Pantry shelf life chart: how long flour, rice, spices and more last

Type a food and this lookup shows the pantry shelf life USDA's FoodKeeper gives it: the time from the date of purchase, the time after opening, and FoodKeeper's own storage tips, word for word. It carries every food in the FoodKeeper dataset that has a pantry time, from baking staples and grains to canned goods, condiments, drinks and room-temperature produce. Nothing you type leaves your browser.

For the staples people ask about most, FoodKeeper gives white flour 6 to 12 months in the pantry from the date of purchase and 6 to 8 months after opening, white rice 2 years (1 year opened), ground spices 2 to 3 years, commercial peanut butter 6 to 24 months (2 to 3 months opened) and dry pasta 2 years (1 year opened).

Food

All 331 foods with a pantry time

Food	Pantry	After opening
Baby Food
Cereal, dry mixesTip: Should be discarded after use-by date.	PantryNot listed	After opening1 month
FormulapreparedTip: Should be discarded after use-by date.	PantryNot listed	After opening1 hour
Baked Goods: Bakery
Commercial bread productsincluding pan breads, flat breads, rolls, and buns	Pantry14 to 18 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Commercial cakes and muffins	Pantry3 to 7 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Cookiessoft	Pantry2 to 3 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Cookiescrispy	Pantry4 to 6 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Doughnuts	Pantry1 to 2 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Fruit cake	Pantry6 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Pastries, danish	Pantry5 to 10 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Fruit piesapple, peach, blueberry, apricot, cherry, blackberry	Pantry1 to 2 days	After openingNot listed
Piesmincemeat	Pantry2 hours	After openingNot listed
Piespecan	Pantry2 hours	After openingNot listed
Piespumpkin	Pantry2 hours	After openingNot listed
Quiche	Pantry2 hours	After openingNot listed
Bagelfresh baked	Pantry1 to 2 days	After openingNot listed
Muffinhomemade - including bran, blueberry, banana, corn, chocolate chip	Pantry3 to 7 days	After openingNot listed
Muffincommercially packaged	Pantry3 to 7 days	After openingNot listed
Muffinmix, dry, commercially packaged	Pantry9 months	After openingNot listed
MacaroonsfrenchTip: Store in refrigerator if not eaten right away.	Pantry1 to 2 days	After openingNot listed
BreadhomemadeTip: May have shorter shelf life due to lack of preservatives.	Pantry3 to 5 days	After openingNot listed
Baked Goods: Baking and Cooking
Baking powder	Pantry6 to 18 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening3 to 6 months
Baking soda	Pantry2 to 3 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening6 months
Biscuit or pancake mix	Pantry9 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Cake, brownie, bread mixes	Pantry12 to 18 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Chocolateunsweetened and semi-sweet, solid	Pantry1 to 2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 year
Cocoa and cocoa mixes	PantryIndefinitelyfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 year
Cornmealregular, degerminated	Pantry6 to 12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening2 years
Cornmealstone ground or blue	Pantry1 monthfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot Recommended
Cornstarch	Pantry18 to 24 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening18 months
Flourwhite	Pantry6 to 12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening6 to 8 months
Flourwhole wheat	Pantry3 to 6 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Frosting or icing	Pantry10 to 12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Gelatinflavored	Pantry10 to 12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening3 to 4 months
Gelatinunflavored	Pantry3 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot Recommended
Oilsolive or vegetable	Pantry6 to 12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening3 to 5 months
Nut oils	Pantry6 to 12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening3 to 8 months
Vegetable oil sprays	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 year
Shorteningsolid	Pantry1 to 2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening6 to 12 months
Tamarind paste	Pantry6 to 12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening6 months
Chili powder	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening2 years
Seasoning blends	Pantry1 to 2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 to 2 years
Flavored or herb mixes	Pantry6 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Garlicchopped, commercial jars	Pantry8 to 12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Herbsdried	Pantry1 to 2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 to 2 years
Spice/spiceswhole	Pantry3 to 4 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening3 to 4 years
Spice/spicesground	Pantry2 to 3 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening2 to 3 years
SugarbrownTip: Sugar never spoils, but for best quality use within 2 years of opening.	PantryIndefinitely	After opening18 to 24 months
SugargranulatedTip: Sugar never spoils, but for best quality use within 2 years of opening.	PantryIndefinitely	After opening18 to 24 months
