| ABOUT SHELF LIFE |  |
What is the shelf life of preparedness foods? It is impossible to give a definitive answer without knowing how the foods are stored and in what containers.
Extended shelf life is primarily affected by oxygen, moisture and heat—the lower the values the better. Excessive quantities of these elements will cause loss of nutritional value, off flavors, odors, and rancidity. Handling and physical damage must also be kept to a minimum. Damage to can seams and excessive rust must be avoided. Gourmet Reserves products are sealed in enameled, heavy gauge metal cans with an oxygen absorber added. Follow storage tips listed here.
Provided that proper storage procedures have been followed, we can offer general guidelines as to shelf life expectations of our foods. Once the foods leave our facilities we have no control over storage conditions. So be conscientious and avoid high heat—the cooler the better.
NOTE: Although it is possible that some beans, grains, and other types of food will store for long periods of time in ideal conditions, we feel it is inappropriate to promise or suggest shelf lives of any longer than fifteen years. Alpineaire Foods does its best, utilizing the latest canning techniques and oxygen absorber technology, to insure the longest possible shelf life. Because of the various factors which affect shelf life, of which we have no control, we cannot guarantee that your results will match our estimates.
SHELF LIFE OF GOURMET RESERVES™ PRODUCTS
IN PROPER STORAGE CONDITIONS
| GOURMET RESERVES ITEM | Estimated shelf life in years |
| Vegetables | 8–10+ |
| Fruits | 8–10+ |
| Meats | 5–10 |
| Eggs | 5+ |
| Complete Entrees /Soups/Breakfasts /Desserts Most recipes | 5+ |
| Recipes containing Shrimp, Brown Rice, Sour Cream, Tuna and Nuts | 2–5 |
| Direct Pack Entree | 5–10 |
| Cheese Powders | 5+ |
| Sweeteners | 10+ |
| Granola | 5+ |
| Pasta | 8–10+ |
| Milk, Nonfat | 8–10+ |
| Grains | 8–10+ |
| Beans, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) | 8–10+ |
| Pilot Bread Crackers "RTE"* | 10+ |
| Sauces and Seasonings | 5–10 |
| Sprouting Seeds | 5–10 |
* Ready to Eat
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