Stockpile Expiration Dates

[couponfanatic]

Looked but didn't find.
Anyone got a list of Shelf lives of various foods?
Expiration date lives, not how long it "may really be good for"
For instance, if something has a 2 year shelf life (assuming you bought it soon after it was made), you could stock up on about 2 years worth, and not have it expire on you, but if you bought 5 years worth, it's expire before you used it all.
Also good to know beacuse then I know if this item is produced with a 2 year expiration date, and I see one in the store with one month left, I know it's been sitting around almost 2 years.

Anyone?

[MrsPinecone]

Partial list.

[Grandma Lewis]

This is a compilation started by Flash, the previous moderator. She put a tremendous amount of work into this, but unfortunately for us, was not able to finish it before her accident. There are many brands here that I do not recognize, so I am guessing they may be regional and I am sure there are brands that those of us in the south just assume that everyone has available in their stores. Therefore, if you know of something that could be added to this list, please post your request or send me a PM and I will add it to this awesome list.

Also, in conjunction with the thread about contacting companies for home mailers, I sometimes draw a blank about who produces what, so I'm hoping that this list just might help us to remember.The best way to use this post is to use your browser's search function, usually Ctrl C.

Reading a Production/Use by Date code (by brand)

-- in progress---


Every manufacturer stamps at unique code on their product which tells them where and when it was made, and thereby the best by or use by date. But, they don't all use the same coding system. To help, here's of the code information -- by brand -- or where to find it.

Start with these links:


ACH FOOD COMPANY
Brands:
Argo Starch, Karo Syrup, Mazola, Tone’s Spices

ALBERTO CULVER
Brands:
Alberto VO5, St. Ives, TRESemme, FDS, CONSORT for Men, Motions, Just For Me, Soft & Beautiful (Pro-Line), Mrs. Dash, Static Guard, Sugar Twin, Molly McButter, Baker’s Joy

B&G Foods
Brands:
Accent, B&G Condiments, B&M Baked Beans, Brer Rabbit, Emeril’s Original, Joan of Arc, Las Palmas, Maple Grove Farms, Ortega, Polaner, Regina, Trappey’s, Up Country Organics, Underwood, Vermont Made, Wright’s

BIMBO BAKERIES
Brands:
Francisco Bread, Mrs. Bairds, Oroweat, Tia Rosa, Boboli, Entemann’s

BIRDS EYE FOODS
Brands:
Bernstein’s Salad Dressings, Birds Eye, Brooks, Comstock, C&W, Freshlike, Greenwood Beets, Husman’s. Mariners Cove, McKenzie’s, Nalley Products, Riviera, Synder of Berlin, Tim’s Cascade Snacks, Wilderness

CADBURY SCHWEPPES
Brands:
7up, A&W Root Beer, A&W Cream Soda, Bubblicious, Dentyne Ice, Halls, Halls Fruit Breezers, Trident Gum, Jaret International, Canada Dry, Clamato, Country Time, Crush, Diet Rite, Dr. Pepper, Elements, Hawaiian Punch, Hires Root Beer, I.B.C. RootBeer, Mauna Lai, Mott’s, Nantucket Nectars, Oragina, Schweppes, Slush Puppie, Snapple, Stewarts, SunDrop, Sunkist Soda, Vernors, Welch’s, Yoo-Hoo

CAMPBELLS
Brands:
Campbell's, Chef's Kettle, Franco-American, Goldfish, Healthy Request, Pace, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, SpaghettiOs, Swanson, V8 and V8 Splash


CLOROX COMPANY
Brands:
Clorox (bleaches, wipes, cleaning systems), Formula 409, Handi-Wipes, Liquid-Plumr, Pine-Sol, S.O.S. Cleaners, Tilex, Brita, Armor-All, STP, Hidden Valley, K C Masterpiece, Kitchen Bouquet, Glad, Kingsford Charcoal, Ever Clean Cat Litter, Fresh Step Cat Litter, Scoop Away Cat Litter

COCA-COLA
Brands:
Barq's, Coke, Diet Coke, Dannon, Dasani, Evian, Fanta, Full Throttle, Hi-C, Minute Maid, Nestea, Odwalla, Powerade, Simply Orange, Sprite, Swerve, TaB Energy


CONAGRA FOODS
Brands:
ActII Popcorn. Armour, Banquet, Blue Bonnet, Brown’n’Serve, Butterball, ChefBoyardee, County Line Cheese, Crunch’n’Munch, Culturelle, David’s Seeds, Dennisons, Eckrich, EggBeaters, Fleischmann’s, Gulden’s, Healthy Choice, Hebrew National, Hunts, Jiffy Pop, Kids Cuisine, Knott’s Berry Farm, LaChoy, Libby’s, Lightlife, Manwich, Marie Callendar’s, Orville Redenbacher’s, Pam, Parkay, Peter Pan, Ranch Style Beans, Reddi-wip, Rot-Tel, Rosarita, Slim Jim, Swiss Miss, Van Camp’s Wesson