SugarconfectionersTip: Sugar never spoils, but for best quality use within 2 years of opening.	PantryIndefinitely	After opening18 to 24 months
Sugar substitutes	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingIndefinitely
Tapiocas	Pantry12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening12 months
Whole wheat flour	Pantry12 months	After openingNot listed
Almond extract	Pantry2 years	After opening12 months
Cinnamon extract	Pantry2 years	After opening12 months
Lemon extract	Pantry2 years	After opening12 months
Pure vanilla extract	Pantry2 years	After opening12 months
Butter flavor	Pantry2 years	After opening12 months
Coconut flavor	Pantry2 years	After opening12 months
YeastpackagedTip: Store in cool, dry place. Must be refrigerated or frozen once opened.	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Amaranthflour, meal	Pantry2 months	After openingNot listed
Barleyflour, meal	Pantry3 months	After openingNot listed
Buckwheatflour, meal	Pantry1 month	After openingNot listed
Farroflour, meal	Pantry3 months	After openingNot listed
Milletflour, meal	Pantry1 month	After openingNot listed
Oatsflour, meal	Pantry2 months	After openingNot listed
Ryeflour, meal	Pantry3 months	After openingNot listed
Sorghumflour, meal	Pantry2 months	After openingNot listed
Speltflour, meal	Pantry3 months	After openingNot listed
Teffflour, meal	Pantry2 months	After openingNot listed
Garam masala	Pantry1 year	After openingNot listed
Cinnamon rollsbaked	Pantry1 to 3 days	After openingNot listed
Beverages
Coffeewhole beans	Pantry3 to 5 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening3 to 5 months
Coffeehome ground, non-vacuum	Pantry3 to 5 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening3 to 5 weeks
Coffeeinstant	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After opening2 to 3 months
Diet powder mixes and drink mixes	Pantry18 to 24 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 to 3 months
Fruit Juice in cartons, fruit drinks, punch	Pantry3 weeksfrom the date of purchase	After opening7 to 12 days
Juice, boxes	PantryPackage use-by date	After openingNot listed
Nectarpapaya, mango, guava, or guavabana	Pantry12 to 18 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Teabags	Pantry18 to 36 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening6 to 12 months
Teainstant	Pantry2 to 3 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening6 to 12 months
Tealoose	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening6 to 12 months
Watercommercially bottledTip: Water will store indefinitely, though the taste may be impacted by storage conditions, including sunlight, items stored around it and the containers being used to store it.	PantryIndefinitely	After openingNot listed
Lime juice	Pantry12 to 18 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Lemon juice	Pantry12 to 18 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Red wineTip: Dark, away from direct heat or sunlight.	Pantry3 to 5 years	After openingNot listed
White wineTip: Dark, away from direct heat or sunlight.	Pantry1 to 2 years	After openingNot listed
Hard liquors	PantryIndefinitely	After openingNot listed
Cream liquorsunopened	Pantry6 to 8 months	After openingNot listed
Coffeecommercial ground, non-vacuum	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening2 weeks
Nutrition supplement drinkscanned	Pantry2 to 5 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Vegetable juiceshelf-stable	Pantry18 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Coconut water	Pantry12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Apple ciderfresh	Pantry2 to 3 days	After openingNot listed
Yuzu juice	Pantry4 to 6 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Condiments, Sauces & Canned Goods
Barbecue saucebottledFoodKeeper has a further tip for this food about food safety, which this page leaves out; read it in the FoodKeeper app.	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Chutney	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Cream sauces, milk solids	Pantry6 to 12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Dry gravy mixes	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Gravyjars and cans	Pantry2 to 5 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Honey	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Jams, jellies, and preserves	Pantry6 to 18 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Ketchup, cocktail, or chili sauceFoodKeeper has a further tip for this food about food safety, which this page leaves out; read it in the FoodKeeper app.	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Marinades	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
MayonnaisecommercialFoodKeeper has a further tip for this food about food safety, which this page leaves out; read it in the FoodKeeper app.	Pantry3 to 6 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
