There are some foods that just never seem to go bad. No matter how old they get, they just never seem to spoil. What are foods that never expire? Here are some of the most surprising foods that can last forever.
Foods that Never (or Almost Never) Expire
“Best if Used By” is a type of date you might find on a meat, poultry, egg, or dairy product. Does it mean the product will be unsafe to use after that date? Here’s what you need to know.
Bread: Unless you buy it from the refrigerated section or freeze it, bread is likely to grow mold and become stale past its labeled date. If mold appears, get rid of the bread. If it’s just stale, toast it or make croutons.
Hard cheeses: You can observe signs of aging in Parmesan and other hard cheeses, such as cracks in the top layer of cheese. But grating the cheese finely can help it last longer, anywhere from two weeks to several months. Wrap hard cheeses tightly in plastic wrap or wax paper and store them in the refrigerator where they should keep for several months.
Butter: An unopened stick of butter can be stored on the countertop or in the refrigerator for several weeks before needing to be refrigerated (if it has already been refrigerated, keep it there). Once opened, butter should be used within a week or two; if you’re not sure when you opened it, smell for rancidity—a sure sign that butter has gone bad and shouldn’t be used.
Hard liquor
As the saying goes, “When in doubt, don’t drink it!” This is especially true when it comes to hard liquor. While some people may believe that hard liquor is safe as long as it hasn’t been opened, this isn’t necessarily the case.
Pure vanilla extract
Vanilla extract is a staple in baking, and its pure form is the key to bringing out the best flavor in your favorite recipes. From cookies to cakes and ice cream, the sweet aroma and flavor of pure vanilla extract make it a must-have in every kitchen. Discover the subtle nuances of this natural extract and why it’s one of the most important ingredients in your pantry.
Dried Beans
Dried beans are an essential pantry staple for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to bulk up a meal or want to add a touch of protein to a dish, you’ll find that dried beans are a great choice. With a variety of types and flavors, you can easily create delicious meals and snacks. In this blog, we’ll explore all the flavorful possibilities offered by dried beans.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is a versatile condiment that has been used in Asian cooking for centuries. From stir-fries to marinades to dipping sauces, it has become a staple in many kitchens around the world. But have you ever stopped to think about what soy sauce really is and how it is made? In this blog, we will explore the history, production, and uses of soy sauce, uncovering its many benefits and applications.
Powdered milk
Powdered milk is a staple in many homes, offering a convenient and affordable way to enjoy dairy without the need to refrigerate fresh milk. From delicious hot cocoa to creamy oatmeal, powdered milk can add a delightfully creamy flavor to your favorite recipes. But what are the benefits of powdered milk? Read on to find out how this versatile ingredient can enrich your diet and help you enjoy the taste of dairy without breaking the bank.
White rice
White rice is a staple food for many cultures around the world. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory to sweet. Whether you are looking for a delicious side dish or a comforting bowl of porridge, white rice is a great choice. Learn more about this versatile and nutritious grain, from its history and culture to its nutritional benefits.
Pure maple syrup
Pure maple syrup is a beloved staple of many pantries, yet its unique flavor and versatility make it so much more than just a topping for pancakes. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to processed sugar or a delicious addition to your favorite recipes, pure maple syrup is an excellent choice. From its origins in the maple forests of North America to its use in a variety of dishes and desserts, this natural sweetener is sure to please your taste buds. Learn more about the history, health benefits, and cooking uses of pure maple syrup in this blog post!
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a centuries-old pantry staple that has been used for cooking, cleaning, and even as a natural remedy. But what’s the truth behind this versatile liquid? Is it really a cure-all as some claim, or is it just another fad? Read on to discover the amazing potential of apple cider vinegar, and how it can be used to improve your health and lifestyle.
Shelf-Stable Foods
There are some foods that never go bad, either because they’re dehydrated or because they’re preserved. Here’s a list of shelf-stable foods that you can keep in your pantry for years.
-Dehydrated fruits and vegetables: These will last for years as long as they’re stored in a cool, dark place.
-Canned fruits and vegetables: Most canned foods will last for years, although there may be some loss of quality over time.
-Frozen fruits and vegetables: These will last for months or even years if stored properly.
-Jerky and other dried meats: These will last for months or even years if stored properly.
-Soups and stews: These can be stored in the freezer for months or even years.
Foods That Never Go Bad
There are certain foods that we always seem to have in our pantries and refrigerators, but we never seem to use them up before they go bad. That’s because some foods just don’t go bad, no matter how long you keep them.
That doesn’t mean you can keep them forever, but if stored properly, these 10 foods will last a lot longer than you think.
Honey: Honey is a natural preservative, so it will never go bad on its own. However, if it’s exposed to air or light, it can develop crystals and lose its flavor. To prevent this, store honey in an airtight container in a dark cupboard.
Salt: Salt is another food that can last indefinitely. It may become clumpy over time, but it will still be just as salty as the day you bought it. Store salt in a cool, dry place to keep it from absorbing moisture from the air.
Soy Sauce: Like salt, soy sauce is a preservative, so it will also last indefinitely. However, it can become less flavorful over time. Store soy sauce in a cool, dark place to prevent it from going bad.
Vinegar: Vinegar is an acidic liquid that prevents bacterial growth, so it has an almost indefinite shelf life. However, like other liquids, it can evaporate over time. Store vinegar in a cool, dark place to prevent evaporation.
Hard Liquor: Hard liquor like vodka or whiskey doesn’t expire because the alcohol content prevents bacterial growth. However, over time the flavor of the liquor may change slightly due to oxidation. Store hard liquor in a cool, dark place to prevent oxidation
Foods That Last Forever
Interestingly, there are some foods that never go bad. These foods can last indefinitely if stored properly. Here is a list of 10 foods that never expire:
- Honey: Honey is a natural preservative. It contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that prevent spoilage. Honey can be stored indefinitely if it’s kept in an airtight, sealed container.
