Food Storage Guidelines
Depending on the food, the proper length of time to store items in the pantry, freezer or refrigerator can vary widely.  The information that follows gives you a guide to help you enjoy your food when it's at its best.
Food
Storage Time
Special Handling
Baking Powder or soda 18 months Keep in airtight container after opening
Boullion Cubes 1 year  
Cake Mixes 1 year  
Canned foods - commercial 1 year  
Cereals Check package Date Keep in airtight container after opening
Chocolate, baking 1 year Keep in a cool place
Coconut 1 year Refrigerate opened packages
Coffee, fresh ground 2 to 3 weeks Refrigerate or freeze opened packages
Flour, all-purpose 15 months  
Flour, whole wheat 6 months Refrigerate or freeze during warm weather
Fruit, dried 6 months Refrigerate opened packages
Gelatin 18 months Keep in a dry place
Herbs, dried 1 year Keep in a cool dark place. Refrigerate red spices.
Honey 1 year  
Jams, jellies 1 year Refrigerate after opening
Macaroni, spaghetti, dried pasta 1 year Keep in airtight container after opening
Molasses 2 years  
Nonfat dry milk powder 6 months Keep in airtight container after opening
Olive Oil 1 year Keep in a tightly capped bottle away from light and heat
Peanut Butter 6 months Refrigerate during warm weather
Pudding Mixes 1 year  
Rice, white Indefinite Keep in airtight container in a cool dark place
Salad Dressings, commercial 6 months Refrigerate after opening
Shortening 8 months Store in a cool dark place
Sugar, brown 4 months Keep in airtight container after opening
Sugar, granulated 2 years Keep in airtight container after opening
Syrups - corn, maple & flavored 1 year Refrigerate maple syrup after opening
Vegetable Oil 1 year Keep in a tightly capped bottle away from light and heat
Yeast, Active Dry Check Package Date Refrigerate during warm weather