MustardFoodKeeper has a further tip for this food about food safety, which this page leaves out; read it in the FoodKeeper app.	Pantry1 to 2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Olivesblack and green	Pantry12 to 18 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Pickles	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Salad dressingscommercial, bottledFoodKeeper has a further tip for this food about food safety, which this page leaves out; read it in the FoodKeeper app.	Pantry10 to 12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Salsapicante and taco saucesFoodKeeper has a further tip for this food about food safety, which this page leaves out; read it in the FoodKeeper app.	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Sauce mixesnondairy (spaghetti, taco, etc.)	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Spaghetti saucein jars	Pantry18 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Soy sauce or teriyaki sauceFoodKeeper has a further tip for this food about food safety, which this page leaves out; read it in the FoodKeeper app.	Pantry3 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Vinegar	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Worcestershire sauceFoodKeeper has a further tip for this food about food safety, which this page leaves out; read it in the FoodKeeper app.	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Tahini	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Black bean sauce	Pantry18 to 24 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Oyster sauce	Pantry18 to 24 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Hoisin sauce	Pantry18 to 24 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Beef broth/stock/consommécommercially producedTip: Bouillon cubes will keep their best quality 1 year. The reconstituted broth lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator.	PantryPackage use-by date	After openingNot listed
Chicken broth/stock/consommécommercially producedTip: Bouillon cubes will keep their best quality 1 year. The reconstituted broth lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator.	PantryPackage use-by date	After openingNot listed
Vegetable stock/brothcommercially producedTip: Bouillon cubes will keep their best quality 1 year. The reconstituted broth lasts 3-4 days in the refrigerator.	PantryPackage use-by date	After openingNot listed
Relish	Pantry30 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Apple cider vinegar	PantryIndefinitely	After openingNot listed
Hot sauceTip: Will stay fresher longer if refrigerated.	Pantry6 months	After openingNot listed
Thai red curry paste	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Cranberry saucecanned	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Tomato saucespaghetti, pizzaTip: Refrigerating unopened jars will NOT lengthen shelf life.	PantryPackage use-by date	After openingNot listed
Salad dressingcreamy	Pantry6 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Salad dressingvinaigrette	Pantry6 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Salad dressingdry,packaged	PantryPackage use-by date	After openingNot listed
Cooking wine	PantryPackage use-by date	After openingNot listed
Salsahomemade, canned	Pantry9 to 12 months	After openingNot listed
Tomato Saucehomemade, canned	Pantry9 to 12 months	After openingNot listed
Barbecue Saucehomemade, canned	Pantry9 to 12 months	After openingNot listed
Balsamic vinegar	Pantry3 to 5 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Anchoviescanned	Pantry5 years	After openingNot listed
Dairy Products & Eggs
Coffee creamerpowderedTip: Store in a dry, cool environment	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening2 to 3 months
Powdered milkTip: 3 - 5 year timetable based on cool temperatures, dark storage. May spoil as quickly as 3 months in hot temperatures.	Pantry3 to 5 years	After opening3 months
Nacho cheesestore bought	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Ghee	Pantry6 to 8 months	After openingNot listed
Grains, Beans & Pasta
Tortillasflour	Pantry3 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Beansdried	Pantry1 to 2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 year
Lentilsdried	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 year
Pastadry, without eggs	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 year
Dry egg noodles	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 to 2 months
Peasdried split	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 year
Ricewhite or wild	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 year
Ricebrown	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 year
Quinoauncooked	Pantry2 to 3 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Whole wheat breadhomemadeTip: May have shorter shelf life due to lack of preservatives.	Pantry3 to 5 days	After openingNot listed
Whole wheat breadcommercially baked & pre-sliced	Pantry3 to 5 days	After openingNot listed
Peanutsboiled, shelled	Pantry3 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Refried beans	Pantry3 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Tortillascorn	Pantry25 to 45 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Amaranthwhole grain	Pantry4 months	After openingNot listed
Barleywhole grain	Pantry6 months	After openingNot listed
Buckwheatwhole grain	Pantry2 months	After openingNot listed
Farrowhole grainTip: Benefits from being stored in airtight containers and out of direct light.	Pantry6 months	After openingNot listed
Milletwhole grain	Pantry2 months	After openingNot listed
Oatswhole grain	Pantry4 months	After openingNot listed
Ryewhole grain	Pantry6 months	After openingNot listed
Sorghumwhole grain	Pantry4 months	After openingNot listed
Speltwhole grain	Pantry6 months	After openingNot listed
Teffwhole grain	Pantry4 months	After openingNot listed
