Americans throw away nearly half of their food every year , according to a 2012 report by the NDRC. This is alarming -- as Reuters puts it, "Just a 15 percent reduction in losses in the U.S. food supply would save enough to feed 25 million Americans annually."

Part of this waste, no doubt, can be attributed to our misinformation about how to store -- and when to toss -- our groceries. In the shelf life chart below, you'll discover how to keep your food, how long it can last on the counter, in the fridge or in the freezer and what expiration dates are really all about.

You might be surprised to learn that milk can be stored in the freezer for three months, ketchup is good for a year and honey lasts forever. Enjoy!

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