FIFO stands for “First In, First Out,” and it’s the simplest, most effective system for rotating food storage. It means you use the oldest food first—so nothing gets forgotten, wasted, or pushed to the back of the pantry to die in silence.
Why FIFO Matters
Whether you’re storing dehydrated foods, cans, or boxed goods, shelf life isn’t forever. FIFO helps you:
- Avoid expired or stale food
- Keep inventory fresher
- Prevent waste (especially with homemade or home-preserved items)
When you’re dealing with jars of dehydrated soup mix or vacuum-sealed bags of fruit leather, the last thing you want is to open one and find it’s gone soft or rancid.
How to Use FIFO in Real Life
It’s not complicated—just place new items at the back and pull older items to the front. That’s it.
Simple tips:
- Label every jar or bag with the date (use a marker or sticker)
- Organize shelves by category, with the oldest batch in front
- Use transparent bins or baskets for snack mixes and powders
- Set reminders to check storage every month or season
FIFO works especially well with:
👉 How to Store Dehydrated Food for Maximum Shelf Life
👉 Everything You Need to Know About Freeze-Drying at Home
Final Thoughts
FIFO is just common sense made official. Use what you have before you open something new, and you’ll never waste a jar of peach chips or wonder when that tomato powder was made. It’s the backbone of a well-run pantry—whether you’re a casual dehydrator or a full-on prepper.
Thanks for stoppin’ by!
Jelly Grandma
Anne James—lovingly known as Jelly Grandma—is a professional canner, seasoned home cook, and lifelong preserver of traditional Southern skills. With over 55 years of hands-on experience in canning, gardening, cooking, and quilting, Anne brings generations of wisdom to every guide she writes.
Featured in both local media and by national brands like Hershey, Anne now shares her knowledge through PreservingSweetness.com and her YouTube channel, helping others rediscover the “old ways” of living well and making things from scratch.