Bulgur	Pantry6 to 12 months	After openingNot listed
Mung beandry, food-grade bagsTip: Keep the beans in an airtight container as it’s imperative that they remain dry.	Pantry1 year	After openingNot listed
Mung beandry, vacuum-sealed	Pantry8 to 10 years	After openingNot listed
Meat: Shelf Stable Foods
Baconfully cooked	Pantry6 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Hamshelf-stable cans	Pantry6 to 9 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Jerkycommercially dried	Pantry12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Jerkyhomemade	Pantry1 to 2 months	After openingNot listed
Meat productscanned	Pantry5 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Meat: Smoked or Processed
Chorizosmoked and processed, cooked	Pantry1 year	After openingNot listed
Poultry: Shelf Stable Foods
Canned chicken	Pantry5 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Produce: Fresh Fruits
Apples	Pantry3 weeksfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
ApricotsTip: Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat.	PantryWhen Ripe	After openingNot listed
AvocadosTip: Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat.	PantryWhen Ripe	After openingNot listed
BananasTip: Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat.	PantryWhen Ripe	After openingNot listed
CherimoyaTip: Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat.	PantryWhen Ripe	After openingNot listed
Citrus fruitlemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, tangerines, clementines	Pantry10 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
CoconutshreddedTip: Applies to unopened coconut.	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Coconutsfresh	Pantry1 weekfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Dates	Pantry2 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Grapes	Pantry1 dayfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
GuavaTip: Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat. Note, these spoil quickly.	PantryWhen Ripe	After openingNot listed
Kiwi fruitTip: Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat.	PantryWhen Ripe	After openingNot listed
MelonsTip: Until Ripe, then 7 days. Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat.	PantryWhen Ripe	After openingNot listed
Papaya, mango, feijoa, passionfruit, casaha melon	Pantry3 to 5 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Peaches, nectarines, plums, pears, sapoteTip: Until Ripe, then 1-2 days. Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat.	PantryWhen Ripe	After openingNot listed
PineappleTip: Until Ripe, then 1-2 days. Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat.	PantryWhen Ripe	After openingNot listed
PlantainsTip: Until Ripe, then 1-2 days. Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat.	PantryWhen Ripe	After openingNot listed
Pomegranate	Pantry2 to 5 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
KumquatsTip: Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat.	PantryWhen Ripe	After openingNot listed
Star fruitTip: Or until ripe. Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat.	Pantry1 week	After openingNot listed
Prickly pearTip: Or until ripe. Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat.	Pantry2 to 5 days	After openingNot listed
Pitaya/dragon fruitTip: Or until ripe. Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat.	Pantry2 to 5 days	After openingNot listed
WatermelonTip: Or until ripe.	Pantry1 to 2 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
CantaloupeTip: Or until ripe.	Pantry2 to 4 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Honeydew	Pantry2 to 7 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Produce: Fresh Vegetables
Artichokes, whole	Pantry1 to 2 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Beets	Pantry1 dayfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Eggplant	Pantry1 dayfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
GarlicTip: Store unbroken bulbs in pantry.	Pantry1 monthfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Ginger root	Pantry2 to 5 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
OkraTip: Highly perishable when stored in the pantry.	Pantry1 dayfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Onionsyellow, white, red, etc.	Pantry1 monthfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Onionsspring or green	Pantry1 monthfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
PotatoesTip: This is the recommended storage method for whole potatoes.	Pantry1 to 2 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Pumpkins	Pantry2 to 3 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Rutabagas	Pantry1 weekfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Squashsummer and zucchini	Pantry1 to 5 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Squashwinter	Pantry2 to 6 weeksfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Tamarind	Pantry1 to 3 weeksfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Taro	Pantry7 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
TomatoesTip: Until Ripe, then 7 days. Ripe is when this item is tender, fully developed and ready to eat. Refrigeration may affect flavor; USDA recommends pantry storage.	PantryWhen Ripe	After openingNot listed
