Shelf Life

Hi Steve,
The recommended shelf life for MREs is 7 years just because of the type of packaging they’re stored in. It will be good for 7 years if they are not in fluctuating temperatures (extreme hot to extreme cold) and stored in a cool dark place. This is the recommended. To learn more about MRE shelf life, check out this article http://beprepared.com/insight/3496/mre-meal-ready-to-eat-shelf-life/. In this article, you’ll see that there may be some salvage to MREs over 20 years old. But check out what the article has to say about that. To stay on the safe side, rotate them every 7 years.

First- the above is a valid e-mail address.

Now to my question- Is there any salvage to MREs that are over 20 years old?

Hi Susan,
Yes, both the #10 cans and metallized bags with oxygen absorbers placed in pails will have the same shelf life if stored in the right conditions.

Melinda,
I am sorry this happened to you after only having the product for such a short time. Please call our customer service line at 1-800-999-1863 for further assistance. They will be able to help you.
-Angela

I have both the #10 cans and have used the metallized bags with oxygen absorbers and placed in the pails. Do they both have the same shelf life? If placed in the right conditions. Thank you

Hi Kathie,

Thanks for your comment. The shelf life for your baking powder is 20+ years if stored in proper conditions (not exposed to light, oxygen, moisture, and excessive temperature changes—really hot or really cold areas).In order to prolong the freshness of your product, store it in a metalized bag found here: http://beprepared.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=metalized+bag&sc=BLOG&oc=BP0001B1038 after opening.

Angela

Hi Michael,

The shelf life of the low fat granola is 20+ years.Since you are storing your granola in 60 degrees with low humidity and no light, it should last for this time frame. However, if you would like to ensure the freshness of the granola, you’ll want to store it in a metallized bag inside of your #10 can. This acts as an extra layer of protection and will help it to preserve its freshness a bit longer.

Angela

Could you tell me what the shelf life of your baking powder is? Thank you.

What is the approximate shelf life of the low fat granola, assuming it is stored in the correct environment (60 degrees with low humidity and no light). Thank you!

Hi Mary,
Thanks for your question. Over time food can decrease in both nutrition and taste, but the shelf life that we give to products takes taste into consideration as well. We recommend storing your dried milk, butter and cheese cool and dry (your temperature is great) and plan on using within 20 years. Dried eggs are best to use within 7 years. Within that time frame your food should retain much of its nutrients and most of its flavor. In fact, we talk with customers on a regular basis who are surprised when they try their older food and tastes just like fresh product. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

Sincerely,
Scotty
Emergency Essentials
www.beprepared.com
1-800-999-1863

Hi,

I have a large supply of milk in the pails. It has never been opened. I have placed a thermometer in my food pantry in the basement and it consistently reads 65 degrees. McGovern this temp., how long do you think my milk, butter, cheese, and egg products will be very tasty?

Hi Jeff,
The Shelf Life article talks about the enemies of food storage: oxygen, light, moisture, and temperature. So making sure your rice is stored in a cool, dry, dark air will help to preserve it in the long run. Also, storing your rice in a metallized bag like this http://beprepared.com/metallized-liner-for-buckets.html?&sc=BLOG&oc=BP0001B933 and putting that bag into your five gallon bucket will add an extra layer of protection to your rice as well.

Angela

I have a 25lb bag of rice in an enclosed 5 gal. storage container. what is the best and safest way to not have it spoil.. Tnx Jeff

Hi Linnie,

Under best circumstances, the shelf life on our Apple and Orange drink mixes is 20 plus years (that’s if stored in a cool, dry place with a constant cool temperature). In answer to your second question, our Orange, Peach, and Grape drink mixes do not contain aspartame. Our Creamy Select drink mixes do contain aspartame. Hope this answers your question.

Angela

2 questions for you today! :)

1). What is the shelf life (under best circumstances) for the Apple & Orange Drink Mixes?

2). Do you make any of the drink mixes without artificial sweeteners (like Aspartame)?

Thanks!

Hi Greg,
As we know, temperature does play a major role in the longevity of food. Extreme changes in temperature may have the most impact. For example, here in Utah (where EE is located) outside would be the worst place to store food. We have temperatures well below freezing in the winter months and in the summer it can be over 100 degrees. Extreme temperature like 110 degree weather is bad, but it is temperature fluctuation that makes the food’s nutrition and quality decrease drastically (freezing and thawing breaks down the food’s cell structure). So if fluctuation is occurring with the temperature of your food, all bets, my friend, may in fact be off. To see how temperature affects food, view the chart on MRE’s found at: http://beprepared.com/insight/3496/meals-ready-to-eat-mres/ Even though this chart is for MRE’s, it gives you an idea of how a high temperature can decrease shelf life significantly. Hope this helps!

