 2019 10:46 am

Everything You Need to Know About Those “Expiration Dates” on Your Food
https://www.theorganicprepper.com/expiration-dates-food/

Foods-Shelf Life Expiration-Dates-Best-by-dates

Foods-Shelf Life Expiration-Dates-Best-by-dates

Have you ever wondered what the real expiration dates are for your pantry food? Have you ever wondered whether your food was safe to eat past the “expiration date?”

Fear not. There is no more need to throw away perfectly good food over a little date stamp.

The problem is – people are throwing canned or packaged goods away on a false perception that the date means expiration. In other words, they fear that the product could be spoiled or unsafe. ---CONTINUED---

by Cinnamon Sat Aug 10, 2019 7:38 am

So much great info - thanks, RM!

by **ReadyMom** Sat Aug 10, 2019 9:26 am

Cinnamon wrote:So much great info - thanks, RM!

You're welcome!

by **ReadyMom** Tue Nov 19, 2019 10:38 am

How To Read Food Expiration Dates
https://urbansurvivalsite.com/food-shelf-life-tips/

Foods-Shelf Life Ngcb1

I want to to share some information on what affects food shelf life and how to take the expiration date on the package into account. Keep in mind that this article is mainly about food you can store in your pantry. You should be more cautious with refrigerated foods. ---CONTINUED---

by **ReadyMom** Thu Feb 06, 2020 11:46 am

15 Foods That Last Forever
https://urbansurvivalsite.com/foods-that-last-forever/

Foods-Shelf Life Ngcb1

Although there are many foods that will last for decades when stored properly (wheat, beans, pasta, etc.), there are some foods that last forever without canning, freezing or dehydrating. If you’re new to food storage, these staples are a great way to start.

They’re the longest lasting foods in the world and are often referred to as “forever foods.” Technically, most of them are ingredients, but you can use them to make some great meals if you know-how. ---CONTINUED---

by **ReadyMom** Thu Feb 06, 2020 11:55 pm

Food Shelf-Life Recommendations
https://henrycoema.org/forms/Storage-Life-of-Groceries.pdf

2 page printable pdf chart

by **ReadyMom** Tue May 05, 2020 9:06 pm

Prepper’s Guide to Canned Food Shelf Life
https://www.primalsurvivor.net/canned-food-shelf-life/

Foods-Shelf Life Tin-cans-622683_640

(SNIP) ... The last thing you want to happen after a disaster is to reach for your food stockpiles only to realize they are all inedible.

So just how long does canned food last? And how do you make sure your canned emergency food supply stays safe to eat? ---CONTINUED---

by **ReadyMom** Wed May 06, 2020 9:59 pm

FOOD SHELF LIFE-CUPBOARD--STORAGE CHART
https://daretoprepare.com/FTP_Files/Shelf_LT.zip

(SNIP) ... Many staples and canned foods have a relatively long shelf life. Buy only what you expect to use in the time recommended for each product. Date food packages and use the oldest first. Geographic area will affect recommended storage time. Warm and humid climates shorten the shelf life of foods.

Above link takes you to a pdf file that includes:
STAPLES
SHELF LIFE
STORING TIPS

by **ReadyMom** Wed May 06, 2020 10:04 pm

Food Storage
https://food.unl.edu/free-resource/food-storage

Foods-Shelf Life Freezer-food-storage

Link takes you to site from University of Nebraska–Lincoln that includes info on room temperature, fridge, freezer & pantry storage. There's a chart that contains recommended storage times for best quality in the pantry and freezer and for best quality and safety in the refrigerator:

-Meat, Poultry, Fish and Eggs
-Milk and Dairy Products
-Fruits
-Vegetables
-Dry Goods/Staples
-Condiments, Sauces and Canned Goods
-Baked Goods

by **ReadyMom** Wed May 06, 2020 10:13 pm

Refrigerator/Freezer Approximate Storage Times
https://daretoprepare.com/Food/fridge.freezer.storage.pdf

From the Kansas City State University, link opens a pdf that lists foods, storage time in fridge or freezer & extra comments.