Yuca/cassava	Pantry7 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Yams/sweet potatoes	Pantry2 to 3 weeksfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Baby carrotsTip: below 75 °F	Pantry4 daysfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
JicamafreshTip: 1-2 weeks if inappropriately handled.	Pantry4 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Cilantro	Pantry1 to 2 weeks	After openingNot listed
Mint	Pantry1 to 2 weeks	After openingNot listed
Basildried	Pantry12 months	After openingNot listed
BasilfreshTip: Keep stems in water.	Pantry5 days	After openingNot listed
Oregano	Pantry1 to 2 weeks	After openingNot listed
Rosemary	Pantry1 to 2 weeks	After openingNot listed
Chives	Pantry1 to 2 weeks	After openingNot listed
Thyme	Pantry1 to 2 weeks	After openingNot listed
Spaghetti squashwhole	Pantry2 months	After openingNot listed
Cherry tomatoes	Pantry10 days	After openingNot listed
Shelf Stable Foods
Applesaucecommercial	Pantry12 to 18 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot Recommended
Bacon bitsimitation	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Canned goodslow acid (such as meat, poultry, fish, gravy, stew, soups, beans, carrots, corn, pasta, peas, potatoes, spinach)FoodKeeper has a further tip for this food about food safety, which this page leaves out; read it in the FoodKeeper app.	Pantry2 to 5 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot Recommended
Canned goodshigh acid (such as juices, fruit, pickles, sauerkraut, tomato soup, and foods in vinegar-based sauce)FoodKeeper has a further tip for this food about food safety, which this page leaves out; read it in the FoodKeeper app.	Pantry12 to 18 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot Recommended
Cerealready-to-eat	Pantry6 to 12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening2 to 3 months
Cerealcook before eating (oatmeal, etc.)	Pantry12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening6 to 12 months
Chocolate syrup	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot Recommended
Crackers	Pantry8 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 month
Graham cracker/animal cracker	Pantry6 to 9 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Fruits, driedraisins, apricots, mangoes, cranberries, etc.	Pantry6 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 month
Gummy (fruit) snacks	Pantry6 to 9 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Marshmallows	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 month
Marshmallow crème	Pantry2 to 5 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 month
Milkcanned evaporated or condensed	Pantry12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Molasses	Pantry1 to 2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening6 months
Mushroomsdried	Pantry1 to 2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening3 months
Nutsjars or cans	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After opening2 to 9 months
Peanut buttercommercial	Pantry6 to 24 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening2 to 3 months
Pectin	PantryPackage use-by date	After opening1 month
Popcorndry kernels in jar	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 year
Popcorncommercially popped in bags	Pantry2 to 3 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 to 2 weeks
Popcornmicrowave packetsTip: After opening time applies to prepared product.	Pantry6 to 12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 to 2 days
Potato chips	PantryPackage use-by date2 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 to 2 weeks
Potatoesinstant	Pantry10 to 15 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening6 to 12 months
Pretzels	Pantry4 to 9 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening3 weeks
Pudding mixes	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After opening3 to 4 months
Soup mixesdry bouillon	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 year
Sun dried tomatoesjar	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After opening3 to 6 months
Syrup	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Toaster pastries	Pantry6 to 12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening1 to 2 weeks
Fruit cocktailcanned	Pantry18 months	After openingNot listed
Almondsshell	Pantry6 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Almondsno shell	Pantry4 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Cashewsno shell	Pantry2 to 4 weeksfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Macadamiasno shell	Pantry2 to 4 weeksfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Peanutsshell	Pantry4 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Peanutsno shell	Pantry4 weeksfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Pecansshell	Pantry2 to 4 weeksfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Pecansno shell	Pantry2 to 4 weeksfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Pistachiosshell or no shell	Pantry3 weeksfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Walnutsshell or no shell	Pantry2 to 4 weeksfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Coconut oil	Pantry3 years	After openingNot listed
Dry stuffing mixcommercially packagedTip: Do not refrigerate.	Pantry9 to 12 months	After openingNot listed
