Keeping food in bulk can be a smart way of saving money and ensuring a supply of nonperishable goods. But storing food in this way is not always easy when you have to worry about items going off or expiring early.
To help you, we’ve put together a guide featuring foods that can stay fresh for years!.
Honey
The one sweet thing on this list is honey. Not only is it a great natural sweetener, but honey is also fantastic for your health. In fact, it never spoils! Honey has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, and it’s still edible.
As long as you keep it sealed and stored in a cool, dry place, it will last forever.
White Rice
Most people keep rice stocked as a staple. But did you know that white rice can last at least eight years when it’s stored appropriately? Unlike brown rice, white rice has fewer fats that can break down and go rancid over time.
Store it in a cool, dry place with a sealed container, and it will last for up to a decade or more!.
Soy Sauce
If you enjoy adding some extra seasoning to your meals and have soy sauce in your pantry, then you’ll be happy to know that it lasts much longer than you might expect.
Unopened soy sauce can be stored for up to five years, and opened bottles can last for up to a year if refrigerated.
Hard Cheese
Love cheese but seem to go through it so quickly, well, we have some good news for you: hard cheese can last for years! According to the USDA, some hard cheeses such as cheddar and Swiss cheese can be stored for at least six months, while others like pecorino romano can last for up to eight months. Just make sure you wrap them up well in some parchment or wax paper, and store them in the fridge.
Dried Beans
Beans are incredibly nutritious and an excellent source of protein. They’re also one of the longest-lasting foods you can store in your pantry.
Dried beans can last for years in a sealed container, even after their “expiration date.” The only downside is that they’ll take more time to prepare than canned beans, but they’re worth it for their nutritional value and long shelf life.
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Dried Pasta
Pasta is another must-have in most households. Dried pasta is incredibly shelf-stable and can last for up to two years. However, once you cook the pasta and add sauce or other ingredients, it has a shorter shelf life.
So, if you plan to stock up on pasta, consider buying it in its dried form for maximum freshness and longevity.
Canned Food
Canned food has been a pantry staple for over a century. And the good news is it lasts for a long time! Canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups, and canned meats can all last for years, even a decade or more.
The only thing you need to watch out for is rust or bulging cans, indicating that the contents may have gone bad. When storing canned goods, always check the expiration dates, and make sure the cans are stored in a cool, dry place.
Nuts
Nuts have numerous health benefits and can be a great addition to any diet. They’re also incredibly shelf-stable, meaning they can stay fresh for years when stored appropriately.
Like a lot of other foods on this list, they should be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Raw nuts tend to last longer than roasted nuts, so consider buying raw nuts to store for a more extended period.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a versatile ingredient used in cooking and pickling.
And it’s also an excellent option to keep stocked up as it will last forever! Whether it’s apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or white vinegar, all of them can be stored indefinitely in a cool, dry place. Just make sure they’re stored in glass bottles or jars and not in metal or plastic containers.
Instant Coffee
If you’re a coffee lover, you might be surprised to learn that instant coffee can stay fresh for years when stored in a cool, dry place. Unlike ground coffee, instant coffee is freeze-dried, making it shelf-stable.
So, if you’re traveling or camping, instant coffee can be a great option to keep you going.
