Shelf Life Chart: How Long Emergency Supplies Last
Sortable shelf life chart for 40+ emergency supplies: canned food, rice, MREs, freeze-dried meals, honey, water, batteries and more, opened and unopened.
| Item | Category | Typical (unopened) | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) | MREs & freeze-dried | 5 years (About 3–5 years at 80°F (27°C); longer when kept cool) | Eat an opened entrée within a few hours or refrigerate it like leftovers; unopened components keep their own dates |
| White Rice | Grains & dry staples | 4 years (4–5 years in the original bag) | 1–2 years in an airtight container; cooked rice 4–6 days in the fridge |
| Brown Rice | Grains & dry staples | 9 months (6–12 months at room temperature) | 6 months in the pantry; 12–18 months in the fridge or freezer |
| Dried Beans | Grains & dry staples | 2.5 years (2–3 years for best quality) | 1–2 years in an airtight container; cooked beans 3–5 days in the fridge |
| Rolled Oats | Grains & dry staples | 1.5 years (About 1–2 years) | 6–12 months in an airtight container |
| Dry Pasta | Grains & dry staples | 2 years (About 2 years) | About 1 year in a sealed container; cooked pasta 3–5 days in the fridge |
| All-Purpose Flour | Grains & dry staples | 9 months (6–12 months in the pantry) | 6–8 months airtight; 1–2 years in the fridge or freezer |
| Canned Food | Canned food | 3 years (2–5 years (low-acid); 12–18 months (high-acid such as tomatoes and fruit)) | 3–4 days in the fridge (low-acid); 5–7 days (high-acid), in a covered glass or plastic container |
| Canned Vegetables | Canned food | 3 years (2–5 years) | 3–4 days in the fridge |
| Canned Fruit | Canned food | 1.3 years (12–18 months) | 5–7 days in the fridge |
| Canned Tuna and Chicken | Canned food | 4 years (2–5 years) | 3–4 days in the fridge |
| Canned Soup | Canned food | 3 years (2–5 years; 12–18 months for tomato-based soup) | 3–4 days in the fridge |
| Canned Beans | Canned food | 3 years (2–5 years) | 3–4 days in the fridge |
| Freeze-Dried Food | MREs & freeze-dried | 25 years (25–30 years for major brands’ sealed pouches and #10 cans (check the brand’s rating)) | Reseal and use within weeks, as it starts absorbing moisture; treat rehydrated food like fresh leftovers |
| Honey | Pantry staples | Indefinite (Indefinitely; the 2-year best-by date on most jars is about quality) | Indefinitely if the lid stays closed and moisture stays out |
| Peanut Butter | Pantry staples | 1 years (6–24 months (commercial; check the best-by date)) | 2–3 months in the pantry; 6–9 months in the fridge. Natural peanut butter: refrigerate |
| Powdered Milk | Pantry staples | 2 years (18–24 months in the original package) | About 3 months in an airtight container; mixed milk 3–5 days in the fridge |
| Sugar | Pantry staples | Indefinite (Indefinitely) | Indefinitely if kept dry and sealed |
| Salt | Pantry staples | Indefinite (Indefinitely (iodized salt: about 5 years for full iodine content)) | Indefinitely if kept dry |
| Cooking Oil | Pantry staples | 1.5 years (About 1–2 years (check the best-by date)) | About 4–6 months |
| Beef Jerky | Snacks | 1 years (About 1 year) | A few days at room temperature or as the label directs; longer in the fridge |
| Energy and Protein Bars | Snacks | 9 months (6–12 months (emergency ration bars: about 5 years)) | The same day |
| Instant Ramen | Snacks | 1 years (About 8–12 months) | Use the same day |
| Crackers | Snacks | 8 months (6–9 months) | A few weeks, tightly closed |
| Dark Chocolate | Snacks | 1.5 years (1–2 years) | Several months, wrapped |
| Dried Fruit | Snacks | 1 years (6–12 months) | About 6 months airtight |
| Trail Mix | Snacks | 9 months (6–9 months) | 1–2 months airtight |
| Instant Coffee | Pantry staples | 2 years (2 years or more) | 2–3 months for best flavor, kept dry |
| Infant Formula | Pantry staples | 1 years (Until the use-by date on the container (required by US law); do not use it after) | Powder: usually within 1 month (follow the label). Prepared bottles: within 2 hours, or 24 hours refrigerated |
| Bottled Water | Water & purification | 2 years (No safety expiry; most brands suggest about 2 years for best taste) | A few days; refrigerate once opened |
| Stored Tap Water | Water & purification | 6 months (Replace every 6 months) | Use within a day or two once a container is opened |
| Water Purification Tablets | Water & purification | 4 years (About 4–5 years (check the package)) | Iodine tablets: about 1 year after opening; individually foil-packed tablets keep their printed date |
| Household Bleach | Batteries, fuel & household | 9 months (About 6–12 months at full strength) | The same; it keeps weakening over time |
| Batteries (AA and AAA) | Batteries, fuel & household | 10 years (Alkaline: about 5–10 years. Lithium AA/AAA: up to 20 years) | Check every 6 months; remove batteries from stored devices to prevent leaks |
| Gasoline | Batteries, fuel & household | 4 months (3–6 months untreated; 1–2 years with stabilizer) | The same clock applies; run generators dry or stabilize the tank before storage |
| Propane | Batteries, fuel & household | Indefinite (Indefinitely (the fuel itself)) | Indefinitely; check hoses and fittings for leaks with soapy water |
| Butane Canisters | Batteries, fuel & household | 8 years (Many years while the seal and valve are intact) | Remove from the stove after use; keep the cap on |
| Chemical Light Sticks | Batteries, fuel & household | 4 years (About 4 years in the sealed foil) | Use within weeks once the foil is opened |
| First Aid Kit Supplies | Medical & hygiene | 3 years (Dressings: about 3–5 years. Medicines and ointments: 1–3 years (check each date)) | Restock after every use; inspect the whole kit at least once a year |
| Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers | Medical & hygiene | 2.5 years (Until the printed expiration date, typically 2–3 years from manufacture) | Until the printed date if kept closed, dry and cool (not in a steamy bathroom) |
| Hand Sanitizer | Medical & hygiene | 2.5 years (About 2–3 years (expiration date on the label)) | Until the printed date, kept capped |
| N95 Respirators | Medical & hygiene | 5 years (About 3–5 years from manufacture (check the box)) | Treat as single use unless the manufacturer says otherwise; replace if damp, damaged or hard to breathe through |