DEAN FOODS
Brands:
Alta Dena Dairy, Barbe Dairy, Barber’s Dairy, Berkeley Farms, Brown’s Dairy, Creamland, Dairy Ease (Land of Lakes), Gandy’s, Garelick Farms, Hershey’s Milk, Horizon Organic, International Delight, Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms, Trauth Dairy, Mayfield Dairy, McArthur Dairy, Meadow Brook Dairy, Meadow Gold, Meadow Gold - Hawaii, Mountain High Yogurt, Oak Farms Dairy, The Organic Cow of Vermont, Prices Creameries, Purity Dairies, Schepps Dairy, Silk Soymilk, Skinny Cow Milk, Sun Soy, TG Lee Dairy, Tofu Town/ White Wave

FAIRFIELD FARMS
Brands:
Moosewood, Organic Classics, Boston Chowda

GENERAL MILLS
Brands:
Betty Crocker, Bacos, Bisquick, Bowl Appetit, Casserole Potatoes, Chicken Helper, Complete Meals, Flavored Mashed Potatoes, Gold Medal Flour, Hamburger Helper, Old El Paso, Progresso, Potato Buds, Slow Cooker Helper, Suddenly Salad, Tuna Helper, Cascadian Farm, Cheerios, Chex, Colombo Yogurt, 8th Continent, Green Giant, Haagendazs, Muir Glen, Nature Valley, Pillsbury, Total Cereal, Wheaties, Yoplait


H. J. HEINZ
Brands:
Bagel Bites, TGIF, Wylers, SmartOnes, Catelli, Classico, Farley’s, Greenseas, Jack Daniel’s Sauce, Lea and Perrins, Ore-Ida

HORMEL FOODS
Brands:
Always Tender, Carapelli, Chichi’s Salsa, Diamond Crystal, DiLusso Deli, Farmer John, Lloyd’s BBQ, Jennie-O Turkey, Spam, Stagg Chili, World of Foods

J. M. SMUCKERS
Brands:
After the Fall Juices, Crisco, Cross and Blackwell, Dickinson’s, Hungry Jack, Jif, Laura Scudders, Martha White, PET Evaporated Milk, Pillsbury Baking, Knudsen Juices, Santa Cruz Organic, Smucker’s



KRAFT / GENERAL FOODS / NABISCO / POST
Kraft Brands:
A1 Steak Sauce, Athenos, Baker’s Chocolate, Breakstone Cottage Cheese, Capri Sun, Cheez-Whiz, Cool Whip, Country Time, Cream of Wheat, Crystal Light, General Foods, Good Seasonings, Grey Poupon, Handi-Snaks, Pasta Anytime, Jell-o, Jet-Puft, Kool-Aid, Knox, Kraft, Maxwell House, Minute Rice, Miracle Whip, Oscar Mayer, Polly-O, Post, Red Oval, Stovetop, Sure-Jell, Taco Bell, Tang, Velveeta

Nabisco (Kraft) Brands:
100 Calorie Packs, Arrowroot, Barnum’s Animals Crackers, Biscos, Cameo, Cheese Nips, ChocoStix, Chips Ahoy!, Easy Cheese, Flavor Originals, Ginger Snaps, Honey Maid, KidSense, Lorna Doone, Mallomars, Marshmellow Twirls, Mixers, Nabisco Grahams, National Arrowroot, Newtons, Nilla Wafers, Nutter Butter, Oreo, Pinwheels, Premium, Ritz, Ritz Bits Sandwiches, Ritz Chips, SnackWells, Social Tea, Stella Doro, Stoned Wheat Things, Teddy Grahams, Triscuit, Wheat Thins, Wheatsworth, Zwieback


Post (Kraft) Brands:
Alpha-Bits, Banana Nut Crunch, Blueberry Morning, Bran Flakes** , Cinna-Cluster Raisin Bran, Cranberry Almond Crunch, Frosted Shredded Wheat, Fruit & Fibre, Golden Crisp, Grape-Nuts, Great Grains, Honey Bunches of Oats, Honeycomb, Natural Bran Flakes, Oreo O's, Pebbles*, Raisin Bran, Shredded Wheat, Shredded Wheat ‘n Bran, Spoon Size Shredded Wheat, 100% Bran


MARS
Brands:
Mars, 3 Musketeers, Combos, Cookies And, Dove Chocolate, Ethel M Chocolates, Kudos, M&Ms, Milky Way, Skittles, Snickers, Starburst, Twix, Uncle Ben’s, Flavia, Cesar, Pedigree, Sheba, Whiskas

