Hershey's cocoa - how long is it good?

[lmtladb]

I wanted to make the black and white angel food cake from the recent CL and was checking to see if I had everything. I found in the back of my pantry a carton of Hershey's cocoa. I'm not exactly sure how long I have had it but I'm guessing a year or two. I've since been using other cocoa powders I've had. I'm just wondering if the Hersey's or any cocoa goes bad? I didn't see any expiration date on the container, it smelled OK and looked OK but since it might be a few years since I used it was not sure if I should pitch it or use it. Any thoughts?

[RecipeGirl]

I don't know the general rule regarding cocoa or anything, but I'm quite sure I've had cocoa in my cupboard for a long time at times. I've never noticed any difference in flavor to cook with old vs. new cocoa. I would go for it.

[sneezles]

Most recommend two years but one place said 15 years! If it were me, I'd use it. I had some Valhrona that I used for about 3 years.