Millions of families love maple syrup, and it often doesn’t stay in the pantry or fridge long enough for most consumers to know whether or not it goes bad.

Quick Answer

A sealed glass bottle of maple syrup will last indefinitely, due to its high sugar content. Once opened, maple syrup will stay fresh for one year or more, if you keep it in the fridge. It can last indefinitely in the freezer. Stored at room temperature, an open bottle of maple syrup may begin to grow mold, but there is no predictable time-frame for it. read more

Originating from ancient Persia, carrots come in many colors and have several nutritional benefits. They can be eaten raw or cooked and are used in many dishes. But do they spoil? If so, how long does it take?

Quick Answer

Carrots can, indeed, spoil like any other vegetable. Carrots generally stay fresh for 3-5 days if left on the counter. Placing them in the fridge extends their shelf life for 4-5 weeks, or 1 week if they’re chopped or sliced. Freezing carrots will keep them fresh for 1-2 years, regardless if they’re whole or chopped. While they can spoil quickly due to moisture, they have a tough layer of skin that gives them better protection than other soft-skinned vegetables like tomatoes. read more

Beans have been used in cuisines for centuries, and are packed with fiber and Vitamin B. They’re a staple food in Latin American countries and all over the world. How well do they keep and how long do they last, you ask?

Quick Answer

Dried beans do go bad, but they maintain their nutritional properties for a significant amount of time. Dried beans last 20-30 years if kept out. Refrigerating will only keep beans fresh for 3-5 days. Frozen dried beans will only last about 1 year.  Dried beans have tough exteriors that prevent moisture from entering, allowing them to preserve well over time. If they are exposed to moisture, light, or humidity, beans will succumb to spoiling much faster. read more

Evaporated milk is a mainstay of cooking, especially because it can be stored in the pantry and doesn’t need to be refrigerated like regular milk.  It can last for months, but what’s its upper limit?

Quick Answer

How long evaporated milk lasts depends on multiple factors; if it’s regular milk in an unopened can, it can last anywhere from three months to a year past its “best by” date.  Once opened, it lasts three to five days when stored in a refrigerator.  Evaporated milk in a carton has a similar shelf life.  Evaporated skim milk doesn’t last as long, going for around nine months after its “best by” date. read more

Half and half can mean multiple things, depending on where you’re from.  To make things simple, I’ll be referring to the milk/cream mixture for this article.

Quick Answer

Half and half can last around three to five days past its due date unopened, and seven to ten days after opening if you’re using a large container.  The small cups of half and half last longer because they’ve been sterilized and sealed off; they can survive at least a month past the “best by” date.

The time that half and half lasts can also depend on where it’s stored, and like all dairy products, you should check it before you use it. read more

Ramen noodles are common in Japanese cooking, as well as the diets of some college students, myself included.  These dried noodles last for months, but how long can they last?

Quick Answer 

The answer depends on the kind of noodles you’re eating, and if they’re dried or fresh.  The dried packs and noodles that come in cups can last over a year after packaging.  Fresh ramen noodles, the kind that is found in specialized shops, can last two weeks in the fridge.

The different kinds of ramen mean that there are lots of ways to make them last as long as possible. read more

Sesame oil is used for cooking and as a seasoning, particularly for Asian foods.  One of the most common questions about it is if it goes bad, and how long it can last.  I’m here to answer that question.

Quick Answer 

Of course, sesame oil doesn’t last forever.  What happens is that it goes rancid, or oxidizes.  This changes the taste and smell of the oil:

• An unopened bottle of sesame oil can become rancid after about a year after its “best by” date
• An opened bottle can become rancid about six months after you open it
• Oxidization happens because of both air and light contamination. 

Here are some helpful hints to keep your sesame oil lasting as long as possible, and how to know when it’s ready to throw out.

Does Sesame Oil Go Bad? How Long Does Sesame Oil Last?

Sesame oil can potentially last for over a year, but what are the options for storing it?  Should you store it in the pantry, in the refrigerator, or freezer? read more

Dates are a healthy choice for a snack and are used in a variety of recipes. They last a long time if stored properly and can be eaten all year round. You may have dates sitting in your pantry and wonder, how long do they last? Read on to find out more about the shelf life and proper storage of your dates.

Quick Answer

Dates have a long shelf life. As long as they stay covered up they can be stored just about anywhere. Stored in the pantry they can last up to 3 months if unopened.  They will last in the fridge for 6 to 12 months after opening. Dates can last for about 5 years in the freezer unopened. read more

Smoked salmon is a popular way to consume salmon. Since smoked salmon can be expensive, we may wonder, does smoked salmon go bad? Knowing if smoked salmon can go bad will help us prevent wasting it.

Quick Answer

Smoked salmon will go bad.

• You should follow the best by date on the package.
• An unopened package of smoked salmon will last 2-3 weeks in the fridge.
• An opened package will last 5-7 days in the fridge.
• An unopened package will last 3 months in the freezer.

Determining how to store your smoked salmon will help you consume it before it goes bad. You should check your smoked salmon to ensure it is still good before eating it.

Does Smoked Salmon Go Bad? How Long Does Smoked Salmon Last?

Smoked salmon typically has a short shelf life. Determining how long it will last outside, in the fridge, and the freezer will help you make the most out of your purchase. read more

Have you ever wondered if rum goes bad? Have you ever pulled a bottle out and wondered if it is still good? Find out below how long rum lasts and the best way to store it.

Quick Answer

In general rum, like anything, can go bad. As a hard alcohol, it takes a long time for rum to go bad.

Unopened Rum will remain in good condition and good quality taste for years, even decades. Store it in a cool, dry place such as a pantry.

Open Rum will remain in good condition and of good taste quality for 6-8 months. Most people find that open rum will still taste good up to a year after opening. Open Rum should also be stored in a cool, dry place. read more