Almond butterTip: When stored in the pantry, almond butter may become hard and the natural oil may separate and float to the top; this is perfectly normal. To reincorporate the natural almond oils into the almond butter, simply mix it manually or with a hand mixer.	Pantry1 year	After openingNot listed
Cashew butterTip: Does not need to be refrigerated.	Pantry3 months	After openingNot listed
Salttable, plain, or iodized	PantryIndefinitely	After openingNot listed
Black pepperground, dried, commercially bottled or purchased in bulk	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Black peppercracked, dried, commercially bottled or purchased in bulk	Pantry2 to 3 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Cajun seasoning blendground, dried, commercially bottled or purchased in bulk	Pantry1 to 2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Cinnamonground, dried, commercially bottled or purchased in bulk	Pantry3 to 4 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Cuminground, dried, commercially bottled or purchased in bulk, opened or unopened	Pantry3 to 4 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Garlic powderdried, commercially bottled or purchased in bulk	Pantry3 to 4 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Onion powderdried, commercially bottled or purchased in bulk	Pantry3 to 4 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Nutmegground, dried, commercially bottled or purchased in bulk	Pantry3 to 4 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Peanut buttercommercially produced, containing hydrogenated fat or other stabilizers	Pantry6 to 9 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening2 to 3 months
Tomato paste	Pantry27 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Tapenade	Pantry9 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Flaxseedwhole seed	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Canola oil	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Almond oil	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Sunflower oil	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Grapeseed oil	Pantry1 yearfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
"Genuine" Maple syrupunopened, glass	Pantry4 years	After openingNot listed
"Genuine" Maple syrupunopened, plastic	Pantry2 years	After openingNot listed
Granola	Pantry6 to 9 months	After openingNot listed
Pork rindsTip: From date of manufacturer.	Pantry4 months	After openingNot listed
Chia seeds	Pantry18 months	After openingNot listed
Coconut creamcanned	Pantry2 to 5 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Coconut milkcanned	Pantry2 to 5 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Pumpkin seedsraw, no shell	Pantry6 months	After openingNot listed
Pumpkin seedsraw, in-shell	Pantry6 months	After openingNot listed
Pumpkin seedsroasted, no-shell	Pantry6 months	After openingNot listed
Pumpkin seedsroasted, in-shell	Pantry6 months	After openingNot listed
Sunflower seedsraw, unsalted, no shell	Pantry12 months	After openingNot listed
Sunflower seedsroasted, no shellTip: The (roasted) seeds will become rancid if stored at room temperature for long periods of time.	Pantry12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After opening3 to 4 months
Sunflower seedsroasted, salted, in shellTip: The (roasted) seeds will become rancid if stored at room temperature for long periods of time.	PantryPackage use-by datefrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Sesame oil	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening6 months
Sesame seeds	Pantry5 years	After openingNot listed
Capersin jar	PantryPackage use-by date	After openingNot listed
Chocolate hazlenut spreadTip: For best quality, do not refrigerate or microwave.	PantryPackage use-by date	After openingNot listed
Roasted nuts (peanuts, cashews, almonds)	PantryPackage use-by datefrom the date of purchase	After opening1 to 2 weeks
Tunapacket	Pantry18 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Tunacanned	Pantry3 years	After openingNot listed
Seafoodcanned	Pantry1 year	After openingNot listed
Gritsboxed	Pantry12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Beetspickled	Pantry1 year	After openingNot listed
Edamamesalted, dry roasted, out of pod	Pantry12 months	After openingNot listed
Breadcrumbscommercial	Pantry6 months	After openingNot listed
Milkshelf-stable	Pantry6 to 12 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Corn syrupTip: Keep tightly covered; refrigerate to extend storage life.	Pantry3 years	After openingNot listed
Nutrition supplement drinksbottled	PantryPackage use-by date	After openingNot listed
Instant breakfast drinksbottled	Pantry6 months	After openingNot listed
Pine nuts	Pantry2 to 3 weeks	After openingNot listed
Polentashelf-stable	PantryPackage use-by date	After openingNot listed
Cereal or granola bars	Pantry6 to 12 months	After openingNot listed
Avocado Oil	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening6 months
Basebeef, vegetableTip: Refrigerate after opening.	PantryPackage use-by date	After openingNot listed
Croutons	Pantry5 to 6 months	After openingNot listed
Mustarddried, ground	Pantry6 months	After openingNot listed
Vegetarian Proteins
Soy flourfull-fat	Pantry2 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed
Textured soy protein(TSP)	Pantry2 yearsfrom the date of purchase	After opening3 to 4 months
Re-hydrated textured soy protein(TSP)	Pantry3 to 4 monthsfrom the date of purchase	After openingNot listed

