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DoorJonna Gallo Weppler
Updated: April 11, 2024
Stocking your pantry with non-perishable foods gives you options and saves you money. These are the items that will last – possibly forever.
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Non-perishable foods that you want to have in your pantry
With supermarkets suddenly in dire straits during the pandemic, it was especially important to have a stock of non-perishable food items. But it's always been a good idea to have plenty of canned goods and baked goods on hand. After all, they make everyday life easier and are budget-friendly. They are important in emergency situations such as snowstorms and power outages. And hey, there's no downside to having everything you need to whip up a pot of soup or a batch of cookies, right? Right.
Simply put, non-perishable foods – also known as non-perishable foods – are foods that can be safely stored at room temperature for extended periods of time. But sometimes these things sit in your pantry for a whilea lot ofa long time, and you might wonder:How long does canned food actually last??Does flour go bad??Expires salt? And is there any space to move around in the area?last sales dates?
Food safety expert Natalie Seymour notes, “Code dates on foods can be very confusing.” But in general, she says, food expiration dates are a measure of when quality begins to decline, as opposed to when a food is no longer safe to eat. That said, some foods never expire, while others need to be eaten within a few years. And to keep them in tip top shape, you need to store them properly, which usually means keeping them unopened and in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Read on for the non-perishable foods you'll want to stock up on, and exactly how long you can keep them. Once you get started, think about whether you need to pay attentionthe expiration date of your bottled waterAlso.
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Raw honey
Conventional wisdom holds thatraw honeynever expires because it is naturally antibacterial. According to the USDA, it can be stored for up to 12 months, ideally at room temperature in a dark cupboard. Afterwards, it is still safe to eat, but the quality may not be as good. What about honey that is cloudy, crystallized or even congealed? It's also okay to eat. These things happen to honey when this shelf-stable food is stored improperly, usually in a place that is too cold or in direct sunlight, although they can also happen over time. To melt solid or crystallized honey, briefly microwave the honey or gently immerse the sealed container in a bowl of warm water. On the other hand, you shouldthrow these foods away after the expiration date has passed.
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apple cider vinegar
apple cider vinegaris such a superhero, then he should wear a cape. Made from apple juice that has been fermented twice, it contains natural probiotics and antioxidants that can help improve gut health, prevent cell damage and possibly even help regulate blood sugar levels. According to the Vinegar Institute, the shelf life of apple cider vinegar is “nearly indefinite,” like othersvinegar, it can last in your pantry pretty much forever. Additionally, because vinegar is so acidic, it is self-preserving and does not require refrigeration.
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Corn starch
Mitscorn starchif you store it properly - in a cool, dry place in a sealed container - and it doesn't get wet and moldy, you won't need to get another container until you run out. Made from the starch in corn kernels, this powdered thickener never expiresofloses its power. So feel free to keep it in your cupboard indefinitely for all your sauces, soups, batters and pie fillings. If you're considering baking, make sure it's safe to eatexpired eggs.
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Salty
Pure sodium chloride, a stable mineral, can last forever, provided it doesn't get wet. In fact, salt is often used to draw liquid from food through a process called osmosis, which creates an environment so dry that mold and bacteria cannot take hold. According to the USDA, salt is used to preserve or "cure" meats such as country hams.cracked beef, and you can even find it in pastries. So in other words,saltyNot only does it last forever on its own, but it's also an important part of making other foods last longer (not to mention better tasting). Here are some otherssmart use of saltwhere cooking is not necessary.
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Dried legumes
Not to be confused with canned or fresh beans,dried beanslast indefinitely - as long as they are stored in a sealed or airtight container. Common dried legumes include garbanzo beans, black beans, kidney beans, lima beans, navy beans and black-eyed peas. However, older beans can take longer to hydrate, so you will have to wait a little longer before they are edible. Keep these classic shelf-stable foods on hand for all your winter soups and stews. If you want to throw in some beef or chicken too, check this one outMeat storage guidelinesFirst.
