How long can you keep that mayo in the fridge?

Certain items in your house practically scream “toss me” when their prime has passed. That mysterious extra white layer on the Cheddar? A sure sign it needs to be put out of its misery. Chunky milk? Down the drain it goes.

But what about that jar of olives or Maraschino cherries that has resided in your refrigerator since before the birth of your kindergartner? Or the innumerable nonedibles lurking deep within your cabinets and closets: stockpiled shampoo and toothpaste, seldom-used silver polish? How do you know when their primes have passed?

With help from experts and product manufacturers, Real Simple has compiled a guide to expiration dates. These dates are offered as a rough guideline. The shelf lives of most products depend upon how you treat them. Edibles, unless otherwise indicated, should be stored in a cool, dry place. (With any food, of course, use common sense.) Household cleaners also do best in a dry place with a stable temperature. After the dates shown, beauty and cleaning products are probably still safe but may be less effective.

Here are just a few from the list:

Beer Unopened: 4 months.

Chocolate (Hershey bar)  1 year from production date

Diet soda (and soft drinks in plastic bottles)  Unopened: 3 months from "best by" date.   Opened: Doesn't spoil, but taste is affected.

Dried pasta  12 months

Frozen dinners  Unopened: 12 to 18 months

Frozen vegetables  Unopened: 18 to 24 months   Opened: 1 month

Honey  Indefinite shelf life

Ketchup  Unopened: 1 year (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)  Opened or used: 4 to 6 months (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)

Mayonnaise  Unopened: Indefinitely
Opened: 2 to 3 months from “purchase by” date (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)

Mustard  2 years (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)

Peanut butter, processed (Jif)  Unopened: 2 years   Opened: 6 months;   refrigerate after 3 months.

Worcestershire sauce  Unopened: 5 to 10 years (After this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume.)   Opened: 2 years

Deodorant  Unopened: 2 years  Used: 1 to 2 years  For antiperspirants, see expiration date

Shampoo  2 to 3 years

The copmplete list

via

Tags: List