Pantry Canisters- how to keep track of expiration dates?

Question

When you use airtight canisters to store pantry items, how do keep track of expiration dates? I keep most things in their original box so I can quickly note if an item is approaching expiration.

Hillela G. · Answer

How about getting or painting on to the canisters chalkboard labels? This way you can keep track of expiration dates as well as have the ability to change them with a refill!

Cindi · Answer

I use removable labels, easy on, easy off, and use dry erase, or Sharpie to write on. I do this with freezer labels too, since I break everything down into single servings (I live alone), and re-wrap them in aluminum foil to freeze until I'm ready to make them. I do the same with hamburger, and buy 3 lbs at a time, then separate and re-pack it into 3 1 lb pkgs. I have a friend who rotates all her cans by writing exp dates on them when she buys them, and using oldest first, of course she does everything in preparation for a disaster. Anyway, I'd try the removable labels for your canisters.

Tara Kotry · Answer

Chalk labels are great but again they erase. You could also save the plastic milk bag/ bread tags. Write the date in blk marker and tape to the container. I use the tabs on rolls of tape so I don't lose the end. Works great.

Jen · Answer

Chalk board labels

Jan · Answer

I usually cut off the portion of the box with cooking instructions, such as rice and slip inside the container. You could write the date on there, or cut out a piece of cardstock and write the date and slip in where it can be seen through the container.

Johnchip · Answer

Slip in a plastic or popsicle stick you write the date on.

Letty · Answer

I use invisible tape and write the content and expiration date on it. Then I cover the writing with another strip of invisible tape. When it needs changed, I just peel the double tape and start over. I have also just taped part of the box or bag for identification and write the expiration dates on it. And I've done painters tape label on the shelves where every item belongs and write the expiration and contents on it. It all depends on your personal preference. My preference is cheap and useful over looks since my pantry is not exposed to guests.

Pam Walker · Answer

CUT the expiration date from their boxes & tape it to the bottom of the containers. Once that one is empty & you refill it, just cut the new one out & remove the old one & replace it with the new one. :)

Becky · Answer

I found that there is a marker that can be removed by water. It;s used for over head projectors at schools. http://smile.amazon.com/Expo-Wet-Erase-Overhead-Transparency-Assorted/dp/B00006IFGW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453132205&sr=8-1&keywords=overhead+projector+markers Also I found other markers that are erasable with water or something like windex. Water: http://smile.amazon.com/Sakura-Industrial-Soluble-Diameter-Degrees/dp/B00L0TT9NY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1453131673&sr=8-3&keywords=markers+removed+by+water Ammonia: http://smile.amazon.com/Chalk-Ink-Classic-Markers-8-Pack/dp/B00251G48E/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1453131673&sr=8-4&keywords=markers+removed+by+water There are others also. I use them on my plastic containers that I leave in the frig at work and at home with my name on them.

Ann Carroll · Answer

I attached self-adhesive clear CD pockets to the outside of my canisters (probably can find them at most office supply stores - I think I got the Avery brand self-adhesive disk pockets 10 for about $9)

I use the pocket to put in whatever info I need - either from the box itself or handwritten for homemade goods. Note: I hand wash my containers because of the pocket.

Anastacia · Answer

I use the simple dot stickers from the grocery store.  Each year I use a different color dot.  Then I know a a glance what year I purchased whatever I'm looking at.

Rus1058682 · Answer

Well, I just write it on a small piece of painter's tape, (the blue kind) and put it on the face of the canister, near the bottom. It is easier to remove than most types of tape..

Su Stewart · Answer

Cut out the exasperation date on the product and put it inside the container.

Winnie Sandberg-Winters · Answer

You don't need an expiration date. That is the last date it can be sold by! THE NOSE KNOWS!!!

Ou13337957 · Answer

Cut out the expiration date and tape it to the canister or add a chalk paint tag that can be erased and changed

Merri Jo Ounan · Answer

I would use dry erase markers on clear plastic or buy dry erase tape (I use it for marking my storage bins in the basement).

Pager63 · Answer

I use dry erase markers

Dorothy · Answer

I agree with Winnie. That date is last day the store can sell it. Unless your pantry in the garage where it heats up in the Summer you should be good for quite a while.

Chas' Crazy Creations · Answer

Here is a post that might help you https://chascrazycreations.com/11-amazing-walk-in-pantry-organization-tips-and-hacks/

Pantry Canisters- how to keep track of expiration dates?

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