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Food Expiration Dates 101: How Long to Keep Spices, Peanut Butter and Other Pantry Items

It’s hard to tell when pantry basics like dried pasta, herbs and spices, rice, honey, sugar and flour expire – they often live in our kitchens forever! While some foods keep indefinitely, others have a shorter shelf life than you may think. Read on for expiration guidelines from StillTasty.com (33 Photos)

Lisa Cericola on Jan 3, 2013 at 10:16AM

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Food Expiration Dates 101: How Long to Keep Spices, Peanut Butter and Other Pantry Items

James Worrell/Riser

Olive Oil

Unopened: 2 years in the pantry or refrigerator

Opened: 18 to 24 months in the pantry or refrigerator

Store olive oil in a cool, dark place. Keeping it in the refrigerator will extend its shelf life but may cause cloudiness -- this will not effect the quality. Once it is brought back to room temperature it will retain its normal color and texture.