Grocery product shelf life is based upon the Manufacturer's Date Packaged (DP) code. Manufacturers encode the Date Packaged somewhere on the product in a form unique to their internal procedures. My objective is to provide Date Packaged (DP) code keys for well-known products to assist your food purchasing and rotation efforts. Remember that these timeframes are the manufacturer's recommendations for MAXIMUM freshness and nutrient value. Several vendors indicated their products are edible long beyond the published recommendation dates.
In order to maintain freshness within the suggested expiration dates, food should be stored in a dry, cool location. Discard any food product exhibiting changed color, odor, or taste. Storage temperature has a great influence on shelf life. Per Del Monte - a 15-degree change reduces expected shelf life by 50% (ideal temp is 65; if stored at 80, then shelf life is reduced by 50%). Do not freeze canned goods; the added moisture may cause the seams to swell and burst during thawing.
Recommended product Shelf life is defined as MOS (months) Unopened and Opened. Both of these timeframes are calculated using the Date Packaged (DP) as the base. Unopened refers to total months the product can be stored at home. Opened refers to the total months (or days or weeks) the product can be stored once it has been opened. If the chart has a time recommendation for Opened, consider it as a SUBSET of the Unopened timeframe. For example, if a product has an Unopened shelf life of 12 months and an Opened recommendation of 3 months, the following statements are true:
For maximum freshness, the product should remain on your shelf for a maximum of date packaged + 12 months.
Once the product is opened, it should remain on your shelf for a maximum of 3 months OR less. The combined unopen and open timeframes should not exceed date packaged + 12 months.
This chart is a work in progress. Feedback for additions, corrections or improvements should be forwarded to czimmer@gilanet.com for inclusion in a subsequent update. The chart is organized closely to the sequence of the generic Cupboard Storage Chart (e.g. ). I've included the Extension product recommendations in the table. They are listed without a specific manufacturer entry and with "generic" in the comment column.
PRODUCT |
MFG |
Date Pkg. |
DP LOC |
Recommended Shelf life (Mos) |
COMMENTS |
Unopen |
Open |
STAPLES |
Baking Powder |
|
|
|
18 or exp. date |
|
Generic: Keep dry and covered. Test effectiveness w/ 1 tsp. BP and 1/4 cup tap warm tap water. If bubbles, then still active |
Baking Powder |
Calumet |
Exp. Date |
|
Exp. date |
same |
1-800-431-1001 |
Baking Soda |
|
|
|
24 |
|
Generic: Keep dry and covered |
Bisquick |
|
Exp. Date |
|
Exp. date |
Same |
|
Bouillon |
|
|
|
24 |
|
Generic: Keep dry and covered |
Bouillon
Herb Ox |
Hormel |
XMMDDY |
Bottom |
24 |
same |
|
Bouillon
Tone |
Tone |
YMDDx
M = A-M for Jan -> Dec
(I is skipped!) |
|
24 |
same |
1-800-247-5251 |
Cereals
Ready to Eat
To Be Cooked |
|
|
|
6-12
6 |
2-3 |
Generic: Refold liner tightly after opening |
Chocolate
Pre-melted
Semi Sweet
Unsweetened |
|
|
|
12
18
18 |
|
Generic: Keep cool |
Chocolate
Milk Choc Bits
ButterscotchBits
Semi Sweet
Unsweetend
Choco Bake
Baking Cocoa |
Nestles |
YJJJx.. |
|
16
18
24
24
24
24 |
same |
1-800-258-6728
keep cool and tightly covered once opened |
Chocolate Syrup |
|
|
|
24 |
6 |
Generic: Refrig. After opening |
Cocoa Mixes |
|
|
|
8 |
|
Generic: Cover Tightly |
Cocoa Mix
Nestles Quick |
Nestles |
YJJJ |
Embossed top row of codes on bottom |
24 |
3-6 |
1-800-637-8536 |
Coffee
Cans
Instant |
|
|
|
24
12-24 |
2 wks
2 |
Generic: Refrigerate after opening. Keep tightly closed, use dry measuring spoon. |
Coffee
Yuban (can) |
|
YJJJ |
Bottom of can; top row |
12 |
1 |
May refrig. after opened.