MCCORMICK
Brands:
Bag-n-Season, Golden Dipt, McCormick, Grill Mates, Old Bay, Produce Partners, Slow cookers, Veggie Steamers, Zatarains

McKEE FOODS
Brands:
Little Debbie, Sunbelt Snacks, Heartland, Blinkz


NESTLE
Brands:
Baby Ruth, Boost, Buitoni, Carnation Instant Breakfast, Carnation Milk, Coffee-Mate, Dreyer’s, Edy’s, Gerber, Good Start, Haagen-Dazs, Hot Pockets (and Lean Pockets and Croissant Pockets), Juicy Juice, Lean Cuisine, Libby’s Pumpkin, Maggi Seasonings, Modulen IBD, Nescafe, Nesquick, Nestea, Nestle Classics (Goobers, Raisinettes, SnoCaps, Chunky, O-Henry), Nestle Crunch, Nestle European Chocolates (After Eight, Baci, Perugina, Quality Street), Nestle Ice Cream, Nestle Nutrition (Additions, Crucial, FAA, Modulin, Nutren, Nutren Glytrol, Nutrivent,, Nutrirenal, Nutren Replete, Nutriheal, Peptamen, Renalcal, Probalance, Replete, Ultrapack), Nestle PureLife, Nestle Signatures, Nestle Stixx, Powerbar, Pria, Stouffer’s, Taste of Asia, Taster’s Choice, Wonka (Bottle Caps, Everlasting Gobstopper, Runts, Laffy Taffy, Lik-M-Aid, Nerds, Oompas, Pixt Stix, Spree, Sweettarts, Tart 'N Tinys, Wonka), MiCocina Latina (Spanish)

NESTLE PURINA
Brands:
Alpo, Aquari-Yums, Beggin Strips, Beneful, Busy Bone, Cat Chow, Ches Eez, Chew-rific, Deli-cat, Dog Chow, Essentials, Fancy Feast, Fit N Trim, Friskies, Hi Pro, Kibbles and Chunks, Kit 'N Kaboodle, Kitten Chow, Mighty Dog, Moist & Meaty, Pro Plan, Puppy Chow, Purina One, Secondnature, Tidy Cats, T Bonz Dog, Whisker Lickin's, Yesterday's News

NESTLE WATERS
Brands:
Acqua Panna, Arrowhead, Calistoga, Contrex, Deer Park, Ice Mountain, Nestle Pure Life, Ozarka, Perrier, Poland Spring, San Pellegrino, Zephyrhills


PEPSI-CO
Brands:
AMP, Aquafina, Lipton, Mirinda Orange, Mountain Dew, Mug Root Beer, Pepsi, Quaker Milk Chillers, Sierra Mist, SoBe, Gatorade, Propel Fitness Water, Tropicana, Quaker Oats, FritoLay (Baken-Ets, Baked! Cheetos, Chester’s, Cracker Jack, El Isleno, Doritios, Fritos, Funyuns, Gamesa, Go Snacks, Grandma’s, Lay’s, Lay’s Stax, Light, Munchies, Maui Chips, Munchos, Oh Boy! Oberto, O’Kelley’s, Rold Gold, Ruffles, Rustler’s, Sabritones, Santitas, Smartfood, SunChips, Tostitos)


PINNACLE FOODS
Brands:
Armour Star, Aunt Jemima, Celeste, Duncan Hines, Lenders, Log Cabin, Mrs. Butterworth, Mrs. Pauls, Open Pit, Swanson, Vandecamps, Vlasic


RECKITT BENCKISER
Brands:
AirWick, Calgon, Easy-Off, Electrasol, Jet-Dry, Lysol, Lysol Ready Brush, Old English, Rod-X, Spray ‘n’ Wash, Veet, Woolite, Cattlemen’s Barbeque Sauce, Frank’s RedHot, French’s Foods

RICH-SEAPAK FOODS
Brands:
SeaPak, Farm Rich, Casa DiBertacchi, Rich’s Eclairs, Byron’s Barbecue


PROCTOR AND GAMBLE
Brands:
Cascade, Dawn, Febreze, Mr. Clean, Swiffer, Swiffer Wet Jet, Braun, Bold, Bolt, Bounce, Bounty, Cascade, Charmin, Cheer, Dash, Dawn, Daz, Downy, Draft, Duracell, Era, Febreze, Gain, Ivory, Mr. Clean, Puffs, Swiffer, Tide, Actonel, Always, Alldays, Ariel, Aracol, Clairol, Crest, Eclipse, Fixodent, Giorgio, Gillette, Head and Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Hugo Boss, Juvian, Luvs, Macrobid, Max Factor, Metamucil, Noxema, Olay, Oral-B, Olay, Old Spice, Pantene, Pepto-Bismol, Pert, Physique, Scope, Secret, Spinbrush, Tampax, Thermacare, Transora, Tremo, Venus, Vicks, Vidal Sassoon, White Strips, Zest, Eukanuba, Iams, Folgers, Millstone, Pringles, Pur, Luvs, Pampers,