Times as FSIS publishes them in FoodKeeper Data version 128 (September 6, 2018); names and tips are the dataset's own words.

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What FoodKeeper is

FoodKeeper is USDA's food storage guidance, published as an app and as open data. It was developed by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) with Cornell University and the Food Marketing Institute, and FoodSafety.gov runs it as the FoodKeeper app, which it says will help you "maximize the freshness and quality of items".

FSIS publishes the records behind the app as FoodKeeper Data on data.gov. Each food has fields for the pantry, the refrigerator and the freezer. This lookup takes only the pantry fields; for the fridge and freezer, the food storage time lookup carries the FoodSafety.gov cold storage chart for meat, poultry, fish and eggs.

How to read the three pantry times

FoodKeeper Data has three separate pantry fields, and the lookup keeps them apart rather than merging them into one "shelf life" number.

Where FoodKeeper gives a word instead of a time, the lookup shows the word: "Indefinitely" for salt, granulated sugar and hard liquor, "Not Recommended" for opened canned goods kept in the pantry, "When Ripe" for bananas and avocados, and "Package use-by date" for items such as pectin and tomato sauce in jars. Where it gives nothing for a case, the cell reads "Not listed" rather than borrowing a time from somewhere else.

Pantry shelf life of common staples

FoodKeeper's pantry times for the staples most people keep, from the dataset:

Granulated, brown and confectioners sugar read "Indefinitely" in the pantry and 18 to 24 months after opening, with FoodKeeper's tip: "Sugar never spoils, but for best quality use within 2 years of opening." Low-acid cans are things like meat, soups, beans, corn and potatoes; high-acid cans are juices, fruit, pickles, sauerkraut and tomato soup, in FoodKeeper's own examples. The canned food shelf life article covers can codes and damaged cans.

Two things in the data catch people out. FoodKeeper lists whole wheat flour twice, with different answers: 3 to 6 months from the date of purchase under "Flour, whole wheat", and 12 months under a second entry, "Whole wheat flour", with no starting point. The lookup shows both rather than picking one, and the shorter one is the cautious reading. And for several foods the time after opening is as long as the time before it (spices, dried herbs, brown rice), so opening the jar doesn't shorten FoodKeeper's window at all. Neither time means the food changes on the last day; it's the window FoodKeeper gives for the food at its best.