1-800-982-2649 |
Coffee
Maxwell House |
|
XYJJJx |
|
24 |
|
|
Coffee Lighteners (dry) |
|
|
|
9 |
6 |
Generic: Keep lid tightly closed |
Cornmeal |
|
|
|
12 |
|
Generic: Keep tightly closed |
Cornstarch |
|
|
|
18 |
|
Generic: Keep tightly closed |
Cornstarch
Argo |
Best Foods |
MDDxY |
Top of pkg |
Indefinite |
Same |
Lasts indefinitely. Discard if lumps, bugs, or moisture. 1-800-338-8831 |
Drink Mix
Country Time Lemonade |
|
YJJJxx |
Bottom |
24 |
Same |
1-800-432-1002 |
Drink Mix
Crystal Light |
|
YJJJxx |
Blue Band, white printing |
24 |
Same |
1-800-432-1002 |
Drink Mix
Tang |
|
YJJJx |
Bottom of product, 2nd line |
24 |
Same |
1-800-432-1002 |
Drink Mix
Kool Aid |
Kraft |
YJJJx |
|
18-24 |
2 |
|
Flour
White
Whole wheat |
|
|
|
6-8
6-8 |
|
Generic:
Keep in airtight container.
Refrigerate in airtight container |
Flour
Betty Crocker |
General Mills |
MYDDxx
Month code is A-M (skip I). A=June, B = Jul... |
|
18 |
Same |
1-800-328-6787 |
Gelatin, all types |
|
|
|
18 |
|
Generic: Keep in original container |
Jello |
Kraft |
YJJJx.. |
|
24 |
N/A |
|
Grits |
|
|
|
12 |
|
Generic: Store in airtight container |
Honey |
|
|
|
12 |
|
Generic: Cover tightly; if crystallizes, warm jar in pan of hot water |
Honey
Crockett Stewart |
Crockett |
MMDDYY or YYMMDD |
Cap |
12-24-
(indef) |
Same |
Best taste if used in 2 yrs. Lasts indefinitely so use for baking after 2 yrs. If in can, may turn dark. 602-731-3936. |
Jellies, Jams |
|
|
|
12 |
|
Generic: Cover tightly. Storage life extended if refrigerated after opening |
Jellies,
Safeway |
Safeway |
Purch by date |
Cap |
Purch by + 1 mo |
Same |
Can store for 24 mos. On shelf. Best taste if used by purch. By date.
602-894-4100 |
Molasses |
|
|
|
12+ |
6 |
Generic |
Marshmallow Cream |
|
|
|
3-4 |
|
Generic: Cover tightly. Refrigerate after open to extend storage life. |
Mayonnaise |
|
|
|
2-3 |
|
Generic: Refrigerate after opening |
Mayonnaise
Kraft Mayo and
Miracle Whip
Salad Dressing |
Kraft |
Purch by date |
On label |
Purch by + 1 mo |
3-4 |
Refrigerate after opening. Use by purch by date |
Milk
Condensed
Evaporated
Non-Fat dry |
|
|
|
12
12
6 |
-
-
3 |
Generic:
Invert cans each 2 mos.
Invert cans each 2 mos.
