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Increased Shelf Life = Increased Value
We take pride in the shelf life of Mountain House freeze-dried foods. Our 40-year history of using top-quality ingredients, the highest processing standards, and premium packaging materials allows for a shelf life that is unmatched.One unique advantage we have over our competitors is that our entrees (such as beef stew, rice pilaf or prepared eggs) are freshly cooked in our facilities, benefiting both taste and shelf life. We invite you to compare.
Our Mountain House inventory is consistently replenished in less than four months, thus ensuring a long shelf life remains when it leaves our doors.
The rest is up to you: store food under dry, sanitary conditions, without prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures and avoiding any environment that could cause damage to the packaging, such as punctures, dents, or rust. Simply follow these storage tips and you will have emergency food when you need it.
Pouches--7 Year Shelf Life *
Based on storage studies over several years, in 2006 the shelf life was increased by an impressive 40%, from 5 years to 7 years! That’s right -- our shelf life is at least 7 years from the date of manufacture as long as the pouch is stored unopened in a cool area. After 7 years a change in flavor and appearance may be noticed. For best results, avoid prolonged storage at temperatures above 75° F (24° C).*Ice cream products and Organic Fruit Snacks have a 2-year shelf life.
#10 Cans-- 25 Year Shelf Life
Packed in airtight #10 cans, Mountain House freeze-dried foods have the longest shelf life available. We can confidently claim a 25-year shelf life, because our testing has shown the shelf life exceeds 30 years! These independent university studies were performed on actual 20-, 25- and 30-year-old product stored under real-world conditions, which weren’t always ideal -- not on newer product exposed to an accelerated-time environment in a laboratory.
The interior and exterior of the cans are coated with protective enamel for double protection. Our canning process, which is equal to military standards, uses both vacuum oxygen removal and nitrogen flushing. Your food is protected until you are ready to enjoy it.
After opening, we recommend using the dry contents within one week for best results and taste, using the convenient resealable plastic lid between uses.
After hydration, treat any leftover hydrated food as you would fresh food.
Prepare for the worst with the best... Mountain House®
Manufacture Date
The product manufacturing code appears on the back of Mountain House® pouches and on the bottom of Mountain House® cans. The date in the code represents the date on which the product was packaged. January of 2001 we are now printing BEST IF USED BYdates on the back of each pouch.
2006 and after:
EXAMPLE: 09349 1324
| 09 = | Year 2009 |
| 349 = | Julian Date (example = 349th day of the year = December 15) |
| 1324 = | Military time |
1989 - 2006:
EXAMPLE: 99028 CIA
| 99 = | Year |
| 028 = | Julian Date (example = 28th day of the year = January 28) |
| CIA = | Production Operator's Initials |
Prior to 1989:
EXAMPLE: T20394D
| T = | Year (example "T" = 1987; see below*) |
| 203 = | Julian Date (example = 203rd day of the year = July 22) |
| 94D = | Internal tracking system code number |
*The year code can be understood as follows:
| A | 1970 | F | 1975 | K | 1980 | R | 1985 |
| B | 1971 | G | 1976 | L | 1981 | S | 1986 |
| C | 1972 | H | 1977 | M | 1982 | T | 1987 |
| D | 1973 | I | 1978 | N | 1983 | U | 1988 |
| E | 1974 | J | 1979 | P | 1984 | ||