Angela

Rosa,

Thanks for your comment. Yes, many do create a food storage room or pantry in their basement (or similar area) because the temperature is typically a cool and constant temperature which is ideal for long-term storage. Humidity is actually only a problem once the can has been opened. We always advertise and recommend cool and dry because humidity is a major factor, but really only after the product has been opened. Our cans are metalized and enamelized to help prevent rust and to protect your food until it has been opened. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call us at 1-800-999-1863. Thanks.

Hi Bryan,

Sorry it has taken me some time to respond. Thanks for your patience. The reason why these new pancake mixes do not have egg is because we switched suppliers and the recipe changed. So it was a change in recipe and not purposefully done to extend the shelf life. However, one of our product specialist has researched and found that not having dairy or eggs in a mix can extend the shelf life to 20+ years (of course, this is when stored in cool, dry conditions). Through our time in the industry, we’ve found that the life of baking mixes, even with dried eggs in the ingredients are storing for longer periods of time than we originally thought ourselves (we originally said 5-7 years, but have tested and found out otherwise). So in answer to your question, we suggest to keep food stored below 75 degrees (we generally recommend to store at 60 degrees or cooler). I would recommend a sooner rotation date. I would suggest closer to 15 years. Studies show that a 10 degree increase can affect the life substantially.

Angela

I have read much about the expected shelf/life sustaining lifespan when stored under the appropriate conditions. Is there a relative correlation when stored above ideal conditions. If the packages are stored in a place (outside) that reaches 110 degrees in the summertime can we expect half of the expected shelf life? Or are all bets off?

I am new to food storage and wonder if people create food storage rooms in their basement to create the best possible environment? I understand the need to keep low moisture but in the summer with the AC on, I have to run a dehumidifier in the basement. Any suggestions?

I noticed the new pancake mixes, blueberry and apple cinnamon, do not contain egg product, apparently at the expense of the amount of protein per serving. Was this done to extend the life of the product? I have 10 cans of the Six Grain Pancake Mix which contains buttermilk powder and whole egg powder. It has always been stored year round at 75 degrees. Should I be concerned about it shelf life?

Thanks,

Bryan

Your Peanut Butter Powder will last up to 20+ years if it is unopened and stored in proper conditions (protected from light, oxygen, moisture, and extreme temperatures—too hot or too cold). Once the container is opened, you’ll want to follow the instructions found at: http://beprepared.com/blog/635/how-long-does-dehydrated-or-freeze-dried-food-last-after-opening/ to ensure freshness. But the instructions on the can say that when reconstituting you use oil to get the familiar peanut butter texture. Once it has been reconstituted with oil, we recommend keeping it refrigerated for best freshness. Use it within one to two weeks. Since it does not have any additives or preservatives (even salt) to help extend the life of the product on the shelf, this is why we say to refrigerate. Hope this helps!

—Angela

Could you please tell me the shelf life of the Provident Pantry peanut butter?

Earlier this year I spoke with a USDA supervisor about shelf life because claims vary so much from one food storage company to another. He stated that any shelf life claim beyond 2 or 3 (can’t remember which) years is not regulated due to difficulty and cost of determining it. He said huge companies like Hershey’s will spend enormous amounts of time and money just to determine their cocoa powder will keep good taste for at least 3 years, then set the best by date 6 months earlier. He said multiple ingredient items are much harder to figure out because over the course of years ingredients interact. Based on what the USDA supervisor said and the impression he was conveying, setting a definite shelf life many years out is mostly about marketing in the food storage industry and says little about real life usability that far out under real life conditions.

I personally appreciate how Emergency Essentials explains it above.

Hi Kaya,
Sorry that it took me a while to respond. I wanted to make sure I was finding the right info for you. The sales associate you spoke with was correct, temperature does play a role in effecting the shelf life of your food storage. Ideally, you want to store items in an area that won’t get extremely hot. Also, as the Shelf Life article suggests, oxygen, moisture, light, and temperature all play a role in effecting the shelf life of your food. Protecting food storage against these elements creates ideal conditions to maintain the shelf life of the food. In ideal conditions, your food is safe to eat for up to 25-30 years. However, naturally, over the years, the food may lose some of its crisp flavoring, as is true of any food be it food storage or not. But this does not mean that the food is not good to eat. So it all comes down to storage conditions. Food Storage foods containing dairy or egg will be effected just the same as any other food storage products if they are not stored in ideal conditions. So it all comes down to storage conditions—if the food storage items containing egg and milk are not stored in ideal conditions (if moisture gets into it after opening, if we don’t seal the container tightly and air gets in, if it’s in a hot environment, etc.) those foods can/will be effected just the same as scrambled eggs and milk over time.
Angela