Store in airtight container |
Milk
Carnation
Skim Evap
Lowfat Evap
Sweet Condense
Nonfat Dry
Evap |
Nestles |
YJJJxx... |
|
9
12
12
12
15 |
*
*
*
Same
* |
1-800-854-8935
*Once ready to use product open, refrigerate for up to 3 days. |
Pasta |
|
|
|
24 |
|
Generic: Store in airtight container when opened |
Pasta
American Beauty |
Hershey |
YMMDDxxx |
On end flap of box or stamped on cellophane |
12-36 |
Same |
12 - oven ready
24 - egg noodle
36 - regular
1-800-468-1714 |
Pectin
Liquid
Dry |
|
|
|
1
12 |
1 |
Generic: May have exp. Date. Recap and refrigerate after opened. |
Rice
White
Flavored or herb |
|
|
|
24+
6 |
|
Generic: keep tightly closed |
Rice
Minute Rice |
Kraft |
Best used by date |
Box top |
18 |
Same |
Best used by date = 18 mos from pkg. date |
Salad Dressings
Bottled
From Mix |
|
|
|
10-12 |
3
2 wks |
Generic: Refrigerate after opening or mixing. |
Salad Dressing
Good Seasons
Mix |
General Foods |
YJJJx... |
|
24 |
- |
|
Salad Dressing
Hidden Valley
Mix |
Hidden Valley |
XxYJJJ |
|
12 |
- |
|
Salad Oils |
|
|
|
6 |
1-3 |
Generic: Refrigerate after opening |
Oil - Crisco or Puritan |
Proctor & Gamble |
YJJJxxx |
|
24 |
12 |
No need to refrigerate unless re-using after frying |
Oil - Mazola
Corn Oil,
Canola Oil |
Best Foods |
Purch. by date |
Printed on bottle |
18 |
Same |
Purch by date = 18 mos. From pkg. Date
1-800-338-8831 |
Oil - Olive Oil |
Pompeian |
YMMDDx |
On bottle in black ink |
24 |
24 |
410-276-6900
No need to refrigerate |
Shortenings, solid |
|
|
|
8 |
|
Generic |
Shortening
Crisco - Regular
Crisco - Butter |
Proctor & Gamble |
YJJJx |
Bottom |
Indef.
18 |
12
6-12 |
No need to refrigerate |
Sugar
Brown
Confectioners
Granulated
Sweeteners |
|
|
|
4
18
24+
24+ |
|
Generic:
-Airtight container
-Airtight container
-Cover tightly |
Sugar - C&H
Granulated
Brown
Confectioners |
C&H |
XxxMDD
M = A-M (I omitted) for even year;
M = N-Z (O omitted) for odd year. No year code printed. |
Side of box |
Indef, but best quality=
18
9
6 |
Same |
Sugar doesn't spoil, but best quality if used as noted. Remoisten Brown sugar w/ damp paper towel in sealed container overnight.
1-510-787-2121 |
Syrups |
|
|
|
12 |
|
Generic: Keep tightly closed. Refrigerate to extend life. Remove any light surface mold and use. |
Tea
Bags
Instant
Loose |
|
|
|
18
36
24 |
|
Generic:
-Airtight container
-Cover tightly |
Tea
Sweetened Tea |
Lipton |
YMDDxx..
