Shelf Life for Hamburger Helper

QM · 06-01-2009, 08:09 PM

What do you think the shelf life is for Hamburger Helper? I checked the boxes that we have on hand, and there is no expiry date. I've tried googling the answer but nothing seems to give an answer. Why would a product not have an expiry?

Please don't give me an explanation as to how 'unhealthy' HH is. I'm going to buy some with coupons when they go on sale, and in the end it'll cost about 10 cents per box! (Pretty cheap meal!) I make it very occasionally and for convenience.

**Grainlady** · 06-01-2009, 08:29 PM

When did you purchase them? I would be comfortable using them within 6-12-months of purchase. You could also call the Betty Crocker/General Mills Help-Line (there should be a phone number on the side of the box). There may be a lot number on a side panel of the box that may indicate something about the the use-by date the people at the Help Line can decipher for you.

**Gabe** · 06-01-2009, 10:31 PM

The hamburger helper box I bought before all had expiry dates.

Look at the UPC or batch code on the box. Call the company that makes the product. They should be able to tell you if it is expired.

**frugalfranny** · 06-02-2009, 03:38 AM

All of mine have had expiration dates.

I say if there are no bugs in the noodles then it's a go. The spices in the packet could get weak but what can they have in it that will poison you.

I have used them past the expiration anyway...haven't gotten sick....yet.

**CrazyCat** · 06-02-2009, 10:41 AM

I don't think there is anything in there that would spoil...unless they've put something in the spices.~but they're all dried.

I'm with frugalfanny....no bugs they are good to go~LOL~!

A girl I work with has a doctorate in nutrition~and she says that even with expiration dates on salad dressing..they should not go bad.~

**Contrary Housewife** · 06-02-2009, 11:42 AM

A product won't expire if there is nothing in it that will go bad or significantly change flavor within a few months. These days I think a lot of companies have expiry dates as a CYA measure, so they can avoid responsibility for old product that might go "off".

I would expect the dried noodles and seasonings in HH to last a year or so, possibly longer in cool, dry conditions. Some of the oils and milk solids could go rancid, depending no which flavor you get, but for the most part I would expect HH to be a fairly shelf stable product.

**Michelle** · 06-02-2009, 03:42 PM

I'd just give the manufacturer a call.

QM · 06-02-2009, 04:05 PM

This afternoon I phoned the General Mills customer service number off the box and asked. Supposedly the manufacture date at the top is...
a letter (which represents the month) A=January B=February C=March etc.
the next two numbers are the year,
the next two numbers are the day,
and the last few digits is the plant it was made in.

My box showed I0830(and a few letters). This means it was manufactured September 30, 2008. The customer service agent said that the product is good for one year from the date of manufacture.

Thanks everyone for your replies.

**Michelle** · 06-02-2009, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by Quiltin' Mama

This afternoon I phoned the General Mills customer service number off the box and asked. Supposedly the manufacture date at the top is...
a letter (which represents the month) A=January B=February C=March etc.
the next two numbers are the year,
the next two numbers are the day,
and the last few digits is the plant it was made in.

My box showed I0830(and a few letters). This means it was manufactured September 30, 2008. The customer service agent said that the product is good for one year from the date of manufacture.

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Good information to know...thanks