Hi Angela, I purchased the 1year supply containing egg power, scrambled eggs , scrambled eggs with ham and bacon, milk, ice cream,etc. At that time, both the site and catalog would certainly lead one believe that the 25 year shelf life would mean 25 years. When I placed the order I asked the sales associate and was told that in steady "ideal"temps of around 60 degrees,the shelf life would indeed be 25-30 years. There was never a mention of anything effecting shelf life than the temp and light.Now , years later, i find as for the foods mentioned above, this is not the case. Since many of the meals contain egg and milk why are they not effected as well ? Thanks,Kaya

Hi again, Beth!
The stamped numbers on the bottom of our stainless steel #10 cans are production codes for the product. They do not relate to shelf life and do not indicate a “best by” date.
-Angela

Hi Beth!

Your Pork Crumbles can store for 25-30 years if they are stored at room temperature (70 degrees like you have them at currently) and are protected from light, oxygen, and moisture. Your food can last this long in these conditions because they are packaged for long term storage. With the Chicken n Noodles, the noodles in the pack are most likely dehydrated (and this is not a bad thing! some foods like noodles store better when dehydrated than freeze dried.) Depending on the type of packaging and also on protection from temperature, light, oxygen, and moisture your chicken n noodles can last for up to 25-30 years in a stainless steel can or for about 7 years in a metallized pouch like our Mountain house pouches. Storing the chicken n noodles in a #10 can will help it last for 25-30 years. Hope this helps!

-Angela

Can you tell me how to read the numbers stamped on the bottom of the #10 cans? I thought there would be a "best by" date but can’t figure it out.

What’s the actual storage life of pork crumbles if kept under 70 degrees. I was thinking everything was 25-30 years then just read scrambled egg mix (whole egg powder?) was much lower so am planning 10 years on that, so now am concerned on the pork. I also bought chicken n noodles so is that 25 yrs or not?

Jack, No problem. I’m glad I could help.

Angela, thanks for your answers and the info on your food storage page. I found them to be honest and they have helped me.

Hello…Could you please clarify if your products clearly state the expected shelf life or not? Thanks…

Charlene

I think Emergency Essentials is being as honest as possible on the shelf life of the products. All my cans except the milk does state a specific shelf life and no matter if you purchase from another company solely because the list the shelf life on their website doesn’t mean theirs is the best. It means they are telling you what you want to hear. If you aren’t going to or simply can’t store the food in the temperatures and containers recommended then it doesn’t matter where you buy the food from. We’re talking 20-30 years here so give them a break.Even.if you got 18 years out of it that’s great. I mean come on if in 29 years you opened a can and thought it didn’t taste as fresh as you expected what are you going to do..ask for a refund or sue them??? Just treat the milk and egg products as if you know they may not last as long as the other items..

Hi, Glenda!
I checked with our product expert Tim, and here’s what he had to say:
“Butter is more susceptible to aging by warm temperatures. Its shelf life will be shorter than most foods due to its high fat content. Achieving a 20-30 year shelf life therefore is much more challenging and requires cooler temperatures than most other foods. I would target a shelf life of 5-10 years for this product unless it has a designated cold storage room that stays consistently below 70 degrees year round with little temperature fluctuation.”
I hope that helps!
—Sarah

Hi, Billy.
The whole egg powder has a shorter shelf life than many of the other FD or DH products. I spoke with one of our product experts, who told me that whole egg powder is one of the most sensitive items to heat, moisture, and oxygen. It will last longer at tempteratures of 60* F or lower, but ultimately does have a shorter shelf life than something like wheat or freeze dried vegetables/fruit.
He also told me that the food science department at Brigham Young University tested whole egg powder some years ago and found that egg powder stored for 18 years was rated quite poorly by testers. So we suggest rotating whole egg powder much more frequently than that.
I know it’s not a precise time frame, but the most honest and accurate answer we can give based on testing that we’re aware of. I hope it helps! Please let me know if you have other questions. —Sarah

I agree with Billy Newport. I will be purchasing my LTS food from a company that clearly states the expected shelf life.

I am especially interested in clarified butter storage life. One website says 5 years, another says indefinitely.

The whole egg powder cans, whats the shelf life? I really miss having the shelf life of everything right there on the web page BTW, it’s a serious problem with the new site.

Hi, CLC. That depends on a handful of factors, so it’s difficult to give an exact time frame.
If you open a can of food and aren’t planning to use it all immediately, here are our suggestions for maximizing the shelf life:
1) Pour the unused contents into a zip-top bag and remove as much air as possible. This will help protect the food from oxygen and moisture.
2) Return the bagged contents into the can. This will protect against light and pests.

