Don't let your food go to waste! Easy ways to track your food's expiration date
Out with the old, in with the new! This adage applies to many areas of our lives, especially our pantries. Shelves are lined with canned goods, rice containers and cereal boxes, sometimes stocked three deep.
With all that food, it helps to have a system to prevent some of these goods from expiring. It can be as simple as stocking the newest item behind the one you already have so it is used first. But whether you have a system established or not, one method that will always be handy is labeling!
Watch this video for eight easy ways to keep track of expiration dates for food.
How to track your food’s expiration date
The easiest labeling method is the tried and true tape and marker. Write the date on the tape and stick it on the packaging. You can also use a permanent marker to write the expiration date on the lid of a can so it’s easier to reference when rummaging through your pantry.
An easy alternative to the tape is a label maker. Bonus points if it’s a waterproof label! They can withstand the heat from the dishwasher, and you can update the date easily with a dry-erase marker. If you decanted any dry goods, consider adding a label that includes the date it was filled and the date the food expires.
If you’re keeping track of leftover food expiration dates, consider getting dissolvable food labels to attach to your storage containers. They’re easy to use and wash off with water. Don't forget to label the frozen stuff, too! Freeze some of your favorite meals and store them in a large, reusable freezer bag to enjoy later. Add a label with the dish name and use by date, then pop it in the freezer.
For a method that’s a bit more visible and accessible, keep a list of food expiration dates on your fridge. You can use the old-fashioned pen and paper method or find a printable template online. If you prefer a digital option, there are apps for that. You can find some designed to track expiration dates, and apps designed to help you make meals with the food you have, helping you use it up before it goes bad. If that sounds like a lot, you can always opt for the note or reminder app on your phone.
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How to store dry goods in the pantry
Dry goods can last a long time. However, improper storage can make them go bad sooner than they should. Foods like rice, cereal or chips can be decanted to help them stay fresh longer. Plus, some of these foods can go in the container without being poured out of their original packaging!
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), canned goods, rice and dried pasta can last up to two years, while some foods might last only a couple of months. Most foods have the sell or use by date printed somewhere on the packaging. If you’re unsure, refer to the USDA’s guide.