M: A-L = Jan thru Dec |
J = embossed on jar
CC = Bottom |
18 |
Same |
1-800-697-7887
www.lipton.com |
Vinegar |
|
|
|
24+ |
12 |
Generic: Keep tightly closed. Cloudy appearance doesn't affect quality. Distilled vinegar keeps longer than cider vinegar |
PRODUCT |
MFG |
Date Pkg. |
DP LOC |
Recommended Shelf life (Mos) |
COMMENTS |
Unopen |
Open |
|
MIXES AND PACKAGED FOODS |
Biscuit, Brownie, Muffin Mix |
|
|
|
9 |
|
Generic: Keep cool and dry |
Cake Mixes
Angel Food
Other |
|
|
|
12
9 |
|
Generic: Keep cool and dry |
Casseroles, complete or add own meat |
|
|
|
9-12 |
|
Generic: Keep cool and dry |
Cookies
Homemade
Packaged |
|
|
|
2-3 wks
2 |
|
Generic
- Airtight container
- Keep tightly closed |
Mixes
Krusteaz |
Continental Mills |
XXYJJJXX |
Embossed on top |
24 (see note) |
-- |
All mixes keep 24 months. Yeast in bread machine mix keeps 12 mos. 1-800-457-7744 |
Mixes
PillsburY |
Pillsbury |
MYXXX
M: A-L =
Jan - Dec |
Prod. ID panel on top |
18 |
-- |
1-800-767-4466 |
Mixes
Betty Crocker |
General Mills |
MYDDxx
Month code is A-M (skip I). A=June, B = Jul... |
Usually on top |
8-12+ |
-- |
1-800-328-6787 |
Mixes
Jiffy |
Chelsea Mills |
XYJJJx |
Pkg top |
24 |
-- |
1-734-475-1361 |
Crackers |
|
|
|
3 |
|
Generic: Tightly closed |
Dressing Mix
Stove Top |
Kraft |
Exp. Date |
Pkg. Bottom |
Exp. Date |
-- |
Use by printed exp. Date |
Frostings
Canned
Mix |
|
|
|
3
8 |
|
Generic:
Refrigerate leftovers |
Frosting
Betty Crocker |
General Mills |
MYDDxx
Month code is A-M (skip I). A=June, B = Jul... |
|
8-10 |
|
1-800-328-6787 |
Hamburger Helper
Betty Crocker |
General Mills |
MYDDxx
Month code is A-M (skip I). A=June, B = Jul... |
Usually on top |
12 |
-- |
1-800-328-6787 |
Hot-Roll Mix |
|
|
|
18 |
|
Generic: If opened, put in airtight container |
Macaroni & Cheese |
Noodles by Leonardo |
MMYYDD |
Top flap |
24 |
-- |
701-968-4464 |
Pancake Mix |
|
|
|
6-9 |
|
Generic: Airtight container |
Pie Crust Mix |
|
|
|
8 |
|
Generic: Keep cool and dry |
Pies and Pastries |
|
|
|
2-3 days |
|
Generic: Refrigerate cream, custard, chiffon |
Potatoes, Instant |
|
|
|
6-12 |
|
Generic: Airtight container |
Pudding Mixes |
|
|
|
12 |
|
Generic |
Rice/Pasta Mixes |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Generic |
Rice-a-Roni |
|
Exp. Date |
|
Exp. Date |
Same |
Pre-printed exp. Date |
Pasta-Roni |
|
Exp. Date |
|
Exp. Date |
Same |
Pre-printed exp. Date |
Rice & Sauce |
Lipton |
YMDxx..
M:
A-H=Jan-Aug
X = Sept
J-L = Oct - Dec |
Embossed on side |
10-15
see note -→ |
Same |
Mos by product:
10 - Cheddar Broccoli
12 - alfredo, beef flavor, Asian style, chicken broccoli, chicken flavor, mushroom, Spanish, tereyaki
15 - butter & herb, Asian style rice & bean |
Noodles & Sauce |
Lipton |
YMDDxx..
M:
A-H=Jan-Aug
X = Sept
J-L = Oct - Dec |
Embossed on side |
12-24
see note -→ |
Same |
Mos by product:
12 - alfredo w/ broccoli, butter & herb, chicken & broccoli, creamy chicken, parmesan, sour cream & chives, stroganoff
15 - alfredo
18 - beef flavor, butter
24 - chicken flavor |
Pasta & Sauce |
Lipton |
YMDDxx..
M:
A-H=Jan-Aug
X = Sept
J-L = Oct - Dec |
Embossed on side |
9-12
see note -→ |
Same |
9 - mild cheddar
12 - all other flavors |
Sauce/Gravy Mix |
|
|
|
6-12 |
|
Generic |
Soup Mix |
|
|
|
12 |
|
Generic |
Onion Soup Mix |
Lipton |
YMDDxx..