SARA LEE
Brands:
Ball Park Franks, Bryan, Earth Grains, Hillshire Farms, Jimmy Dean, Sara Lee, Senseo Coffee, Bali, Barely There, Champion, Playtex Bras, Wonderbra, Kiwi

SCHWAN FOOD
Brands:
Asian Sensations, Edward’s Pies, Freshcetta, Larry’s Potatoes, Mrs. Smith's, Red Barron, Tony's

SC JOHNSON
Brands:
Drano, Edge, Fantastik, FloorCare, Glade, Grab-It, Pledge, Off, Oust, Raid, Saran, Scrubbing Bubbles, Shout, Skintimate, Windex, and Ziploc

UNILEVER
Brands:
All, Axe, Ben & Jerry’s, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Degree, Dove, Finesse, Good Humor, Best Foods, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Klondike, Knorr, Lawry's, Lever 2000, Lipton, Ponds, Popsicle, Promise, Q-Yips, Ragu, Shedd’s Country Crock, Skippys, Slim Fast, Snuggles, Suave, Thermasilk, Vaseline, Wishbone, Wisk

flash 10-30-2007 06:43:17 PM Re: Reading a Production/Use by Date code (by brand)

ACH FOOD COMPANY
Brands:
Argo Starch, Karo Syrup, Mazola, Tone’s Spices



ACH Foods
ACH Foods


______________________________________

Argo Starch
Corn Starch and Kingford’s Corn Starch


How should Argo and Kingsford's Corn Starch be stored?
Store Argo and Kingsford’s Corn Starch by closing the package tightly and storing in a dry place.

How long can Argo and Kingsford's corn starch be stored?
Before or after opening, uncooked Argo and Kingsford's Corn Starch are good to use to prepare recipes for an indefinite period of time. Corn starch may be stored indefinitely if it's kept dry.

______________________________________

Karo Syrup
Karo Syrup

Karo syrup:
How should Karo syrup be stored?
Before or after opening, Karo syrup may be stored at room temperature. Storage conditions affect product quality. Light corn syrup may turn slightly yellow with age, but this is normal and not harmful.

How long can Karo syrup be stored?
Karo syrup is safe to eat for an indefinite period of time whether it has been opened or not opened. Bottles may be refrigerated after opening, however, the syrup will be thicker and slower to pour.


Karo Pancake Syrup:
How should Karo pancake syrup be stored?
Unopened or opened, Karo pancake syrup may be stored at room temperature. Storage conditions affect product quality.

How long can Karo pancake syrup be stored?
Unopened bottles of Karo pancake syrup are microbiologically safe to eat for an indefinite period of time.

Bottles maybe refrigerated after opening, however the syrup may be thicker and slower to pour.

______________________________________

Mazola
Mazola


Mazola Cooking Oil:
How should Mazola® oils be stored?
Before or after opening, Mazola oils may be stored at room temperature. Storage conditions (temperature) will affect product quality. Excessive heat or prolonged exposure to light will speed up flavor deterioration.

To retain the optimum flavor of the oil for an extended time, oil may be refrigerated. It is normal for oil that is refrigerated to become cloudy. Cloudiness is not harmful and it will disappear when the oil warms to room temperature.

MAZOLA® NO STICK COOKING SPRAYS
How should Mazola® No Stick Cooking Sprays be stored?
Store Mazola® Cooking Sprays at room temperature. Be sure to replace the plastic cap.

How long can Mazola® No Stick be stored?
The date stamped on the bottom of the can is the date that assures quality and allows for a reasonable period of storage and usage (2 to 3 months) after that date. Storage condition (temperature) affects product quality. Excessive heat will accelerate flavor deterioration. Do not store at temperatures above 120°F or below 50°F. Mazola No Stick Cooking Sprays are safe to eat for an indefinite period of time.


______________________________________

Tone’s Spices
Tone’s Spices
Contact: Email: spice_advice@tones.com



How can I tell how old a spice product is?
To determine the year and month when a spice was packaged, look for a series of black numbers and letters printed on the bottom or side or the spice container. This is not the UPC code and it is usually printed directly on the container, not the label. On dry packet mixes, the numbers and letters are pressed or indented into the edge of the package.

The first number indicates the year of the decade. For example, if the first number is 3, this means the product was packaged in 2003.

The second letter refers to the month. "A" stands for January, "B" stands for February, "C" is for March, and so on. So, if an item was packaged in March of 2004, the code would begin with 4C.

(Other numbers and letters will follow, but the first two digits indicate when the product was packaged).



