I dry packed a 50 lb bag of popcorn about 10 yrs ago, we have one can left on the shelf now. The last can I opened about 6 months ago still popped just fine. I think the shelf life if dry packed is about 20 yrs.

I need to dry pack some more now that hubby has a job and I can afford to buy the popcorn and cans. Our ward has a can sealer and it is sitting at my house.

And as for a good thing to have....YES, it makes a wonderful treat and you can grind it for cornmeal