How Long Should You Store Your Pantry Staples?

Never make a mistake again when it comes to buying and storing food items properly with this easy guide:

 

All-purpose cream
Store: Store in the refrigerator.
Shelf life: 1 to 2 weeks in refrigerator

 

Baking powder
Store: Transfer to an airtight container and keep in a cool, dry place.
Shelf life: 11/2 years. To test if baking powder is still active, place 1/2 teaspoon in 1/4 cup boiling hot water. It should bubble up if it's still good.

 

Baking soda
Store: Transfer to an airtight container and keep in a cool, dry place.
Shelf life: 2 years. To test if baking soda is still active, pour a few drops of vinegar into ¼ teaspoon baking soda. It should bubble up if it's still good.

 

Bottled Salad dressings
Store: Keep unopened bottles in a cool, dry place. Once opened, put in the refrigerator.
Shelf life: 1 to 3 months in refrigerator

 

Bread
Store: Do not refrigerate; keep bread at room temperature. If not consuming immediately, wrap bread tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer.
Shelf life: 3 to 5 days; 2 to 3 months in freezer


Butter
Store: Wrap tightly and place in the refrigerator. If not using immediately, store in the freezer.
Shelf life: 2 weeks in refrigerator; 1 year in freezer

 

 

Cake mix
Store: Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
Shelf life: 9 months

 

Cakes
Store: Store cake in an airtight container.
Shelf life: 1 to 2 days at room temperature; 3 to 5 days in refrigerator; 2 to 3 months in freezer

 

Canned Meat
Store: Transfer opened meat to an airtight container. Place in the refrigerator with lid tightly closed.
Shelf life: 1 year in refrigerator

 

Cereal
Store: Transfer to an airtight container and keep in a cool, dry place.
Shelf life: 1 year

 

Cheese
Store: Wrap in wax or parchment paper, place in a zip-top bag, and place in the refrigerator.
Shelf life: 1 month in refrigerator

 

Ground coffee
Store: Transfer to an airtight container and keep in a cool, dry place.
Shelf life: 1 year, unopened; 2 to 4 weeks, opened

 

 

Tips were published as part of a feature in the August 2014 issue of Yummy magazine. Minor edits were made by the Yummy.ph editors.