The Shelf Life of Your Pantry

This table should serve only as a guide, not as the definitive rule. Always go with your gut when it comes to the freshness of your pantry items. If something doesn't look right well then, as my mom used to say, “when in doubt, throw it out.”

BAKING

Flour, All-Purpose – 6-8 months

Flour, Whole Wheat – 8 months in the refrigerator

Baking Chocolate – 1½ years

Baking Powder – 1½ years

Baking Soda – 2 years

Chocolate Chips– 1½ years

Cornmeal – 1 year

Cornstarch – 1½ years

Vanilla Extract, Pure - Indefinitely

BASICS

Oil, Vegetable/Olive – Unopened 1 year, opened 6 months

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – 6 months

Vinegars – Unopened 2 years, opened 1 year

Salad Dressing – Unopened 10 months to 1 year, opened and refrigerated 3 months

CANNED GOODS

Canned Foods, High Acidic (tomatoes, fruit) – 1½ years

Canned Foods, Low Acidic (broth, beans, vegetables, meats) – 5 years

Coffee, Canned – Unopened can 1 year, opened can 1 week

CONDIMENTS

Jams and Jellies – 1 year

Mayonnaise – Unopened 2-3 months or expiration date

DRIED HERBS AND SPICES

Breadcrumbs, Plain – 6 months

Spices, Ground – 2 years

Spices, Whole – 3 years

DRINKS

Coffee, Vacuum-Packed – Unopened 4 months, opened 1 week

Non-Fat Dry Milk – Unopened 6 months, opened 3 months

RICE AND GRAINS

Pasta, White – 2 years

Pasta, Whole Grain – 6 months

Rice, Long-Grain Brown – 1 year

Rice, Long-Grain White – 2 years

SNACKS AND CEREALS

Dry Cereals – Unopened 1 year, opened 3 months

Peanut Butter – Unopened 9 months, opened 3 months

SWEETENERS

Pancake Syrup – 3-4 months (refrigerate after opening)

Sugar, White – 2 years

Sugar, Brown – 1 year (store in airtight container to prevent hardening)