Buy in bulk when pantry staples go on sale, and always keep an ample supply on hand. It will allow you to make fewer trips to the store and therefore save you money. For those staple foods that don't provide an expiration date on the can or package, use the following recommended storage time.
Stockpile these items that will keep indefinitely.
Baking Soda
To test it, pour a slight amount in your hand and add a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar. If it fizzes it is still good.Canned Fruits and Vegetables
For best nutritional, flavor, and color, use within two years.Cooking Oil, Corn Syrup, Cornstarch
If it shows signs of mold or fermentation throw it out.Dried Pasta, Flour, Meal, and Dried Cereals
For best nutrition and flavor use within a year.Jams, Jellies and Preserves
Use within two years for best flavor and color.Mustard and Mayonnaise, Pickles, and Relishes
For best flavor use within two years.Sugar and Salt
These will last almost forever. If it hardens put it in the oven with a pan of water and heat on low until it softens.Vinegar
Almost forever, sediment or change in color won't affect the quality.Baking Chocolate
Two years, if it turns white on the outside it is drying out.Baking Powder
About two years, to test it, dissolves a teaspoon in a quarter cup hot water, if it bubbles within a few seconds, its fine.Canned Tuna
Two years for water packed, and three years for oil packed.Dried Herbs
Two years. Old herbs won't hurt you. They just won't be as flavorful.Dried Beans
Two years.Nuts
Six months in the pantry, two years in the freezer.Peanut Butter
One year.Rice
Two years.Spices
Four to 5 years for whole spice, 2 to 3 for ground spice.Vanilla and Other Extracts
Four years.
Most of these items won't hurt you after the recommended time, but they might be ineffective. If you are not sure, call the manufacture's consumer-relation department for help in figuring out whether it's usable. Moldy food should always be discarded. Never taste a food that looks peculiar or smells bad.