Ultimately the shelf life will also depend on the humidity in the air; open cans will last longer in Utah or Arizona than they will in Louisiana or Texas, just based on the humidity levels. In a dry climate, some foods can store up to one year once they’re opened if they’re protected from moisture, oxygen, light, and pests. In humid climates, some may only last several weeks or a few months.

If you have a FoodSaver-type machine that vacuum-seals foods, you could repackage your food with an oxygen absorber inside and put it back in the can—that would help extend the shelf life even further.

I hope that helps! —Sarah

Once the sealed cans are open, how long are the products good for?

Hi, AF.
Baking mixes tend to be much more susceptible to shelf life inhibitors (moisture, oxygen, and temperature), so they tend not to last as long. I’m afraid I don’t have a precise figure, but they can last many years when kept cool all of the time. Customers who live in warmer states that turn off their air conditioning in their home when on vacation have found bulging cans of baking mixes because the yeast/leavening became activated by the increase in temperature, whereas other foods are more resilient.

The 25 year mark can still be achieved, but it takes much more care for baking mixes.

I hope that helps!
—Sarah

I’d like to know what is the shelf life of the Butter Powder packed in #10 cans (2 lb. 4 oz. size)? Thanks.

What is the shelf life of Provident Pantry® Buttermilk Biscuit Mix – 54 oz?

Jean,
Thanks for the tip. Have you tried this method out?
Angela

I appreciate your comments to readers about shelf life. However, I strongly believe shipping temperatures have an effect on shelf life though this concern is largely outside of your control. I always wonder how many years I have to take off of shelf-life for the potential three+-day summertime shipment, when purchases may bake at 120 degrees F in a semi-trailer before arriving at my house. I also realize that this heat problem is too complicated to comment upon, because if the shipping days were cloudy, then many items would not overheat; and if the boxes I ordered were under other boxes they would be partially insulated in a hot trailer.

I believe your Co. philosophy. But my budget requires that I accumulate over a two-year period to have enough for a 3-6 month emergency food household supply prior to beginning to eat from that supply and rotate items. So, at any given point in my emergency storage supply my stuff is already up to 3 years old, or longer (depending upon how long it may sit in your storage area).

Can customers request (and purchase) that canned products be wrapped in heat reflecting foil wraps, within the box, prior to shipment in order to minimize heat during shipping? I would appreciate any comment your experts may share on how shipment heat affects shelf-life and strategies that may moderate that concern. I would order more product and faster if I could resolve this issue. What I do now, instead, is dehydrate as much foods as I am able during summer by growing my own, or going to Farmer Markets.

I read this somewhere on the internet……Popcorn has a lot of natural moisture inside its kernel. When you heat up the kernels, the moisture that’s trapped inside bursts open and creates fluffy white ‘popped corn’.

Sometimes kernels of popcorn seem to lose their ability to pop. This is because they are losing their natural moisture. To fix this we need to restore the moisture into the kernels The easiest way to rehydrate the kernels is to take a jar or ziplock bag the popcorn. Add some water to it. You should add about one tablespoon of water to every three cups of dry popcorn. The popcorn and water need to sit for a few days so the water can be absorbed. Make sure that during those few days you shake the jar or bag periodically. After 2 or three days the moisture should be absorbed and the popcorn should be ready to use and will pop like a newly opened container.

I have several of the Mountain House bagged meals. Let’s take one for example: the Rice and Chicken meal. I store them in my basement (humidity controlled and about 65 degrees). If I take a bag of this meal with me on a backpacking trip, in hot weather, how long would I expect it to be good to eat? Would the heat degrade it within a couple weeks?

Linda,
This is a good idea for a blog post, I will pass it on. A couple of signs to tell if your food has gone bad are that it has a strong smell (that is NOT appealing), the can may be bulging (looks bloated), the food itself is discolored (for instance, we were making recipes using zucchhini and it was so old that it was brown—don’t worry, we requested a new can!), and the taste (the flavoring is off, or non-existent).
Angela

Jenn,
Thanks for bringing this up. The main reason we said that our popcorn can last for up to 30 years is because the main reason that we sell popcorn for long-term storage is for grinding and creating corn meal, not necessarily for popping. Thank you for telling us about the 5 year issue with for popping corn. We will look into testing this with our own products. In the mean time, has anyone else found that they’ve had a similar issue with popcorn?
Angela

I’ve read a lot here about shelf life but I see nothing about "how to tell when it’s gone bad/should it be thrown away?" Any guidelines for this?