Gourmet Lady Blog

Shelf Life

Here are some useful shelf life limits for various pantry items - for UNOPENED products.

Low-acid canned goods (beans, carrots, corn, peas, soups, stews):  2-5 years

Vinegar, dry pasta:  2 years

Chopped or minced garlic:  18 months

Olives, high-acid canned goods (juices, fruit, pickles, tomaotes, and foods in vinegar-based sauces):  12-18 months

Maple syrup, salsa, chutney, sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, jarred or canned nuts:  12 months

Olive or vegetable oils; dried mushrooms:  6 months

Thank you to Cooking Light (May 2006) for this info.