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Sugar
Is sugar bad? Like salt,sugarcan last forever if you keep it away from moisture and heat. According to the Utah State University Extension, granulated sugars have an indefinite shelf life due to their resistance to microbial growth. Sugars generally have a shelf life of about two years, but that's only because they can become lumpy. Although their texture may change, sugar never fully expires and is safe to use well past its expiration date. Sweet! I wonder how soonbutter expires? We have the answer to that too.
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Strong drink
In order for alcohol to last indefinitely, it should be stored in a cool place, unopened. So no, you can't open a bottleKahlúa, have a drink and then expect whatever's left years later to be just as good. Once the seal is broken and the contents of the bottle are exposed to air, the liquid can begin to lose its flavor and texture due to oxidation. Opened bottles generally only last six months to a year, although extreme light or heat can shorten this time frame.
Why do unopened bottles last so long? “Hard spirits are distilled to concentrate the alcohol to a high level,” Seymour explains. “The alcohol content prevents the growth of bacteria or yeasts that could cause further fermentation or spoilage.”
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Pure vanilla extract
Due to the high alcohol contentpure vanilla extracthas an indefinite shelf life. However, there is a big difference between pure vanilla extract and imitation vanilla extract. Because imitation vanilla extract does not contain as much alcohol as its pure counterpart, it only lasts 6 to 12 months past its expiration date, according to Wilton's expert bakers. After this, the quality may begin to decline. Provided your vanilla extract is clean and properly sealed, you can pull it out when you want to whip up cookies, cakes, custards, or other treats.
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Uncooked white rice
Seymour-listerWhite riceis among her top three non-perishable foods, and it's easy to see why. Unopened, this versatile, high-calorie staple can last indefinitely, and according to the experts at Utah State University Extension, it can also last one to two years once opened. To maintain quality and avoid contamination with pests, it should be stored in a cool place in tightly closed food-safe bags, plastic containers or glass jars.Food-safe oxygen absorberscan extend the shelf life of the rice even longer – up to 10 years.
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Pure maple syrup
If you normally buy imitation maple syrup at the grocery store, you might want to think again.Pure maple syrupcontains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and best of all, it contains no artificial ingredients. Plus, unopened pure maple syrup will keep indefinitely, so feel free to stock up if you find a deal! However, once opened it should be stored in the refrigerator and will last about a year, according to the USDA.
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I am willow
The flavorful bottle of salty goodness that is so essential to Asian cuisine and sushi dips isn't something you have to worry about expiring.I am willowgenerally it doesn't even need to be refrigerated once opened, but if you think it will take more than a year to use the contents of the bottle, it may be a good idea to refrigerate it , because cooling helps maintain the characteristic properties. taste for a longer period of time. Otherwise, a cool, dark cabinet is fine, according to the Global Cold Chain Alliance.
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Frozen minced meat or poultry
According to the USDA, food poisoning bacteria do not grow in the freezer, so no matter how long food has been frozen, it is safe to eat. That's right: if you use ground beef, chicken, etcTurkeyif it sits in the freezer for more than a few months, it won't spoil. That said, when you take it out, it may not taste as good as it used to (although it still doesn't taste bad). The best plan for meat or poultry dug out of the freezer is to make chili, tacos or sloppy joes — recipes that restore the meat's lost moisture and add flavor with sauces and seasonings.
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Canned ham
According to the USDA, there are two typescanned ham: shelf life of canned hams and "refrigerated" canned hams. Shelf life Canned hams can be stored in the pantry at room temperature for two years. The others, however, should be immediately placed in the refrigerator, where they can be safely stored for six to nine months. If you remove one of the cans, the ham can be frozen for one to two months.
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Canned tuna
Commercial canned fish, such astuna, can be safely stored in your pantry for up to five years, according to the USDA. On the other hand, canned fish at home only has a shelf life of one year, so if you're looking for food with a long shelf life, you're much better off with canned tuna from the grocery store. While we're on the subject, here's what you need to know about buyingsustainable fish.