Includes:
BREADS, PASTRIES, CAKES
DAIRY
EGGS AND PRODUCTS CONTAINING EGGS
FRUITS
MEATS
POULTRY
SEAFOOD
VEGETABLES
MISCELLANEOUS

by **ReadyMom** Fri Jun 19, 2020 10:17 am

6 Make-it and Forget-it Prepper Foods
https://www.askaprepper.com/6-make-it-and-forget-it-prepper-foods/

Foods-Shelf Life 6-Make-it-and-Forget-it-Prepper-Foods-Cover-890x395_c

Foods-Shelf Life 6-Make-it-and-Forget-it-Prepper-Foods-Cover-890x395_c

Cooking at home can be as much about survival and prepping as it can be about tonight’s dinner. Some foods you can make and forget because they have such a great shelf life. I have compiled 6 recipes for survival food to make and forget.

Give ‘em all a try but especially the peasant bread if you don’t think you have what it takes to make delicious fresh bread at home. ---CONTINUED---

by **ReadyMom** Tue Sep 01, 2020 10:18 am

How Long Do Canned Foods REALLY Last?
https://rethinksurvival.com/how-long-do-canned-foods-really-last/

Foods-Shelf Life Canned-foods-last

(SNIP) ... The following information comes, in large part, from the USDA and other credible sources. He discusses many considerations, including how nutritious the food may be after years of being in storage, how the storage environment affects longevity, how the cans are actually made and sealed and why that’s good for your safety, food rotation, and more… ---CONTINUED---

by **ReadyMom** Tue Apr 05, 2022 12:41 pm

Long Shelf Life Foods – What Lasts Best (with Chart)
https://commonsensehome.com/long-shelf-life-foods/

Foods-Shelf Life Long-shelf-life-foods-in-store

Beat rising food costs by shopping now for long shelf life foods. These long lasting foods are ranked from those that last the longest – decades – to those that last for weeks.

(SNIP) ... In the list below includes storage tips, and we're working on a series of articles with more detailed information on storage and growing tips, including produce varieties that have a longer storage life. ---CONTINUED---

by **ReadyMom** Mon Apr 11, 2022 10:48 am

How Long Does Canned Food Last?
https://urbansurvivalsite.com/how-long-does-canned-food-last/?awt_a=50Z0&awt_l=IzbxC&awt_m=3luoH_VylS_jrZ0

Foods-Shelf Life Ngcb11

Has this happened to you? You reach into the back of your kitchen cabinet or pantry to grab a can of soup or beans only to notice the date stamped on the can has expired. You wonder, is it safe to eat?

(Snip) ....A big part of the food labeling problem is that only about 30 percent of consumers know the difference between “use by,” “sell by,” and “best before” dates, according to the Food Marketing Institute. Here is what you need to know. ---CONTINUED---

by **ReadyMom** Mon Apr 11, 2022 11:02 am

20 Long-Lasting Foods That Can Make Hundreds of Meals
https://urbansurvivalsite.com/long-lasting-foods-that-can-make-hundreds-of-meals/

Foods-Shelf Life 20-long-lasting-foods-that-can-make-hundreds-of-meals-pin-1

Foods-Shelf Life 20-long-lasting-foods-that-can-make-hundreds-of-meals-pin-1

(SNIP) ... stocking up on long-lasting foods and knowing how to feed your family with only those ingredients are two

In this article, we’ll examine 20 main survival pantry staples and explore some of the many meals you can make with them. ---CONTINUED---

by **ReadyMom** Mon Apr 15, 2024 2:46 pm

Food That Last For 25 Years ( Top 37 )
https://preppingplanet.com/food-that-last-for-25-years/

Foods-Shelf Life Food-that-last-for-25-years-1

There are a lot of foods that you can store almost indefinitely, the problem is that even foods that have a long shelf life can go bad extremely quickly if you do not store them correctly. If you store foods for a long time then they won’t taste the best after 25 years, and most foods that can last for 25 or more years are jam-packed with chemicals that alter their taste.

What you need to keep in mind is that the actual shelf life of most items will be determined by how you store them and if you actually open them. ---CONTINUED---

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