What the times are, and what they are not

FoodKeeper's pantry times are storage guidance for quality, for food kept in a cool, dry cupboard. FoodSafety.gov presents them under the heading "For freshness and quality", and several of the dataset's own tips say the same thing in their own words ("for best quality use within 2 years of opening").

This lookup does not say whether a particular jar or bag in your kitchen can be eaten, and it can't: it has no idea how warm your cupboard gets, whether the bag was left open, or what the label says. For the date printed on the package, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service says "Manufacturers provide dating to help consumers and retailers decide when food is of best quality," and best before vs use by vs sell by explains what each label phrase means.

A few of FoodKeeper's tips go further than storage and make a statement about safety, for example about canned goods and shelf-stable condiments. This page does not repeat statements of that kind; those foods say that FoodKeeper has a further tip and link to the app, where you can read it in full.

Where the data comes from

The times come from FSIS's FoodKeeper Data file, published on data.gov, read by a script rather than typed:

1. The script downloads FSIS's JSON file and reads its current version. On 26 September 2026 that was version 128, dated 6 September 2018; the lookup prints the version and date under every result.
2. It keeps every food with at least one pantry field and drops foods that have only fridge or freezer times. Butter and the baby foods, which have a pantry tip but no pantry time, are left out.
3. It keeps the dataset's names, subtitles, categories and tips as written, and rewrites only the duration fields ("6 - 12 Months" becomes "6 to 12 months").
4. It leaves out any tip that makes a safety statement, and marks the food so the page can say so.

We compared the result with the records FoodSafety.gov's FoodKeeper app loads today, food by food: the names, pantry times and pantry tips match version 128 exactly. The tests behind the lookup check a sample of foods against what the app shows, so a mistake in reading the file fails before it reaches the page.

Keeping track of your own jars

A storage time only helps if you know when the jar arrived and when you opened it. Writing the month on the lid with a marker when you open flour, oil or peanut butter is the cheapest habit there is, and it turns the "after opening" column into something you can use.

The rest is organization. How to organize a pantry covers zones, first in, first out and the containers worth buying; pantry moths covers the pests that find flour and rice long before any date does; and the pantry staples list is a printable checklist of what to keep in stock.

Common questions

How long does flour last in the pantry?

USDA's FoodKeeper gives white flour 6 to 12 months in the pantry from the date of purchase and 6 to 8 months after opening. For whole wheat flour it has two entries, 3 to 6 months from the date of purchase and 12 months, and flours such as rye, spelt and buckwheat get 1 to 3 months.

How long do spices last?

FoodKeeper gives whole spices 3 to 4 years and ground spices 2 to 3 years in the pantry, both from the date of purchase and after opening. Dried herbs get 1 to 2 years. Spices fade in flavor rather than changing overnight, so an old jar of cumin mostly tastes of less.

How long does rice last in the pantry?

FoodKeeper gives white or wild rice 2 years in the pantry from the date of purchase and 1 year after opening. Brown rice gets 1 year either way.

How long does peanut butter last after opening?

FoodKeeper gives commercial peanut butter 2 to 3 months in the pantry after opening, and 6 to 24 months from the date of purchase before opening. Peanut butter made with hydrogenated fat or other stabilizers gets 6 to 9 months unopened and the same 2 to 3 months opened.

Do these times start from the date on the package?

No. FoodKeeper states its pantry times as time in the pantry, from the date of purchase or after opening, except for a few foods where its answer is simply "Package use-by date". The printed date is the manufacturer's; FSIS says those dates are about best quality, and the lookup does not combine the two.

Why is my food not in the list?

FoodKeeper gives many foods only fridge or freezer times: fresh meat, dairy, eggs and most fresh vegetables among them. The food storage time lookup covers the fridge and freezer for meat, poultry, fish and eggs. The lookup also matches whole words and the start of words, so a plainer word ("flour" rather than "all purpose flour") often finds more.

Is anything I type saved?

No. The lookup runs in the page, the search box never leaves your browser, and Duneed stores nothing from it. The only thing the page can share is a link you copy yourself.