Ever wondered about the shelf life of different items in your long term food storage? Sure, you have. Well, let’s look at the shelf life of canned goods, dried foods, and other goods.

Now, if you have freeze dried food that is still in the factory packaging, such as No. 10 cans, then you don’t have to worry. Tests have shown that Mountain House Freeze Dried Food in No. 10 Cans can have a shelf life that exceeds 30 years. However, other foods are different.

For purposes of our discussion, we will assume that the temperature of the storage area is 70 deg F. Also, these are somewhat conservative estimates, meaning safe estimates.

Canned goods that are unopened will store for 12 months or longer.

Canned fruit juices that are unopened will store for 9 months.

Dried fruits in an airtight container will store for 6 months.

Dried vegetables in an airtight container will store for 1 year.

Dehydrated vegetable flakes will store for 6 months. You may need to refrigerate this one.

Grated Parmesan Cheese will store for 10 months.

Meat substitutes (imitation bacon, etc.) will store for 4 months.

Peanut Butter, unopened will store for 6 to 9 months, opened for 2 to 3 months.

Popcorn will store for 2 years.

Powdered Breakfast Mixes will store for 6 months.

Whole Spices will store for 1 to 2 years.

Ground Spices will store for 6 months.

Herbs will store for 6 months.

Herb/Spice Blends will store for 6 months.

Dry Yeast has an expiration on the package. However, I have stored yeast in the freezer for a couple years or more with no problems.