In today’s fast-paced world, it’s always a good idea to have a well-stocked pantry. But not all food items last as long as we’d like them to. That’s why it’s important to know which foods have the potential to last indefinitely. In this article, we’ll explore 12 foods that can last virtually forever if stored properly.

Honey:

Honey is an exceptional food that can last indefinitely. It’s made up of only about 17% water, which is too low to support most bacteria and fungi, making it highly resistant to spoilage. Honey actually dehydrates bacteria, making it its own preservative. Even if honey crystallizes over time, you can simply run your container under hot water for a few minutes to get it back to its original consistency.

Powdered Milk:

Powdered milk is a pantry staple that will last from two to ten years after its best by date if stored in an airtight container in a cool place. Keeping it in the freezer will extend its shelf life even further. Although reconstituted powdered milk isn’t a perfect substitute for fresh milk, it’s still a great item to have on hand in a pinch.

Cornstarch:

Cornstarch is another powdery ingredient that can last indefinitely if stored properly. Keeping it in an airtight container and away from light and heat will ensure that it stays fresh and uncontaminated.

Sugar:

Sugar, both white and brown, is another item that can last indefinitely if stored in an airtight container away from light and heat. Sugar is inhospitable to bacteria and other unwanted things due to its high sugar content, making it highly resistant to spoilage. However, if moisture is allowed to mix with the sugar, it can become clumpy and hard and even become a food source for bacteria. Vacuum sealing your sugar is a good way to ensure its long-term storage.

Vinegar:

Vinegar has a virtually indefinite shelf life, according to the Vinegar Institute. The acidic nature of vinegar makes it preserving and also makes it a great preservative for other foods. White vinegar will remain unchanged over time, but other types of vinegar may change color and appearance, which the Vinegar Institute states is usually just aesthetic and that the vinegar will still be perfectly good to use.

Salt:

Salt is one of the oldest methods of food preservation, and it works by dehydrating things, including bacteria. This makes properly stored salt usable for years, even if it has added ingredients like iodine. When fortifying salt with iodine, its shelf life is shortened, but regular salt will last indefinitely. The high salt concentration in soy sauce is also a great preservative, ensuring that it stays usable for years if properly stored in a dark cupboard.

Pure Vanilla Extract:

Pure Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla extract has a high alcohol content around 40%, which acts as a preservative, ensuring that a bottle of pure vanilla extract will stay good pretty much indefinitely. Imitation vanilla may contain alcohol, but it also includes other ingredients that contribute to its shorter shelf life.

White Rice:

White Rice – Rice is a staple food in many households, and white rice is a particularly long-lasting ingredient. If stored properly in an airtight container, white rice will stay good forever. Unlike brown rice, white rice has a low oil content, which helps to extend its shelf life.

Maple Syrup:

Maple Syrup – Unopened maple syrup can be stored in a pantry indefinitely, but once opened, it should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. This will ensure that it remains usable for years, even if not indefinitely. Pure maple syrup is a long-lasting ingredient that is ideal for storing in your pantry or refrigerator.

Soy Sauce:

Soy Sauce – As mentioned earlier, the high salt concentration in soy sauce is a great preservative, ensuring that it will stay usable for years if properly stored in a dark cupboard. This makes it a versatile ingredient to have on hand in your kitchen.

Popcorn:

Popcorn – While bags of microwave popcorn will eventually expire, loose popcorn kernels can last virtually forever. To extend their shelf life, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry area, and you will have popcorn anytime you want, even years from now.

Dried Beans:

Dried Beans – As an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, dried beans are a great staple food to stock up on. These nutritious ingredients will last indefinitely if stored in a cool, dry place. In a 2005 study at Brigham Young University, pinto beans that were up to 32 years old were prepared and served to a group of 58 people. Around 80% of the taste testers said they would eat the oldest beans as part of their regular diet in an emergency situation, proving that dried beans are a long-lasting ingredient to have on hand.

These foods that never expire are a great addition to your pantry. From honey to salt, these ingredients will last for years if stored properly, making them ideal for stocking up on in case of an emergency. Whether you’re looking for a sweet addition to your tea or a nutritious protein source, these ingredients are versatile and essential to have in your kitchen.