How Long To Keep It | Cooking from Scratch from Foodie Mama, a Foodie Mom Social Network

Home

Edit Articles

How Long To Keep It

Tips and Advice - Cooking from Scratch

Written by Maureen Wood

Have you ever gone into your pantry and opened up a container or package and wonder if it is still good? Companies are getting better at marking expiration dates on their products, if only they would make them bigger so we can read them. But what happens when you remove a product from the packaging and put it in one of your own containers?

You are not alone in wondering how long to keep the basics of your pantry. Here is a general rule of thumb for how long to keep some of our most common pantry items:

Flour

If you are slow to use flour, it should be removed from packaging to prevent the introduction of crawly things. Put it in an air tight container and store in the cool section of your pantry or on the counter away from the stove and out of the sun. In general, flour is fresh for six to eight months. It is still usable up to a year but you may not get the best results for finicky cakes and breads.

Sugar

It needs to be stored in an air tight container to keep it from going hard but otherwise sugar doesn't go bad. Both brown and white sugar should be stored in a cool dark place. Storing it in an air tight container also keeps critters from being attracted to it. Sugar substitutes however are only good for a few years.

Cornmeal

Store it in an air tight container in a cool dry place for up to one year. This prevents mold from developing and critters from making a home where they don't belong. A friend of mine stores hers in the refrigerator but I've never done this. If it's in a storage container, it's fine. Fridge space is at a premium as it is.

Oatmeal

Whether it is large flake or ground oatmeal it should be stored in an air tight container and used within a year.

Rice

White rice is good for a year when stored in an air tight container and brown rice needs to be used within eight months.

Baking Powder

Store it in an air tight container in a cool spot. Be careful of counter lights which can heat up the inside of the cupboard and ruin the baking powder. Once opened, baking powder is good for three months so if you don't do a lot of baking you might want to think small.

Baking Soda

People always think of baking soda as indestructible but once it is opened it is only fresh for six months. If you are using it for air freshness in freezers, fridges or rooms then change the box every three months.

Ground Spices

They are freshest when used within three months but are useable up to a year.

Yeast

It never fails when I go to use the yeast it is expired. It needs to be stored in an air tight container in the fridge. Mine is usually in the door. Once the date on it expires it needs to be replaced. I have used expired yeast with unpredictable results. Fresh is best.

Peanut Butter

This is probably one of the most used items in our house on a daily basis. Once it has been opened it should be consumed in less than three months. So if you don't eat a lot of peanut butter, purchase the mini containers to avoid waste.

Molasses / Honey

It should be stored in a cool place with a tight resealable lid. If it turns hard it doesn't mean it is bad. It can be warmed up in the microwave or by sitting in a pan of warm water (safer). They are good for up to one year unopened and six months opened. Wipe dribbles off to avoid attracting critters.

Labeling is a Good Habit

A good habit to get into when you open a new package or refill a container with fresh product is to attach a sticky note with the date of entry. Keep a black Sharpie and cut up stickies (printable address labels work well) in a mini basket in the pantry so they are accessible. Or if it is a disposable container then write right on the top.

My Favorite Storage Containers

I will probably never use another container for my dry products. They are pricey but I've had them forever. Tupperware™. I swear by them for keeping freshness and long term durability.

Now you know the basics of storing your basic pantry items. Feel free to add more storage ideas and recommendations in the comments below.

Photo of sticky label, copyright M.E. Wood

M. E. Wood lives in Eastern Ontario, Canada. If you are going to find this eclectic reader and writer anywhere it is probably at her computer. For more information visit her Squidoo Who page.