FAQs - Grocery

Can hard brown sugar be softened?
All brown sugars will become hardened after a period of time. Most often this condition occurs during the winter months. The low humidity in the air, combined with the heat from the furnace (or other heating element) will draw the moisture from the bag of sugar. There are several ways to re-moisten your bag of hardened brown sugar.

• Microwave Method - Brown Sugar can be softened in the microwave by placing it in a microwavable container, covering loosely and microwaving on high. Check every 30 seconds until softened OR place in microwave safe container, add an apple wedge, cover tightly and heat on HIGH for 35 seconds. Let stand for 30 seconds before use. This method is best for emergency use as the sugar will harden again upon cooling.
• Slow Method - Place hard brown sugar in resealable container. Place a piece of plastic wrap or foil on top of sugar. Dampen a folded paper towel and put on top of foil. Close tightly for 8-12 hours. Remove paper towel and seal container after each use.

How do I read the code on my canned goods?
While the vast majority of Kroger Brand Canned Goods are packed in the United States, every domestic canner uses a different system of coding, so there is no universal method of determining the pack date of any can of product. In general, even if the can is not rusted, badly dented, or bulging, the consumer must use common sense and not use the product that does not smell, look, or taste right.

Kroger is taking a leadership position in converting to consumer-readable "best if used by" open dating on many of our Kroger Brand Canned Fruit and Vegetable items. When buying these open dated Kroger Canned Goods, consumers will have a much better idea of the shelf life of the product. For valuable information on storage and handling of a wide variety of food items, please consult "The Food Keeper" at http://fmi.org/consumer/foodkeeper/.

What is the shelf life of canned goods?
Because of growing and harvesting limitations, canned fruits and vegetables can be packed only a few weeks of every year. That product packed during those few weeks must be adequate to fill the needs of consumers throughout the entire year. The shelf life of high acid items (like tomato products) is generally no more than 18-24 months from the pack date. By the time the product is stored and shipped throughout the year, it generally has a shelf life of no more than 12-18 months when purchased at the store. Low acid canned fruits and vegetables may be good for two years or more, depending on storage conditions and the condition of the can itself. We do not recommend using dented, bulging, or rusted canned goods. For more information about food storage please see http://fmi.org/consumer/foodkeeper/.

Why are there no ingredient statements on some products, such as coffee?
Some products only have one ingredient and therefore would not carry an ingredient statement.