What is the shelf life of most spices (Durkee, Dromedary, Famous Sauce, Dec a Cake, French’s Sauce or Gravy mix, Tone’s)?
We strongly recommend replacement by the Best if Used by Date (available on some products), due to diminished flavor and visual characteristics. Spices have a long storage life -- up to 2 to 5 years, depending on the spice and whether it is in whole or ground form. A rule of thumb is that whole spices (peppercorns, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, etc.) have the longest life, while ground spices and herbs in general are more fragile. The recommended shelf lives of some of our other products are as follows:

· Pure and Imitation Extracts 4-6 years

· Dromedary Box Mixes 1 year

· Durkee Lemon Pie Filling 18 months

· Durkee Coconut 1 year

· Famous Sauce 1 year

· Dec A Cake icings and gels 1 year

· Dec A Cake sprinkles 2 years

· Durkee or French's Sauce and Gravy dry mixes 18 months

· Tone's Soup Base 6 months (after opening).

What is the best way to store spices?
Proper storage of spices will ensure maximum flavor and color retention. Heat, light and moisture are all enemies of dried spices. Heat causes flavor loss, light will fade the naturally bright colors and moisture might cause ground and powdered spices to clump. Don't measure or shake spices over open boiling pots. Keep spices in a cool, dry, and dark cupboard away from the range or any source of intense heat. Any of the red spices retain their color and are best protected from insects if stored in the refrigerator or freezer. These include paprika, chili powder and red pepper, among others. If you are using the Tone's Chicken or Beef Soup Base, be sure to store in the refrigerator, and use within 6 months after opening. (HINT: Store in the freezer for a longer shelf life. To use, simply let the jar sit on the kitchen counter for 5 to 10 minutes to soften enough to spoon out the desired amount. Then return to freezer.).


What can I do if my garlic or onion product has become a hard ball?
This is a very common problem, due to the nature of these two products. Unfortunately, garlic and onion are very prone to absorbing any moisture. The product is still useable if you can break it up with a knife or re-pulverize in the blender.

flash 10-31-2007 06:03:30 PM Re: Reading a Production/Use by Date code (by brand)

ALBERTO CULVER
Brands:
Foods: Baker’s Joy, Molly McButter, Mrs. Dash, Sugar Twin
Personal Care: Alberto VO5, Nexxus, St. Ives, TRESemme, FDS, CONSORT for Men, Motions, Just For Me, Soft & Beautiful (Pro-Line)
Home Care: Static Guard


Alberto Culver
Alberto Culver Main Website

______________________________________

Food Brands:

Baker’s Joy


Does Baker’s Joy spray need refrigeration?
No. Even after use, Baker’s Joy spray is shelf-stable.

How long can I use Baker’s Joy spray?
For the best flavor you should use within two years from the date of manufacture (see “best used by date” on bottom of can).


______________________________________


Molly McButter


______________________________________

Mrs. Dash

______________________________________

Sugar Twin

______________________________________

Personal Care:

Alberto VO5
______________________________________

CONSORT for Men
______________________________________

FDS
______________________________________

Just For Me

______________________________________

Motions
______________________________________

Nexxus
______________________________________

Soft & Beautiful
______________________________________

St. Ives
______________________________________

TRESemme
______________________________________


Home Care:

Static Guard

flash 10-31-2007 06:49:03 PM Re: Reading a Production/Use by Date code (by brand)

B&G Foods
Brands:
Accent, B&G Condiments, B&M Baked Beans, Brer Rabbit, Cream of Wheat, Emeril’s, Grandma’s Molasses, Joan of Arc, Las Palmas, Maple Grove Farms, Ortega, Polaner, Regina, Trappey’s, Up Country Organics, Underwood, Vermont Made, Wright’s


The following are contacts for brands from B&G Foods:

B&G Foods
B&G Foods Main Website
*Our B&G food products have a two year best quality dating from the date of manufacture stamped on all products. Although safe to consume, we cannot guarantee the quality of the product after that time.

_____________________________

Accent
Ac'cent® Flavor Enhancer
Accent has a 5 year best quality dating from the date of manufacture stamped on the bottom of all containers. Although safe to consume, we cannot guarantee the quality of the product after that time.

For example the stamped code 15014 P indicates it was filled January 15th, 2004 P represents the plant filling location.

DD--The two digit day of production
MM --The two digit month of production and
Y --The last digit of the year of production


_____________________________

B&G Condiments

B&G Green Olives*
The code is stamped in black ink on the cap, in this format.

DD -- The two digit day of production
MM -- The two digit month of production and
Y -- The last digit of the year of production
M -- Identifies the manufacturing plant followed by the production line and shift followed by the four digit military time.

For example the stamped code 15014 M33 1600 indicates the product was filled January 15th, 2004 at 4:00 p.m.

