Shelf life depends on the degradation mechanism of the specific product. Most can be influenced by several factors: exposure to light, heat, moisture, transmission of gases, mechanical stresses, and contamination by things such as micro-organisms. Enter the manufactured date and the expiration date into the Shelf Life Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the Shelf Life. This can also calculate the date at 25%, 50%, and 75% of shelf life remaining. The meaning of SHELF LIFE is the period of time during which a material may be stored and remain suitable for use; broadly : the period of time during which something lasts or remains popular. Find the shelf life of any food, medicine, cosmetic, or household product. Authoritative data from USDA, FDA, and manufacturer guidelines. On the other hand, shelf life refers to the period of time during which a product can be stored before it starts to deteriorate in quality. While the expiry date is a fixed point in time, the shelf life can vary depending on how the product is stored and handled. Shelf life is defined as the duration during which a product maintains acceptable quality before it deteriorates, typically marked by the onset of spoilage or over-ripeness, under specified storage conditions. It is an essential consideration in product commercialization to meet consumer demands. Shelf life is linked to food quality, expiration date to food safety. Something that has passed its shelf life might still be safe, but quality is no longer guaranteed. In most food stores, shelf life is controlled by using stock rotation. Shelf life is how long a food keeps its quality and safety under normal storage. It is not a single fixed date: it depends on the food, how it is stored (pantry, fridge, or freezer), and whether the package has been opened. Our Shelf Life Calculator is provided in order to help our customers determine the remaining shelf life of their product. StillTasty.com has comprehensive information about how long you can keep thousands of foods and beverages.