Introduction
We’ve all had that moment where we open the pantry to discover a can of soup or box of crackers that expired years ago. While it’s generally safe to consume expired food, it can lose its flavor and nutrients over time.
If you’re looking for foods that will never expire, look no further than this list of 13 items. These foods have a long shelf life and will stay fresh for years to come.
- Honey
- Salt
- Hardtack
- Soy Sauce
- Rice
- Vinegar
- Dried Beans
- Dried Fruit
- Spices
- Hot Sauce
- Cornstarch
- Flour
- Alcohol
Honey
Honey has been used as a food and medicine for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. This sweet substance is not only delicious, but it also has powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Interestingly, honey never goes bad. In fact, it’s been found in ancient Egyptian tombs that were over 3,000 years old. While the quality of honey may degrade over time, it will never spoil or expire.
If you don’t think you’ll use all the honey in your pantry before it starts to crystallize, you can extend its shelf life by storing it in the fridge. Honey will harden when exposed to cold temperatures, but you can easily return it to its liquid state by placing the honey jar in a pot of hot water.
Salt
Salt is a mineral composed of sodium and chloride. It is used as a seasoning in many foods, as well as being an essential nutrient for human health. Salt is one of the oldest and most widely used food seasonings in the world. It is also one of the few spices that are consumed by people of all cultures.
Salt is not known to spoil or expire. It can, however, become less potent over time. This means that it may not flavor food as well as it once did. If this happens, you can simply add more salt to compensate.
In addition to being a food seasoning, salt has many other uses. It is commonly used in making homemade soap, detergent, and cleaning products. It can also be used for making art and crafts projects, such as salt dough ornaments. Salt can even be used for melting ice on sidewalks and driveways!
Hardtack
Hardtack is a simple cracker or biscuit made of flour, water and salt. This basic recipe has been used for centuries to provide armies with a convenient, non-perishable source of nutrition. Hardtack can last indefinitely if stored in a cool, dry place.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a fermented product made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. It has a long shelf life because the fermentation process preserves the sauce. You can keep soy sauce for years without it going bad.
Rice
With a history that dates back to prehistoric times, rice is one of the oldest cultivated grains in the world. It is also one of the most important, as it is a staple food for more than half of the world’s population.
While there are many different types of rice, they can broadly be divided into two categories: long grain and short grain. Long grain rice is light and fluffy, while short grain rice is more sticky and starchy.
Rice is an incredibly versatile food, and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. It can be cooked and served on its own, or used as an ingredient in soups, stews, casseroles, and other recipes.
Rice will last indefinitely if stored correctly. To maximize its shelf life, keep rice in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a staple in any kitchen, and with good reason. This tart and acidic ingredient can be used for cleaning, cooking, and even gardening. And because it’s so acidic, vinegar will never go bad — even if you forget to put the lid back on.
Dried Beans
Dried beans are an inexpensive and healthy addition to any meal. With a long shelf life, they are perfect for stocking your pantry. But what exactly is the shelf life of dried beans?
While the answer may vary depending on the type of bean, in general, dried beans can last for up to two years when stored in a cool, dry place. When cooked, they can last even longer. So if you have a bag of dried beans that’s been sitting in your pantry for a while, don’t worry — they’re probably still good to eat.
Here are 13 types of dried beans that will never expire:
- Black Beans: With a nutty flavor and firm texture, black beans are perfect for many different dishes, from rice and beans to black bean soup. They can last up to two years when stored properly.
- Kidney Beans: Kidney beans are named for their shape, which resembles a kidney. They have a slightly sweet flavor and are often used in chili or as a side dish. Dried kidney beans can last up to two years when stored properly.
- Navy Beans: Navy beans are small white beans that get their name from their use in the U.S. Navy’s ration system during World War II. They have a mild flavor and are often used in soups or as a side dish. Dried navy beans can last up to two years when stored properly.
- Pinto Beans: Pinto beans are small brownish-pinkishbeans that get their name from their color, which resembles a pinto horse coat pattern (hence the name “pinto”). They have a mild flavor and are often used in Mexican dishes like refried beans or chili con carne. Dried pinto beans can last up to two years when stored properly..
Dried fruits
Dried fruits are a wonderful way to enjoy the taste and benefits of fresh fruits without the worry of them going bad. Drying removes the water content from fruits, which makes them much more shelf-stable than their fresh counterparts. Most dried fruits will last for up to a year if stored properly, but some can last even longer. Here are 13 dried fruits that will never expire:
- Dried Apricots: With their natural sweetness and chewy texture, dried apricots make a great snack or addition to many recipes. They can last for up to two years if stored in a cool, dry place.
- Dried Cranberries: Dried cranberries are perfect for snacking on or adding to baked goods and salads. They’ll last for up to a year in a cool, dry place.
- Dried Dates: Dates are a sweet and nutritious fruit that can last for several years when stored properly. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent them from going bad.
- Dried Figettes: These dried figs are crispy and sweet, making them a perfect snack or addition to many recipes. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and they’ll last for up to two years.
- Dried Pineapple: Dried pineapple is chewy, sweet, and acidic all at the same time. It’s perfect for snacking on or using in recipes like cakes, pies, and puddings. Pineapple will last for up to six months when stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- Dried Prunes: With their sweet flavor and soft texture, prunes make a great snack or addition to many recipes such as pies and cobblers . Store them in an airtight container in a cool , dry place , and they ’ll last for up to two years .
- Dehydrated Apples : Dehydrated apples are chewy , sweet , and full of flavor . They ’ re perfect for snacking on or adding to baking recipes . Apples will last for up to eight months when stored properly in an airtight container in cool , dry place .
- . Sun – dried Tomatoes : Sun – dried tomatoes are intensely flavorful and make a great addition to salads , pasta dishes ,and more . They ’ ll last for up to a year when stored properly in a cool , dry place in an airtight container .
- Raisins : Raisins are made by drying grapes , which concentrates their natural sugars making them sweet and delicious . Store them in cool , dry place likes a cup board or pantry to avoid moisture and they ’ll last for up to a year
Nuts
Nuts are a great food to have on hand because they last a long time. You can store them in a cool, dry place and they will still be good to eat months or even years later. There are many different kinds of nuts, including peanuts, almonds, pistachios, and walnuts. You can buy them whole, chopped, or in a variety of other forms.
Nuts are a good source of protein and healthy fats. They also contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. eating a handful of nuts each day can help you lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions.
Seeds
Seeds are one of the best survival foods out there. They have a long shelf life, are rich in nutrients, and can be used to grow new food. There are many different kinds of seeds, but some of the most common are wheat, corn, rice, and beans.
Spices
When it comes to spices, certain ones can last indefinitely if stored properly. This is due to the fact that they contain very little to no moisture, which is necessary for bacteria to grow and multiply. When it comes to indefinite shelf life, whole spices will last longest, while ground spices will start to lose their flavor after about 3-4 years. Here are 13 spices that will never expire:
-Allspice
-Basil
-Bay leaves
-Cayenne pepper
-Cinnamon
-Cloves
-Cumin
-Ginger
-Mustard seeds
-Oregano
-Paprika
-Rosemary
-Sage
Conclusion
While it’s important to have a varied and balanced diet, it’s also good to know which foods will last longer so you can stock up and save money. The next time you’re at the store, pick up some of these items that have an indefinite shelf life.
-Salt
-Sugar
-Honey
-Maple syrup
-Vanilla extract
-Spices
-Dried beans
-Lentils
-Rice
-Rolled oats
-Cornmeal
–Flour