You bought a #10 can of freeze-dried food because it can sit in your emergency food supply for years. But what happens to that long shelf life once you actually open it?

For Augason Farms products, the answer is straightforward: once opened, plan to use the food within one year. The decades-long shelf life listed on many of our #10 cans applies while the product remains unopened and is stored under proper conditions.

Opening the can exposes the food to oxygen and moisture, changing the conditions that allowed it to remain shelf-stable for so long.

That doesn't mean you need to eat an entire #10 can immediately. With proper storage and a little planning, you can work opened Augason Farms foods into everyday meals while keeping the rest of your long-term supply sealed for when you need it.

Key Takeaways

• Once opened, Augason Farms recommends using food within one year.
• A 20- to 30-year shelf life generally applies to unopened products stored properly.
• Keep opened food tightly sealed in a cool, dry place.
• Moisture, heat, and repeated air exposure can affect food quality.
• Remove and discard the oxygen absorber after opening.
• Only open what you expect to use, leaving the rest of your food supply sealed.

How Long Does Augason Farms Freeze-Dried Food Last Once Opened?

As a general rule, Augason Farms recommends using opened food within one year. That's considerably different from the shelf life you may see printed on an unopened #10 can.

For example, Augason Farms Freeze-Dried Beef Steak Dices have an unopened shelf life of up to 30 years when stored properly. Once you open the can, however, Augason Farms recommends keeping it tightly sealed in a cool, dry location and using the contents within about one year.

Think of the long-term shelf life as applying to your sealed emergency reserve. Once you open a can, it becomes part of your active pantry.

Why Does Opening a #10 Can Change the Shelf Life?

The packaging is a major reason Augason Farms foods can remain shelf-stable for such long periods. Augason Farms #10 cans are designed for long-term food storage, and oxygen absorbers are used to help maintain very low oxygen levels inside the packaging. The container also provides barriers against moisture and light.

Once you open the can, you break that controlled environment. The food is exposed to the surrounding air and potentially to moisture every time you open the container. 

That's why the original 20-, 25-, or 30-year shelf-life estimate no longer applies after opening. It is also why resealing your opened food properly matters.

Does a #10 Can Need to Be Refrigerated After Opening?

Not necessarily. For many dry Augason Farms products, refrigeration isn't required after opening. Instead, the food should be kept tightly sealed in a cool, dry place.

For example, Augason Farms Freeze-Dried Beef Steak Dices do not require refrigeration after the can is opened. Augason Farms recommends tightly sealing the can, storing it somewhere cool and dry, and using the food within about one year.

Always follow the storage instructions on the specific Augason Farms product label, since requirements can vary depending on the food. Once freeze-dried food has been rehydrated or prepared, however, treat it as you would the equivalent fresh or cooked food rather than as dry shelf-stable food.

How to Store an Open #10 Can

Once you've broken the seal, a few simple habits can help protect the remaining food.

1. Keep the Can Tightly Sealed

Close the container securely after every use. The goal is to limit how much time the remaining food spends exposed to the surrounding environment. If you're transferring the food to another container, choose a clean, dry, food-safe airtight container.

2. Keep Moisture Out

Moisture is particularly important to avoid with freeze-dried foods. Always use clean, completely dry utensils when removing food from the can. Don't allow steam from a pot or wet measuring spoons to enter the container. Take out what you need and reseal the remaining food promptly.

3. Store It Somewhere Cool and Dry

Augason Farms recommends storing emergency food in a cool, dry location between 55°F and 70°F. Avoid areas that experience significant heat or moisture, which can shorten the useful storage life of food.

4. Remove the Oxygen Absorber

When you first open an Augason Farms #10 can, remove and discard the oxygen absorber. The oxygen absorber isn't food and should not be consumed.

For example, the preparation instructions for Augason Farms Freeze-Dried Beef Dices specifically tell you to remove the oxygen absorber before rehydrating the food.

5. Write the Opening Date on the Can

This is one of the easiest food-storage habits to adopt. Write the date you opened the can directly on the lid or label. Instead of trying to remember whether you opened those strawberries three months or nine months ago, you'll know exactly how long the product has been open.

Does Every Augason Farms #10 Can Last 30 Years Unopened?

No, and this is an important distinction. You'll often see long-term emergency food discussed as though everything lasts 25 or 30 years. Actual shelf life varies by product.

Augason Farms emergency food products have shelf lives of approximately 20 to 30 years under ideal conditions, but there are exceptions.

Products containing ingredients such as eggs or oils may have shelf lives closer to 10 years, while some other products have shorter shelf lives. That's why the shelf-life information on the individual Augason Farms product should always take priority over a general rule.

