Foods that last for a long time
When stored properly these everyday foods will last for a long time. Some of them lose very little if any, of their original quality as time passes.
Honey
How long: Indefinitely.
How to store: Cool, dry area and keep tightly covered, away from sunlight.
Good to know: Honey may darken, become cloudy, crystallize and lose some flavor, but it will still be safe to use if stored properly. Place the crystallized honey in warm water and see how the crystals dissolve.
Rice
How long: Indefinitely.
How to store: Cool, dry area, sealed airtight container, free from contaminants.
Good to know: The exception is brown rice. Because of higher oil content, brown rice will not last as long. When stored right then white, wild, jasmine, basmati and arborio rice have an indefinite shelf life.
Sugar
How long: Indefinitely.
How to store: Cool, dry area, sealed airtight container.
Good to know: To keep it from hardening store sugar in a covered airtight container.
Salt
How long: Indefinitely.
How to store: Cool, dry area, away from heat or sunlight, sealed airtight container.
Good to know: To keep it from hardening store salt in a covered airtight container.
Strong alcohol
How long: Indefinitely.
How to store: Cool, dark area, away from heat or sunlight.
Good to know: When not in use keep bottle tightly closed. After opening the taste and aroma may gradually fade.
Pure vanilla extract
How long: Indefinitely.
How to store: Cool, dark area, tightly sealed.
Good to know: Freezing of vanilla extract is not recommended.
Corn starch
How long: Indefinitely.
How to store: Cool, dark area, away from heat or sunlight, tightly sealed, free from contaminants.
Good to know: If stored properly cornstarch does not spoil.
Corn Syrup
How long: Indefinitely.
How to store: Cool, dry area, tightly sealed.
Good to know: Can be used instead of sugar in almost any recipe.
Apple Cider Vinegar
How long: 2 years (for the best quality), indefinitely (safe to use).
How to store: Cool, dark area, away from heat or sunlight, tightly sealed.
Good to know: Apple cider vinegar does not spoil. The appearance and flavor may start to deteriorate over time and may become cloudy, but this is not harmful.
Dried Beans
How long: Decades.
How to store: cool, dark area, tightly sealed.
Good to know: Dried beans do not lose any of their nutritional value, but eventually will become so dry that they won't soften.
Cocoa (unsweetened, raw)
How long: 3 years (for the best quality), indefinitely (unopened).
How to store: Cool, dry area, tightly sealed.
Good to know: If cocoa powder develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, or if insects appear, it should be discarded.
Pasta
How long: 3 years (for the best quality).
How to store: cool, dry area, tightly sealed.
Good to know: If stored properly pasta will last for decades but check the signs of spoilage before use.
Soy Sauce
How long: 2 years (refrigerator).
How to store: refrigerate, tightly sealed.
Good to know: If stored properly soy sauce will last much longer but check the signs of spoilage before use.
Baking soda
How long: 2 years.
How to store: Cool, dry area, tightly sealed.
Good to know: Mix baking soda with vinegar to test if it is still potent enough to use - if the mixture bubbles then it is good.
Bouillon Cubes
How long: 2 years (for the best quality).
How to store: Cool, dry area, tightly sealed.
Good to know: Bouillon Cubes will still be safe to consume even after 2 years if they have been stored properly and there are no signs of spoilage.
Oats
How long: 2 years (for the best quality).
How to store: Cool, dry area, tightly sealed.
Good to know: If stored properly oats will last much longer but check the signs of spoilage before use.
Tea
How long: 2 years (for the best quality).
How to store: Cool, dark, dry area, away from direct heat or sunlight, tightly sealed.
Good to know: Loose tea does not spoil, but loses its potency and flavor over time.
Maple syrup
How long: 1 year (refrigerator), indefinitely (freezer).
How to store: Refrigerator, freezer, airtight containers.
Good to know: Refrigerate after opening. Freeze for longer-term storage.
Last update: 2018-03-19 (Y,M,D)
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