_____________________________

B&G Sauerkraut*
The sauerkraut code is stamped in black ink on the cap, in this format.

• 1st digit represents the year (i.e. 3 for the year 2003)
• 2nd & 3rd digits 44 represents the plant code
• 4th/5th digits represents the month from 1 to 12
• 5th/6th digits represents the day of the month from A to Z (1 – 26) then changing to a number from 1 to 5 for days 27 – 31

Followed by the military time.
Example 344125 13:52 January 25, 2003 at 1:52 pm


_____________________________

B&G Black Olives*

This is how the format is read.

P Y DES/JULS TIME

Example: 1 4 WBP/030G 1355
January 30 2004 1:55 pm

P - plant location
Y - year of production
DES - olive description - variety, size & style
JUL - Julian date
S - shift
Time - military time


_____________________________


B&G Pickles, Peppers & Relish*
For example the texture of jarred pickles, peppers and relish over time can become soft and mushy. Again safe to consume but not the same quality product originally filled.

DD -- The two digit day of production
MM -- The two digit month of production and
Y -- The last digit of the year of production

Followed by the manufacturing site, line and shift information and the military time.

For example the stamped code 15014 M46 1600 indicates it was filled
January 15, 2004 at 4:00 p.m.
_____________________________

B&M® Brown Bread
Our B&M Brown Bread products have a 3 year best quality dating from the date of manufacture stamped on the top lid of all cans.

Although safe to consume after that time we cannot guarantee that the product will be of the same high quality as when it was first filled.

For example a code stamped 26014 would mean it was filled January 26, 2004.

• 26 Represents the day the can was filled
• 01 Represents the month
• 4 Represents the last digit of the year

Below that would appear the line/shift information and variety code.

_____________________________

B&M Baked Beans
B&M® Baked Bean
Our B&M® Baked Bean varieties have a 3 year best quality dating from the date of manufacture stamped on the top of all jars and cans.

Although safe to consume after that time we cannot guarantee that the product will be of the best quality. Beans for example will become mushy after several years because they tend to absorb the liquid they are canned in.

Example: A code stamped 26014 3CMP would mean it was filled January 26, 2004.

• 26 Represents the day the can was filled
• 01 Represents the month
• 4 Represents the last digit of the year

Below that would appear the line/shift information and variety code.

Q. What are the natural flavors in B&M Beans?
A. The natural flavors in the B&M baked beans consist of small amounts of mustard and extracts of natural spices such as allspice and cinnamon.

_____________________________

Brer Rabbit
Brer Rabbit® Molasses
Brer Rabbit® Molasses has a 2 year best quality dating from when it is filled.

Although safe to use after that time the molasses taste can change because of a naturally occurring yeast that could affect your recipe.


The code is stamped in black ink on the top border of the front label.

For example, 24014 would mean it was filled January 24, 2004

• 24 Represents the day of manufacture
• 01 Represents the month
• 4 Represents the last digit of the year 2004

Q. Is it necessary to refrigerate Brer Rabbit Molasses, Regina Vinegars or Wright's Liquid Smoke?
A. It is not necessary to refrigerate a product unless specifically noted on the label.

Our Brer Rabbit Molasses, Regina Vinegars and Wright's Liquid Smoke are shelf stable and do not require refrigeration even after they are opened.

As with all products it is best to store in a cool dry area away from direct light and heat.

Q. What is the difference between Brer Rabbit Mild, Full and Blackstrap varieties?
A. Molasses is pure sugar cane juice.

After the cane is harvested and mashed the raw juices are boiled to extract the sugar.

After the sugar is crystallized, the remaining boiled syrup is first molasses. It is light colored, mild and sweet because it retains some of the sugar. This is Brer Rabbit Mild Flavor.

After the second boiling the molasses has a darker color, more pronounced flavor but a little less sweet. This is Brer Rabbit Full Flavor.

The third boiling produces blackstrap, which has a somewhat strong bitter flavor. This is our Brer Rabbit Blackstrap variety.

Q. Is Brer Rabbit Molasses Unsulphured?
A. Yes, unsulphured molasses is the finest quality. It is made from the juice of sun ripened sugar cane and the juice is clarified and concentrated. Sulphured molasses is made from green sugar cane that has not matured long enough and is treated with sulphur fumes during the sugar extracting process

_____________________________


Cream of Wheat

_____________________________


Emeril’s

_____________________________


Grandma’s Molasses

_____________________________

Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc®
Our Joan of Arc® Bean varieties have a best quality dating of two years from when they are filled. Although safe to consume after that time, we cannot guarantee that it would be the same tasty product as when it was originally filled. Canned beans for example over time will absorb the liquid they are in, causing them to become somewhat mushy.