- Salt: Salt is another natural preservative. It inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. Salt can be stored indefinitely if it’s kept in a cool, dry place.
- Vinegar: Vinegar is an acidic liquid that prevents the growth of bacteria. It can be stored indefinitely if it’s kept in an airtight, sealed container.
- Rice: Rice is a type of grain that can last indefinitely if stored properly. Rice should be kept in an airtight, sealed container in a cool, dry place.
- Beans: Beans are a type of legume that can last indefinitely if stored properly., Beans should be kept in an airtight, sealed container in a cool, dry place.
- Hardtack: Hardtack is a type of biscuit that can last indefinitely if stored properly., Hardtack should be kept in an airtight, sealed container in a cool, dry place.
- Dried Fruit: Dried fruit is a fruit that has been dried to remove the water content. Dried fruit can last indefinitely if it’s stored in an airtight, sealed container in a cool, dry place.
- Nuts: Nuts are a type of food that can last indefinitely if stored properly., Nuts should be kept in an airtight, sealed container in a cool, dry place.
- Spices: Spices are dried herbs and seeds that add flavor to food., Spices can last indefinitely if they’re stored in an airtight, sealed container in a cool, dry place.
- Tea: Tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant., Tea can last indefinite
Foods That Last A Long Time
While fresh food is always best, there are some items that you can keep in your pantry for a long time. This doesn’t mean that they don’t expire, but rather that they last much longer than other items. Here are 10 foods that will last you a long time:
- Rice – With proper storage, rice can last upwards of 30 years.
- Beans – Beans are another food that can last for a long time, up to 30 years if stored properly.
- Hard wheat – Hard wheat can also be stored for up to 30 years.
- Porridge oats – Oats have a shorter shelf life than other items on this list, but they can still last for up to 20 years.
- Pasta – Most pasta has a shelf life of 2-5 years, but certain types (like whole wheat) can last up to 10 years.
- Spaghetti sauce – Spaghetti sauce generally has a best-before date of about 18 months, but it can last much longer if stored in the fridge after opening.
- Canned goods – Canned goods have a shelf life of 2-5 years, although certain items (like canned fruits and vegetables) may only last for 1-2 years.
- Bottled water – Bottled water has an indefinite shelf life, although the quality may degrade over time.
- Honey – Honey never expires! It may crystallize over time, but it will still be safe to eat (and just as delicious).
- 10 Salt – Salt also has an indefinite shelf life, although it may lose its flavor if it’s not stored properly
Foods That Don’t Spoil
Though unopened mayonnaise, jams, and jellies can last up to a year past their “best by” date, opened jars should be consumed within six months.
Hard cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and Swiss, can last between six and eight months in your fridge, while softer cheeses, such as ricotta, Brie, and Cream cheese, are best eaten within a month of opening.
And though whole wheat flour has a longer shelf life than white flour — up to 18 months versus eight to 10 months — both should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.
Foods That Stay Fresh
Certain foods have the ability to stay fresh for years, even without refrigeration. Here is a list of 10 delicious foods that will last indefinitely if stored properly.
- Honey: One of the oldest known natural sweeteners, honey never goes bad. It can crystalize over time but can be brought back to its liquid form by heating it in hot water.
- Salt: An essential food seasoning, salt can last indefinitely if stored in a cool, dry place.
- Soy Sauce: Another great seasoning, soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans and will last indefinitely if unopened, or up to 2 years once opened and refrigerated.
- Vinegar: A staple ingredient in many home pantries, vinegar has a shelf life of nearly indefinite if unopened, or up to 2 years once opened and refrigerated.
- Sriracha Sauce: This popular hot sauce can last up to 3 years unopened, or up to 1 year once opened and refrigerated.
- Maple Syrup: A favorite breakfast Topping, maple syrup will last up to 2 years unopened, or up to 1 year once opened and refrigerated.
- Tabasco Sauce: Tabasco sauce can last up to 3 years unopened, or 6 months once opened and refrigerated.
- Oil: Most oils have a shelf life of about 2 years if unopened, or 6 months to 1 year once opened and stored in a cool, dark place.
- Peanut Butter: One of the most versatile pantry staples, peanut butter will last up to 1 year if unopened, or 6 months to 1 year once opened and refrigerated.
- Canned Foods: Canned Foods are typically safe to eat 2-5 years after their expiration date as long as they are stored in a cool-, dry place.
Foods That Will Never Expire
While most food has a finite shelf life and will eventually go bad, there are certain food items that never expire. These items can be stored indefinitely and will always be safe to eat, no matter how long they’ve been in your pantry.
Here are 10 foods that never expire:
- Salt: An essential ingredient in many dishes, salt can last indefinitely when stored properly. Just make sure to keep it dry to prevent it from clumping.
- Honey: A sweetener with a long shelf life, honey will never go bad on its own. However, over time it may crystallize or develop a dark color. If this happens, simply place the honey in a bowl of hot water to re-liquefy it.
- Sugar: Like honey, sugar is a durable sweetener that can be stored indefinitely. However, it may also harden or clump over time. To keep sugar fresh, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- Rice: A staple of many diets around the world, rice is another food that can be stored indefinitely. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from going stale.
- Pasta: Another versatile pantry staple, pasta has an indefinite shelf life when stored properly. Again, just be sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.
- flour: Like rice and pasta, flour is another item with an indefinite shelf life. Just make sure to store it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent spoiling or infestation by insects or rodents