M: A-L = Jan thru Dec |
|
12-15 |
-- |
1-800-687-7887 |
Soup Base |
Tone |
YMDDx
M = A-M for Jan - Dec
(I is skipped!) |
|
120 mos
(10 yrs) |
24 |
Refrigerate after opening
1-800-247-5251 |
Soup
Country Kitchen |
Bear Creek |
N/A |
|
36 |
6 |
435-654-2660
No date stamps. Use unopen/open months from date of purchase |
Taco Mix
Ortega |
Nestles |
YJJJ |
|
18 |
-- |
1-800-745-3403 |
Toaster Pastries |
|
|
|
2-3 |
|
Generic: In airtight packet |
PRODUCT |
MFG |
Date Pkg. |
DP LOC |
Recommended Shelf life (Mos) |
COMMENTS |
Unopen |
Open |
CANNED AND DRIED FOODS |
Canned Foods
Baby foods
Fish & seafood
Fruit
Meats
Pickles/olives
Poultry
Sauce, tomato
Vegetables |
|
|
|
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12 |
3 day
2 day
1 wk
2 day
1-2 m
2 day
5 day
3 day |
Generic: Keep cool
Once open, refrigerate and cover tightly. Transfer foods to glass or plastic to avoid metallic taste of can if kept more than one day. |
Canned Food
Cheese Sauce |
Gracia |
MFxxxx-xJJJY hh:mm |
|
24-36 |
7-10 days |
1-800-270-2743
www.agrilinkfoods.com |
Canned Food
Fish & Seafood
Tuna |
StarKist |
YJJJ OR JJJY
Year code:
F = 1997
G = 1998
H = 1999... |
Top of can |
4-6 years |
-- |
1-800-252-1587
applies to both oil & water packed items /TD>
|
Canned Fruit
Cranberry Sauce |
Ocean Spray |
Exp. Date |
|
Exp. Date |
Same |
Pre-printed exp. Date |
Canned Fruit
Apples |
Comstock |
XJJJYxxx |
Second line |
2-3 |
2-3 days |
1-800-270-2743 |
Canned Fruits |
Del Monte |
YJJJx |
Top or bottom of can |
9-30 |
2-3 days |
9 = orchard select
18 = tropical fruit salad
24 = Pineapple, mandarin orange, fruit cups, lite fruits, fruit in its own juice, fruit pleasures
30 = all other fruit |
Canned Fruit |
Libby's |
One method =:
YMDDx
Y: 1 or A = 96
2 or B = 97
3 or C = 98
4 or D = 99
M: 1-9 = Jan -
Sept.
O = Oct
N = Nov
D = Dec |
|
36+ |
2-3 days |
1-888-884-7269
No coding standards
Call for interpretation of product code |
Canned Fruit
Applesauce
Individual Srving
Multi serving jar |
Motts |
XxYMMDDx |
Cap if glass jar |
*9-12 mos
14 mos |
1-2 wk
1-2 wk |
Refrigerate when opened. *Fruitsations = 9 mos. All other individual srvings=12mos
1-800-426-4891 |
Canned Fruits
Pie Fillings |
Comstock |
xxxxxx-xJJJY hh:mm |
|
24-36 |
2 wks in fridge |
1-800-270-2743
www.agrilinkfoods.com |
Canned Fruit Juices |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Generic: Keep cool in airtight container. Refrigerate if possible. |
Canned Juices |
Del Monte |
YJJJx.. |
Top or bottom of can |
12-24 |
2-3 days |
12 = fruit smoothies
18 = pineapple and SNAP-E-TOM cocktail
24 = tomato juice |
Canned Juices |
Motts |
XxYMMDDx |
|
12 mos |
1-2 wk |
Refrigerate when opened.