Format example:
A can filled January 25, 2004 at 6:36pm would be stamped…A4F25 1836 126B1

• A alphabetically represents the 1st month of the year (A-L)
• 4 represents the last digit of the year when filled 2004
• F represents the plant where it was filled
• 25 the 25th day of the month
• 18:36 the time of day on a 24 hour clock when it was filled

_____________________________

Las Palmas

_____________________________

Maple Grove Farms
How long can maple syrup be stored and used?
Maple Syrup is an all natural product with no preservatives. Unopened containers of pure maple syrup may be left in a cool, dark place for about one year without refrigeration. After opening, the syrup should be refrigerated. Freezing keeps open or unopened containers indefinitely, and the liquid will not solidify. Any harmless mold that forms on the surface of opened syrup may be skimmed off, and the product may be used after reheating on the stove or in the microwave. Place reheated syrup in a fresh, clean container and refrigerate. Glass is recommended as it preserves the color and flavor longer than other containers.

Nutrition/other info on all products

_____________________________

Ortega
Ortega® Chiles and Jalapenos
Ortega® Chiles and Jalapenos have a best quality dating of 2 years from the manufacturing fill date stamped on all cans.

An example of the code date is: 4010XW1A07
X -the first digit is the YEAR
XXX - the next three digits are the Julian Date (001 would be January)
XX -- the next two digits are the plant code
X -- production line
X -- production shift
XX -- hour (military time)


in this example, the product would be made in 2004, October, plant XW, line 1, shift A, 7 am.

Store opened product in the refrigerator. Depending on your refrigerator temperature and storage conditions, the opened product, because of its acidity, should be good for up to 1-2 months.

Ortega® Taco Sauces
Our Ortega® Taco Sauces have a best quality dating of 24 months from the manufacturing fill date on all bottles.

An example of the code date is: 4010XW1A07
X -the first digit is the YEAR
XXX - the next three digits are the Julian Date (001 would be January)
XX -- the next two digits are the plant code
X -- production line
X -- production shift
XX -- hour (military time)



in this example, the product would be made in 2004, October, plant XW, line 1, shift A, 7 am.

Store unopened product in a cool, dark and dry location. After opening, refrigerate unused product as soon as possible. The unused portion may be kept refrigerated in an airtight container and for best quality and flavor, used within 7 to 10 days.

Ortega® Taco Sauces
Our Ortega® Taco Sauces have a best quality dating of 24 months from the manufacturing fill date on all bottles.

An example of the code date is: 4010XW1A07
X -the first digit is the YEAR
XXX - the next three digits are the Julian Date
XX -- the next two digits are the plant code
X -- production line
X -- production shift
XX -- hour (military time)



in this example, the product would be made in 2004, October, plant XW, line 1, shift A, 7 am.

Store unopened product in a cool, dark and dry location. After opening, refrigerate unused product as soon as possible. The unused portion may be kept refrigerated in an airtight container and for best quality and flavor, used within 7 to 10 days.

Ortega® Taco and Tostada Shells
Ortega® Taco and Tostada Shells have a 12 month best quality dating from the date of manufacture stamped on all cartons in this format.

An example of the code date is: 4010XW1A07
X -the first digit is the YEAR
XXX - the next three digits are the Julian Date
XX -- the next two digits are the plant code
X -- production line
X -- production shift
XX -- hour (military time)



in this example, the product would be made in 2004, October, plant XW, line 1, shift A, 7 am.

Store in a cool, dry place at room temperature until used. Once opened, unused shells should be stored in an airtight container and for optimum quality, used soon after opening. How long the product is good for after opening is determined by storage conditions and humidity.


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Polaner

Polaner®
There is a two year best quality dating from the manufacturing fill date code stamped on the side rim of the Polaner® cap.

The product would be safe to consume after that date but we could not guarantee it would be of the best quality. The taste can change, the appearance will darken, and the consistency may become watery.

For example a code stamped 26014 1500 would mean it had been filled on January 26, 2004 at 3 pm.

• 26 Represents the day the product was filled
• 01 Represents the month
• 4 Represents the last digit of the year
• 1500 Represents the time of day on a 24 hour clock.

Polaner® Wet Spices
There is a two year best quality dating from the manufacturing fill date code stamped on the cap. After opening we recommend refrigeration to maintain it’s quality.

The product would be safe to consume after that date but we could not guarantee it would be of the best quality. The taste can change, the appearance will darken, and the consistency may become mushy.

For example a code stamped 26014 1500 would mean it had been filled on January 26, 2004 at 3 pm.

• 26 Represents the day the product was filled
• 01 Represents the month
• 4 Represents the last digit of the year
• 1500 Represents the time of day on a 24 hour clock.

.

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Regina
Regina® Vinegars and Cooking Wines
Our Regina® Vinegars and Cooking Wines have a two year best quality dating from the date of manufacture stamped on all products. Although safe to consume, we cannot guarantee the quality of the product after that time.

