Save Money With Food Storage Solutions
Buying in bulk
I'm not a shopper. Standing in long lines, checking prices, and playing bumper carts with fellow shoppers is just not my idea of a day out. I always thought that buying in bulk was cheaper and would save me from another trip to the store. The problem with this strategy is that my bulk buys often expire before I can finish them. It was depressing to throw so much food away. I could see the dollar signs flowing into the trash can.
Eventually, I decided to have a good look at my pantry and do some planning. I found that there are a number of food items that will just last and last. It was smart to buy more of these. In addition to this epiphany, I was storing many items incorrectly. If I had a better shopping and storage plan I could buy more when my grocery items were on special, stock up and follow some basic storage rules. This could cut down on my grocery budget and save time.
Below is the list that I started to compile.
PASTA
Stored in the pantry or cool, dry place in and airtight container
| Stored in the refrigerator
| Stored in the freezer
| |
|---|---|---|---|
(even after sell by date)
| |||
Uncooked pasta and noodles
| 1 - 2 years
| ||
Cooked pasta and noodles
| A few days maximum
| 6 - 8 months
|
RICE AND BULGAR
Stored in the pantry or cool, dry place in an airtight container
| Stored in the refrigerator
| Stored in the freezer
| |
|---|---|---|---|
(even after sell by date)
| |||
Uncooked Rice - Jasmine, White, Arborio and Basmati
| At least 2 years
| ||
Uncooked Brown rice
| Maybe a year only because of it higher oil content
| ||
Bulgar - whole wheat that has been cleaned, parboiled and dried. High in Vit B, phosporous, manganese and iron
| At least one year
|
NUTS
Stored in the pantry or cool, dry place in an airtight container
| Stored in the refrigerator
| Stored in the freezer
| |
|---|---|---|---|
Peanut Butter
| If it is still sealed, it will last up to 2 years
| Once opened you should store it in the fridge.
| You could freeze it but when it thaws the oil and nuts may seperate but it is still good to eat.
|
Almonds
| 9 - 12 months
| 1 year
| 2 years
|
Brazil
| 9 months
| 1 year
| 1 year
|
Cashews
| 6 - 9 months
| 1 year
| 2 years
|
Diamond
| 2 years
| 3 years
| 4 years
|
Hazelnuts
| 4 - 6 months
| 1 year
| 1 year
|
Macadamians
| 6 - 9 months
| 1 year
| 2 years
|
Peanuts
| 6 - 9 months
| 1 year
| 2 years
|
Pecans
| 6 months
| 1 year
| 2 years
|
Pine
| 1 - 2 months
| 3 - 4 months
| 5 - 6 months
|
Pistachio
| 3 months
| ||
Walnuts
| 6 months
| 1 year
| 1 - 2 years
|
DRY BEANS
Stored in the pantry in a cool, dry place
| Stored in the refrigerator
| Stored in the freezer
| |
|---|---|---|---|
Dry beans
| 1 - 2 years if in a sealed container
|
Tips:
Unshelled nuts are cheaper than shelled nuts. Although unshelled nuts take up more room, they do last longer.
Once you have shelled nuts, put them in the refrigerator.
When in the pantry make sure they are in a cool, dry place with a temp under 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Shelled whole nuts last longer than chopped or shaved nuts.
Unsalted nuts will last longer than salted nuts.
CHEESES
Stored in the pantry or cool, dry place
| Stored in the refrigerator
| Stored in the freezer
| |
|---|---|---|---|
Soft eg: brie
| 1 week
| 6 months
| |
Firm eg: Swiss
| 1 - 2 months Unopened and whole. If shredded 1 month. If opened 2 weeks
| 6 - 8 months Unopened / opended / shredded
| |
Hard eg: Parmesan
| 2 - 4 months Unopened and whole. If shredded 1 - 2 months. If opened 1 month
| 6 - 8 months Unopened / opended / shredded
|
Tips:
Soft cheeses won’t last as long because of their moisture content. Moisture is needed to breed micro-organisms. The soft cheeses that I have frozen have a different texture when they thaw out. I avoid freezing these.
SWISS CHEESE
SUGAR
Stored in the pantry or cool, dry place
| Stored in the refrigerator
| Stored in the freezer
| |
|---|---|---|---|
White, brown and powdered varieties
| Store in an airtight container to keep the moisture out. If you keep it dry it will last for a very long time. Sugar is a bit like salt it really doesn't go bad.
|
SYRUPS AND HONEY
Stored in the pantry or cool, dry place
| Stored in the refrigerator
| Stored in the freezer
| |
|---|---|---|---|
Honey
| It might crystallize with time, but it will still be safe. Just put in some hot water to make it runny again. It will last for years.
| ||
Pure maple syrup
| Many months after opening
| It will last longer if frozen in small containers
|
HONEY
COFFEE
Stored in the pantry or cool, dry place
| Stored in the freezer
| |
|---|---|---|
(even after the sell by date)
| ||
Sealed packages
| ||
Ground coffee
| 3- 5 months
| 1 - 2 years
|
Whole bean coffee
| 6 - 9 months
| 2 - 3 years
|
Instant coffee
| 2 - 20 years
| Forever
|
Opened packages
| ||
Ground coffee
| 3 - 5 months
| 3 - 5 months
|
Whole bean coffee
| 6 months
| 2 years
|
Instant coffee
| 2 - 20 years
| Forever
|
SPICES
Stored in the pantry or cool, dry place
| Stored in the refrigerator
| Stored in the freezer
| |
|---|---|---|---|
Stored away from any area that may generate moisture, like the stove top or kettle.
| |||
Ground spices
| 2 - 3 years
| ||
Whole spices
| 3 - 4 years
| ||
Salt
| Indefintie
| ||
Dried herbs
| Roughly 2 years
|
EXTRACTS AND MISCELLANEOUS
Stored in the pantry or cool, dry place
| Stored in the refrigerator
| Stored in the freezer
| |
|---|---|---|---|
Pure vanilla
| Absolutely has to be pure. Can be kept for years if kept in an airtight container in a cool dry place.
| ||
Cornstarch
| If in an airtight container it will preserve for years.
| ||
Distilled vinegar
| It will keep for years if kept in an airtight dark glass container
|
FREEZE DRIED FOOD
If you are thinking of stockpiling for a power outage you might want to think of freeze dried food. There is an impressive variety out on the market, anything from fruit and ice cream (lifespan 2 years) to scrambled eggs and bacon (lifespan 7 years). Then there are the extremes like dried milk, pancake mix, beef stew and others that are good for 25 years!
You don’t even have to go to a specialty store for these. I saw a full range at Walmart. Another great company with a wide range is Thrive. My pantry is stocked full with freeze-dried yogurt bits, vegetables, cheeses, fruit and more. I'm a little obsessed with the strawberries. Many good camping stores will have these too.
I am pretty sure my list above only touches on the possibilities but it got the ball rolling for me. I am far more efficient in my storage and budgeting efforts now. Please always check expiry dates and if something smells bad, it probably is.