1-800-426-4891 |
Canned Meats
Dinty Moore
Spam
Ham Chunks
Chili
Dried Beef |
Hormel |
XMMDDY |
Usually on bottom |
Indefinite |
|
|
Canned Meats
Dutch Colony Cooked Ham |
Brokers Choice |
YJJJx |
Can back: Top line |
5 years |
-- |
732-827-0500 |
Canned Meats
Black Label Ham |
Hormel |
Exp. Date |
|
Exp. Date |
-- |
|
Canned Meat
Chicken |
Tyson |
JJJY? |
|
36 |
-- |
No response to email |
Canned Sauce
Pasta Ragu |
Lipton |
Use by date |
|
Use by date |
See note |
1-800-328-7248
Red sauce; refrigerate for 2 wks or freeze for 2 mos after open |
Canned Sauce
Pasta |
Five Brothers |
XxxxJJJY |
Top line of codes on lid |
24 |
See note |
Once opened, red sauces keep 2 weeks in refrigerator or 2 mos in freezer. (no opened storage dates available for alfredo sauce) |
Canned Sauce
Salsa, Pasta |
Ortega |
YJJJx... |
|
36 |
7 days |
1-800-745-3403
Refrigerate after opening |
Canned Soup |
Campbell's |
Exp. Date |
|
Exp. Date |
-- |
Pre-printed exp. Date |
Canned Vegetable
Baked Beans |
Bush Beans |
MDDYx
M= 1-9 is Jan thru September
0 = Oct
N = Nov
E - Dec |
Top or bottom of can |
24-36 |
2-3 days |
423-509-2361 |
Canned Vegetable
Black Beans |
Progresso
Pillsbury |
MYxDD |
Embossed on top or bottom |
24 |
2-3 days |
1-800-328-6787 |
Canned Vegetable
Refried Beans,
Chiles/Jalapenos |
Ortega |
YJJJx... |
|
24
36 |
1-2 days
7 day |
1-800-745-3403
Refrigerate after opening |
Canned Vegetable
Vancamp
Pork & Beans |
Hunt Wesson |
Ymxxx |
Top of can |
24 |
2-3 days |
|
Canned Vegetable
French Fried
Onions |
French's |
xYYJJJ |
|
12 |
12 |
1-800-841-1256 |
Canned Vegetable
Tomatoes |
Del Monte |
YJJJx.. |
Top or bottom |
30 |
2-3 days |
30 = crushed, diced, wedge, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce and paste |
Canned Vegetable |
Del Monte |
YJJJx.. |
Top or bottom of can |
24-30 |
2-3 days |
24 = Asparagus, Beets, Kraut, Cream Style Corn, All no salt added
30 = all other vegetables |
Canned Vegetable |
Green Giant |
MYxDDx..
M: A-L = Jan thru Dec
----OR----
JJJY |
Top or bottom of can |
24-48 |
2-3 days |
1-800-998-9996
36 - corn/peas
48 - mushrooms
24 - all other vegetables |
Canned Vegetable
Tomatoes
Sauerkraut |
Libby's |
Varies. 1 eg: YMDDx
Y: 1 or A = 96
2 or B = 97
3 or C = 98
4 or D = 99
M: 1-9 = Jan -
Sept.
O = Oct
N = Nov
D = Dec |
|
36+
18 |
2-3 days
2-3 days |
1-888-884-7269
No coding standards
Call for interpretation of product code |
Canned Food
Vegetable Protein Products |
Worthington Foods |
YJJJ |
2nd Row |
24 |
-- |
www.wfds.com |
Canned Food
Misc.
Chef Boyardee |
Intl Home Foods |
MDDY
M:
A-H = Jan-Aug
X = Sept
J-L = Oct-Dec |
2nd line of codes |
24 |
2-3 days |
1-800-544-5680 |
Dried Fruits |
|
|
|
6 |
|
Generic: Keep cool in airtight container. Refrigerate if possible. |
Dried Vegetables |
|
|
|
12 |
|
Generic: Keep cool in airtight container. Refrigerate if possible. |