Stocking up doesn’t have to end in you wasting so much food. The secret? Knowing which staples practically never quit. This list rounds up eight everyday ingredients that can last for years (sometimes forever), perfect for bulk buying, meal prep, and peace of mind.
8. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce isn’t just for stir-fry. it’s a flavor powerhouse with incredible longevity. Unopened soy sauce can stay in your pantry for three years or more. Once opened, you can keep using it as long as you store it in the fridge (to preserve flavor). Watch out for mold or strange smells. They’re rare though, but discard the soy sauce if noticed.
7. Salt
Plain table salt is basically eternal because it’s a mineral that prevents microbial growth. Store it in a dry, airtight container, and it will last forever. Meanwhile, iodized or seasoned salts may clump together due to moisture, affecting their flavor. Just keep them dry and you’re good.
6. Granulated Sugar
Sugar is one of those pantry items that truly never goes bad. It can last indefinitely when stored in a dry, cool, and airtight container. Just a note, though, that quality may dip after about two years. Sugar won’t spoil or grow bacteria, making it safe for canning, baking, or emergency uses like preserving.
5. Dried Pasta
Dried pasta is an affordable go-to for quick meals, and experts say it keeps well for about two years if sealed and kept dry. Store it in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place to prevent pests and moisture. Some preparedness guides suggest that pasta can last 8-10 years when hermetically sealed with oxygen absorbers. Signs it’s no longer safe for use include color changes, brittleness, and bugs.
4. Low-Acid Canned Goods
When fresh food runs low, canned staples like beans, veggies, tuna, and soups are to the rescue. Good thing they have a long shelf life (2-5 years) if stored below 85 °F. Always keep cans in a cool dry place, and rotate older cans to the front. Toss any that’s rusted, bulging, or deeply dented as it can harbor dangerous bacteria.
3. Dried Beans
From black beans to lentils, these protein-rich pantry staples are long-lasting. Experts, however, suggest eating them within 1-2 years for best quality, since vitamins start to diminish after 2-3 years and may vanish by the fifth year. If you store these dried beans in a sealed container, in a cool, dry place, they remain safe indefinitely.
2. White Rice
Uncooked white rice is one of the longest-lasting staples you can keep. When sealed and kept in a cool, dry spot, it can last over 20 years! Some experts even say you can keep it indefinitely with oxygen absorbers and Mylar bags. For daily use, airtight jars can keep out moisture and pests. Spoiled rice often smells musty, shows insects, or feels clumpy. If you notice any of these, discard the rice.
1. Honey
Honey is basically nature’s forever food. Thanks to its low water content and high sugar, bacteria can’t survive in it. This is why sealed jars stay safe to eat indefinitely. Over time, though, honey might darken or crystallize, but that’s completely normal. Just place the jar in warm water to bring it back. For best quality, store honey in a tightly sealed jar at room temp, and avoid dipping in damp spoons.