Shelf Life

What is the shelf life of preparedness foods? It is impossible to give a definitive answer without knowing how the foods are stored and in what containers.

Extended shelf life is primarily affected by oxygen, fat, moisture, heat and time - the lower the values the better. Excessive quantities of these elements will cause loss of nutritional value, off flavors, odors, and rancidity. Handling and physical damage must also be kept to a minimum. Damage to can seams and excessive rust must be avoided. Gourmet Reserves products are sealed in heavy gauge metal cans with an oxygen absorber added. Be sure to observe the our storage tips for best results.

Provided that proper storage procedures have been followed, we can offer general guidelines as to the shelf life expectations of our foods. Once the foods leave our facilities we have no control over storage conditions. So be conscientious and avoid high heat - the cooler the better.

NOTE: Although it is possible that some beans, grains, and other types of food will store for long periods of time in ideal conditions, we feel it is inappropriate to promise or suggest shelf lives of any longer than 15 years. AlpineAire Foods does its best, utilizing the latest canning techniques and oxygen absorber technology, to ensure the longest possible shelf life. Because of the various factors which affect shelf life, over which we have no control, we cannot guarantee that your results will match our estimates. In order to maximize shelf life, do not expose to high or freezing temperatures for an extended period of time.

SHELF LIFE OF GOURMET RESERVES ® PRODUCTS IN
IDEAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

Estimated shelf life in years

Vegetables	8-10
Fruits	8-10
Meats	5-10
Eggs	5
Complete Entrees soups/breakfasts/desserts most recipes	5
Recipes w/ shrimp, brown rice, sour cream, tuna & nuts	2-5
Entrees	5-10
Cheese powders	5
Sweeteners	10
Granola	5
Pasta	8-10
Milk, Nonfat	8-10
Beans, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)	8-10
Pilot Bread Crackers*	10
Sauces and Seasonings	5-10
Sprouting Seeds	5-10

AlpineAire Pouch Products

Most Pouches	3-5
Recipes with shrimp, tuna, brown rice, nuts, sour cream	1-2
and dairy products

Cooking Required Items

Grains	10-15
Beans & Peas	10-15
Scrambling and Omelet Egg Mix	5
Pancake Mix	3-5

* Ready to Eat

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