The Regina date code is stamped directly on the glass at the bottom edge of the bottle in gray ink. In the following format:

DD -- The two digit day of production
MM -- The two digit month of production and
Y -- The last digit of the year of production
The four digit military time is printed after the production code date.

For example the stamped code 15014 1600 indicates it was filled January 15th, 2004 at 4:00 p.m.

Q. Is it necessary to refrigerate Brer Rabbit Molasses, Regina Vinegars or Wright's Liquid Smoke?
A. It is not necessary to refrigerate a product unless specifically noted on the label.

Our Brer Rabbit Molasses, Regina Vinegars and Wright's Liquid Smoke are shelf stable and do not require refrigeration even after they are opened.

As with all products it is best to store in a cool dry area away from direct light and heat.

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Trappey’s


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Underwood


Underwood® Sardine Products
Our Underwood sardine products have a two year best quality dating from the date of manufacture stamped on all products. Although safe to consume, we cannot guarantee the quality of the product after that time.

The sardine codes are as follows:

For example IKSOL4010 means it was filled
I – IFC (International Fish Canners)
K – Kosher
S – Sardines
O – Oil
L – Lot #
4 – the last digit of the year 2004
The next three numbers indicate the day of the year from 1 to 365.

Underwood® Deviled Ham, Chicken, Liverwurst and Roast Beef
Our Underwood® Deviled Ham, Chicken, Liverwurst and Roast Beef spreads have a two year best quality dating from the date of manufacture stamped on all products. Although safe to consume, we cannot guarantee the quality of the product after that time.

The Underwood code is stamped on the bottom of the can in this format.

DD The two digit day of production
MM The two digit month of production and
Y The last digit of the year of production
The four digit military time is printed after the production code date followed by the variety code.

For example the code 15014 1600 HF indicates it was filled January 15th 2004 at 4:00 p.m.
EST 145 indicates a USDA meat manufacturing site.
EST P2440 indicates a USDA poultry manufacturing site

[aneesha33]

I have gogurt that i froze back in april. the date says may 22. Is it still safe to eat?

[dallascowboy]

Aneesha33,

I usually freeze my gogurt as well. My kids love eating it that way. I would say Yes it probably would be ok. Especially, If you were to eat it. Just out of the Freezer.

As far as the Diet Soda Pop. I would NOT drink it if it was even near the Exp. date.
My one addiction is Diet coke and anywhere near or after the Exp. date the taste degrades and it becomes Nasty!

I do appreciate the OP taking the time to post this handy guide. Thanks again!

Dallas

[~~Who,Me?~~]

I have frozen Gogurts that are a year past expiration date and they're still fine. I test them periodically before I give to kids. (they were a MM for me last summer, why I have so many)

Tip--I stick a note in the kids' lunchboxes that says "yogurt not really expired, was frozen" so that the teachers don't think I'm giving my kids spoiled food.

Freezing it occasionally changes the texture, but my kids don't mind. You can just moosh it up in the tube to fix it.

[dancinmama]

EXPIRATION OF PHARMACEUTICALS
I just wanted to come and post regarding expiration of prescription drugs. Last week I caught a cold and one night I was coughing so much I couldn't get to sleep. I remembered that we had some prescription cough syrup that I KNEW was expired, but the stuff works like you can't believe and the bottle was practically full (maybe used once).

Remembering what I had read here as well as what a friend had told me who used to work as a pharma rep, I decided to take the med even though the expiration date was 2/09. It worked like it was brand new and I had no ill effects AT ALL!!

EXPIRATION OF OTHER ITEMS
I don't worry at all about the expiration of soap items. I am still using laundry soap that I stockpiled three years ago and it looks, pours, and cleans just the same as it did when first purchased.

EXPIRATION OF FOOD ITEMS:
I do pay attention to the expiration of food items, but will go weeks or months past depending on the item. I had some peanut butter a while back that was several months past the date, but tasted just fine. We are currently using I Can't Believe It's Not Butter dated 08/10 and no problems - it looks and tastes great.


I DO try to avoid over-stockpiling, but sometimes it happens. I am more diligent about keeping a usage log (how long it takes us to go through something) than a price book cuz FREE is always a good price.

[CouponQueen83]

Does anyone know if Shaving Gel has an expiration date? I scanned through this posting & have checked online, via google, but am not coming up with much.

TIA!

[dancinmama]

Does anyone know if Shaving Gel has an expiration date? I scanned through this posting & have checked online, via google, but am not coming up with much.

TIA!

Shave gel is a soap product so as long as the dispenser works, you're safe to use it indefinitely.

[dancinmama]

Oops, sorry. This post was an accident. I guess I'm a little tired tonight.