Shelf-life of Foods for Storage

Here are some general guidelines for rotating common emergency goods and supplies:

Use within 6 months:
  • Dried fruit (in metal container)
  • Dry, crisp crackers (in metal container)
  • Potatoes
  • Powdered milk (boxed)
Use within 1 year:
  • Canned condensed meat and vegetable soups
  • Canned fruit, fruit juices and vegetables
  • Hard candy and canned nuts
  • Jelly
  • Peanut butter
  • Ready-to-eat cereals and uncooked instant cereals (in metal containers)
  • Vitamin C
May be stored indefinitely (in proper containers and conditions):
  • Baking powder
  • Bouillon products
  • Dried Corn
  • Dry pasta
  • Instant coffee, tea and cocoa
  • Non-carbonated soft drinks
  • Powdered milk (in nitrogen-packed cans)
  • Salt
  • Soybeans
  • Vegetable oils
  • Wheat
  • White rice