BUCKHORN CLIFFS

Food · Supply

Freeze-Dried Foods

Freeze-Dried Foods: real shelf life 25-30 years when stored well (Sealed #10 can).

25-30 YRWorks without power

Quick facts

Real shelf life
25-30 years
Label date says
10-25 years
Best storage
Sealed #10 can
Watch for
Punctures, moisture

Notes from the field guide

  • Sealed in Mylar with an oxygen absorber, freeze-dried meals store for 25 years or more.
  • 25+ yr Sealed shelf life
  • #10 can: Freeze-dried and dry goods. Commercial long-term standard, very durable

Questions this answers

Tap a question for the short answer.

How long does freeze-dried foods last?

Stored well, freeze-dried foods really last 25 to 30 years, even though labels usually say 10 to 25 years. Sealed in Mylar with an oxygen absorber, freeze-dried meals store for 25 years or more.

How do I store freeze-dried foods long term?

A sealed #10 can is the best storage, the very durable commercial long-term standard for freeze-dried and dry goods. Mylar with an oxygen absorber also works, keeping freeze-dried meals for 25 years or more.

How do I tell if freeze-dried foods has gone bad?

Check the packaging for punctures and the contents for moisture. Those are the two things to watch for, because the 25 to 30 year shelf life depends on the container staying sealed.

Keep going

Read nextMylar bags: which foods gain the most shelf life (ranked)Ranks foods in five tiers by how much Mylar and oxygen absorbers help, with moisture limits, bag thickness, absorber sizing and sealing.Food · Guide

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