Shelf-stable foods
There are many foods that never go bad on the shelf. With proper storage, these foods can last indefinitely. Shelf-stable foods are typically canned, dried, or jarred.
Non-perishable food items
Non-perishable food items are foods that have a long shelf life and do not need to be refrigerated. These foods can be stored at room temperature and do not spoil quickly.
Shelf-stable foods are an important part of any food storage plan, as they can be used in case of an emergency or power outage. Non-perishable food items can also be convenient for busy families who do not have time to prepare fresh meals every day.
There are many different types of shelf-stable foods, including canned fruits and vegetables, dried fruits and nuts, Jerky, peanut butter, and canned meat. Shelf-stable foods can be found in most grocery stores, and many products are now available online.
Foods that don’t need refrigeration
Most of us are probably used to refrigerating our food, but did you know that there are actually many foods that don’t need to be kept in the fridge? Here is a list of some common shelf-stable foods:
Bread: Bread is a great example of a food that doesn’t need to be refrigerated. In fact, keeping bread in the fridge can actually make it go stale faster. If you want to extend the shelf life of your bread, it’s best to keep it in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard.
Butter: Butter is another food that doesn’t need to be refrigerated. However, if you live in a hot climate or if your house is particularly warm, it’s best to store butter in the fridge so that it doesn’t soften or melt.
Fruit: Most fruit is best kept at room temperature, with the exception of berries, which should be refrigerated.
Canned goods: Canned goods are by definition shelf-stable foods since they don’t need refrigeration. However, once you open a can of food, it’s best to eat it within a few days and not keep it on your shelves indefinitely.
Dry goods: Dry goods like oats, rice, pasta, and cereal can all be stored at room temperature and don’t need to be kept in the fridge.
Canned goods
Many canned goods come with a expiration date but that doesn’t mean that the food will go bad after that date. The expiration date is more of a guarantee of peak freshness from the canner. Most canned goods will be fine to eat long after the expiration date.
Foods that can last for years
Canned goods are defined as food products that have been processed and sealed in an airtight container. Most canned goods will have a “best by” date stamped on the top or bottom of the can, but this is not an indication of how long the product is safe to eat.
The “best by” date on a can of food only indicates how long the product will be at its highest quality. After this date, the quality of the food will start to decline, but it will still be safe to eat if it has been stored properly. Canned goods can be stored for years, as long as they are not damaged or rusty.
If you find a can of food that is damaged or rusty, it is best to throw it away, as there is a risk of botulism poisoning. If you are unsure if a can of food is safe to eat, you can check with your local health department or contact the manufacturer.
Best before dates
“Best before” dates appear on a wide variety of foods. The term denotes that the quality of a food may begin to change after the specified date, but the food is still safe to eat if handled properly.
“Best if used by (or before)” is a type of voluntary date labeling that provides information to consumers on when a product will be of best flavor or quality. It is not a food safety date.
You can find “best before” dates on packaged fresh, frozen, dried and canned foods. Foods preserved by freezing or canning will retain their best quality for much longer periods than fresh foods. “Best before” dates are found:
- on most fresh meat, poultry, fish and eggs
- on most pre-packaged foods that contain several ingredients such as breakfast cereals, mixes, soups, pasta sauces and margarine
- on individually quick frozen (IQF) fruits and vegetables marked with nutritional quality grade labels
Canned goods are an example of product dating. Closed dating is useful in managing inventory because it enables retailers and others to know how long products have been on display and helps them rotate stock so older products do not stay on shelves too long. Once a perishable product is opened, it begins to deteriorate more rapidly. Depending upon the item, there may be no difference in taste or appearance after the package is opened too long so always observe the recommended storage times on product labels.
-The term “sell by date” tells the store how long it can display the product for sale. You should buy the product before this date expires
-The term “use by date” or “best if used by date” is normally found on perishable foods such as meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. This date has been determined by the manufacturer to be when the product will be of best flavor or quality
-The term “frozen at 0° F or below”controls freezer burn which can dry out foods making them less palatable while still safe to eat
Dried goods
Dried goods are foods that have been dehydrated or dried. Dehydration is a process where water is removed from the food, which makes it last longer. Dried foods can last for months or even years, as long as they are stored in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Foods that can last for months
Dried goods are food items that have been dried, either naturally or through a dehydrator or oven. Dehydration is a process where water is removed from the food, and this can be done through various methods including sun-drying, smoking, and air-drying.
Drying foods is an excellent way to preserve them for long periods of time, and many dried goods can last for months or even years when stored properly. Some of the most common dried goods include jerky, fruit leathers, dried fruits and vegetables, and powdered milk.
Dried goods are relatively lightweight and compact, making them easy to store and transport. They are also often less expensive than their fresh counterparts, making them a great option for budget-conscious shoppers.
Frozen foods
Frozen foods are a type of food that never expires. They are foods that have been preserved by freezing them at a low temperature. Frozen foods can last for a long time, sometimes even years.
Foods that can last for months
Frozen foods can last for months without going bad. The key is to pick the right foods to freeze, and to store them properly. Here are 10 foods that will stay good in your freezer for months.
- Bread: You can keep bread in the freezer for up to six months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in freezer-safe wrap or store it in a freezer-safe bag to prevent it from drying out.
- Eggs: Raw eggs can be frozen for up to a year. Egg yolks will thicken when frozen, so they’re not ideal for baking, but they’re perfect for adding body to smoothies or as a binding agent in recipes like meatballs or burgers. Egg whites freeze well too, and can be used in meringues or other baking recipes.
- Milk: Milk can last up to six months in the freezer, but it will separate and form a layer of ice on top when thawed, so it’s best used for baking or cooking.
- Cheese: Hard cheeses like Parmesan or cheddar will last up to six months in the freezer, while softer cheeses like mozzarella or Brie should be consumed within two months. Grated cheese freezes well and can be added directly to cooked dishes from frozen.
- Berries: Most berries will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to eight months. Be sure to wash and dry them thoroughly before freezing, and store them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Vegetables: Many vegetables can last up to eight months if properly stored — just blanch them first by boiling them briefly (this helps preserve their color and texture). Airtight bags or containers are your best bet for storing veggies in the freezer; Mason jars work well too, provided you leave an inch of headspace at the top (vegetables expand as they freeze).
- Fruit: Similar to vegetables, most fruit will stay good in the freezer for up to eight months — just be sure you blanch it first (this helps preserve its color and texture). Airtight bags are your best bet here too; Mason jars work well provided you leave an inch of headspace at the top (fruit expands as it freezes).
- Soup: Most soups can be stored in the freezer for up to four months — just remember that thick soups may separate when thawed, so you may need to add some water when reheating them later on down the road. Airtight containers are your best bet here; if you’re freezing individual portions, Mason jars work well too (just leave an inch of headspace at the top).
- Juice: Juice will last up to four months without losing its flavor or nutrients — just remember that it may separate when thawed, so give it a good shake before serving. Airtight containers work best here; if you’re freezing individual portions, Mason jars work well too (just leave an inch of headspace at the top).
- Meat: Raw meat can last anywhere from four months (for ground meat) tp 12 months (for steak), but cooked meat should be eaten within four months for optimum quality and flavor