For example, Augason Farms Freeze-Dried Beef Steak Dices have a shelf life of up to 30 years unopened, while Augason Farms Dried Whole Egg Powder has an unopened shelf life of up to 10 years.

Both should be used within approximately one year after opening when properly stored.

Should You Open Your Emergency Food Before an Emergency?

You certainly can. Augason Farms #10 cans aren't only for emergencies. Many of our freeze-dried foods can also be used for everyday cooking, camping, meal planning, and reducing food waste.

Opening a can before an emergency can actually give you an opportunity to learn how to prepare and use the food you've stored.

For example, Augason Farms Freeze-Dried Beef Dices can be rehydrated and added to:

• Tacos
• Soups and stews
• Casseroles
• Pasta dishes
• Pot pies
• Salads
• Sandwiches

Freeze-dried fruits can make easy snacks or additions to breakfasts and recipes, while freeze-dried vegetables can be incorporated into soups, casseroles, side dishes, and everyday meals.

The important thing is to remember that once you open the can, you've started a much shorter storage window.

A Better Strategy: Open One, Store the Rest

If you're building a serious emergency food supply, you don't need to open everything you've purchased. Suppose you have several cans of an Augason Farms freeze-dried ingredient. Keep most of them sealed for long-term storage and open one for everyday use. Use that can in meals over the following months. When it's empty, open the next one.

This gives you the best of both worlds: you become familiar with cooking with your stored food while the rest of your supply maintains its unopened shelf life. It's also an easy way to rotate food without unnecessarily shortening the shelf life of your entire emergency pantry.

How Do You Know If Opened Freeze-Dried Food Is Still Good?

The one-year guideline assumes the product has been properly handled and stored. Don't rely on the calendar alone. Before using stored food, inspect it for signs that its quality or safety may have been compromised.

Pay attention to unexpected changes in:

• Appearance
• Odor
• Texture
• Signs of moisture
• Container condition

If you're unsure about a product's condition, don't take unnecessary chances.

And remember: "use within one year" isn't permission to ignore obvious signs that something is wrong. Storage conditions and handling still matter.

Why #10 Cans Work Well for Long-Term Food Storage

The #10 can has become a popular format for emergency food because it balances bulk storage with manageable portions. Combined with proper food-processing and packaging methods, the cans help protect foods from environmental conditions that would otherwise shorten their storage life.

Depending on the product, an unopened Augason Farms #10 can can remain part of your food storage for many years. That makes #10 cans particularly useful for building a pantry around individual ingredients such as Augason Farms freeze-dried meats, fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy products, grains, and other staples.

You can choose foods your household actually uses rather than relying exclusively on complete emergency meal kits.

Shop Augason Farms Freeze-Dried Food in #10 Cans

The biggest advantage of long-term food storage is having options. Augason Farms offers freeze-dried and shelf-stable foods that can be stored for emergencies but are versatile enough to use in everyday meals. From freeze-dried meats and fruits to vegetables and pantry staples, you can build a food supply around the ingredients your household is most likely to use.

Keep unopened cans stored properly for their full potential shelf life. When you're ready to use one, mark the opening date, keep it tightly sealed, protect it from heat and moisture, and plan to use it within one year.

That way, you're not just storing food for someday. You're building a pantry you know how to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Augason Farms freeze-dried food last after opening?

When wondering how long does food in #10 cans last, Augason Farms recommends using opened food within one year. Keep the remaining food tightly sealed in a cool, dry place and follow any product-specific storage instructions on the label.

Does freeze-dried food still last 25 years after opening?

No. Long shelf-life estimates such as 20, 25, or 30 years generally apply to unopened products stored under proper conditions. Once an Augason Farms container is opened, plan to use the food within one year.

Do you need to refrigerate Augason Farms freeze-dried food after opening?

Many dry Augason Farms products do not require refrigeration after opening. For example, Augason Farms Freeze-Dried Beef Dices can be tightly resealed and kept in a cool, dry location. Always follow the instructions for the individual product.

What temperature should Augason Farms food be stored at?

Augason Farms recommends storing emergency food in a cool, dry location between 55°F and 70°F and protecting it from heat and moisture.

What should I do with the oxygen absorber after opening a #10 can?

Remove the oxygen absorber and discard it. It is included to help maintain the proper environment inside the sealed package and should not be eaten.

Can I eat Augason Farms freeze-dried food without rehydrating it?

It depends on the product. Many freeze-dried fruits can be eaten directly from the container as a snack, while other products are designed to be rehydrated or cooked. Always follow the preparation directions for the individual Augason Farms product.

Can I use Augason Farms freeze-dried food for everyday cooking?

Yes. Augason Farms freeze-dried ingredients can be incorporated into everyday meals as well as stored for emergencies. Using one opened can while keeping the rest of your supply sealed is also a practical way to rotate your food storage.