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Stroop
Dark, sweet, syrupystroopis a must for many holiday baked goods, and you can also add it to baked beans and barbecue sauces for a hearty sweet touch. According to the USDA, unopened molasses will last for an entire year at room temperature in a dark, cool place. Once opened it does not need to be refrigerated, but for best quality you should use it within six months. FYI: If your molasses is exposed to heat or moisture, it may mold (not as smooth or visibly cloudy on top) or the contents of the jar may separate. If this happens, throw it away.
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Canned fruits and vegetables
Cans in good condition (i.e. without dents, swelling or rust) that are stored in a cool, clean and dry place are safe indefinitely. We're talking corn, peas, carrots, green beans, asparagus, peaches, pears, pineapple and more. Canned foods have an expiration or expiration date, but according to the Can Manufacturer's Institute, the timing is associated with maximum freshness and not safety. Foods with a high acid content, such as tomatoes and pineapple, retain their top quality for up to 18 months. Low-acid foods, such as meat and vegetables, go even further without sacrificing flavor or texture, taking action after two to five years. When it comes to fresh produce, yeshow to store fruits and vegetablesto keep them fresh for a long time.
And of course you can do a lot with those ingredients, especially if you mix them with other non-perishable foods. "Canned tomatoesis a good basis for soups and sauces,” says Seymour. “Rice and beans together provide enough essential amino acids for complete proteins, and they can take you around the world from a culinary perspective.”
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Dried pasta
Pastais certainly one of the most versatile non-perishable foods because you can enjoy it in a wide variety of ways, from traditional Italian food to stews, frittatas and soups. According to the USDA, it can be stored in a cool, dry pantry for two years without fear of spoilage, but after that it can become stale and take on a stale, "off" taste when cooked.Small insectscan also end up in still-sealed packages, even if your pantry is super clean. So if your pasta is a bit stale, check the water after adding the noodles.
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Unsweetened cocoa powder
Unsweetened cocoa powderis a must for making chocolate cakes,brownies, cakes and frostings, and you don't have to bake to use it right away... unless you want to of course! In a taste test, the experts ofCook is illustratedcompared cocoa powder that was six years past its expiration date with fresh cocoa powder – and only about half of the professional palettes detected a reduced taste. Those who observed a difference considered it small. Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to keep it fresh for as long as possible.
peanut butter
Perfect for spreading on sandwiches or apple slices for a hit of protein, or stirring into cookie dough for a nutty flavor.peanut butteris safe to store, although it has a slightly shorter shelf life than some of the other nonperishable foods on this list. It will keep unopened for six to nine months in the pantry, and two to three months after opening.
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Canned coconut milk
As for milk,can of coconut milkis a superstar when it comes to sustainability. It can last up to five years at room temperature in a cool, dark pantry. Keep in mind that the milk will likely separate into two layers: a thin, watery layer and a thick, dense, creamy layer. Simply stir or shake to combine for a lactose-free, vegan milk substitute. After stirring, look at it and give it a good smell. If the appearance or smell is "foul", throw it away. Now that you know which non-perishable foods to stock up on, find outHow long does cow's milk last?- and how to make it last longer.
Additional reporting by Brittany Gibson.
Sources:
- USDA: "What does 'shelf life' mean?"
- Natalie Seymour, a food safety expert who has worked in academia and the food industry for nearly a decade
- USDA: "Ask the USDA"
- The Vinegar Institute: "Frequently Asked Questions"
- Utah State University Extension: "Food Storage"
- Wiltons blog: “Imitation Vanilla Extract 101 & FAQ”
- Global Cold Chain Alliance: "What are the effects of storing soy sauce unrefrigerated?"
- USDA: “Wait before you throw away food. To look at!"
- Cook is illustrated: "Don't throw away expired cocoa powder"
- FoodSafety.gov: "FoodKeeper-app"
Originally published: October 13, 2020
Auteur
Jonna Gallo Weppler
During her 30-year career, Jonna has written extensively on a variety of home and lifestyle topics, including food, cleaning, kitchen organization and family budgeting. She was an editor at Family Circle for 20 years, when it was the best-selling women's magazine in America, overseeing their award-winning coverage of food, technology, decor, pe...
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