Shelf Life Calculator
Estimate shelf life for preserved foods based on preservation method, food type, and storage conditions.
Inputs
Results
Estimated Shelf Life
12 months
Shelf Life52 weeks
Shelf Life365 days
Base Shelf Life12 months
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the preservation method (canned, frozen, dehydrated, fermented, or refrigerated).
- Choose the food type factor and storage condition factor for your situation.
- The calculator shows estimated shelf life in months, weeks, and days.
- Label each batch with the pack date and use within the calculated shelf life for best quality.
How the result changes with Food Type Factor
| Food Type Factor | Estimated Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| 0.43 | 5.1 months |
| 0.86 | 10.3 months |
| 1.39 | 16.7 months |
| 1.82 | 21.8 months |
What each input means
- Preservation Method
- 1 = Canning (12 mo base), 2 = Freezing (6 mo), 3 = Dehydrating (12 mo), 4 = Fermenting (6 mo), 5 = Smoking (3 mo).
- Food Type Factor
- Multiplier based on food acidity/type. Low-acid foods (meat, fish) = 0.5-0.75, high-acid (fruit, pickles) = 1.0-1.5, dry goods = 1.5-2.0.
- Storage Condition Factor
- Multiplier for storage conditions. Cool dark pantry (50-60°F) = 1.5, room temperature (70°F) = 1.0, warm (80°F+) = 0.5.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input ParametersPreservation Method = 1, Food Type Factor = 1, Storage Condition Factor = 1 = 3 input(s) provided
- Calculate Estimated Shelf LifeEstimated Shelf Life12 = 12
- Calculate Shelf LifeShelf Life52 = 52
- Calculate Shelf LifeShelf Life365 = 365
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