Foods that never (or almost never) expire.

1. White Rice

White rice, when stored properly in a cool, dry, airtight container, can last for 25-30 years or more. Its low moisture content and lack of oil (unlike brown rice) make it resistant to spoilage. Oxygen absorbers and vacuum sealing can help extend its shelf life further, making it a pantry staple for long-term food storage.

2. Honey

Raw honey never truly expires. Archaeologists have found edible honey in ancient Egyptian tombs! Its low moisture content and natural acidity create an inhospitable environment for bacteria and mold. Over time, it may crystallize, but gentle warming returns it to liquid form without affecting its quality.

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3. Mustard

Mustard, especially plain yellow or Dijon mustard, has a nearly indefinite shelf life due to its vinegar content and antimicrobial spices. While it might lose some tanginess or separate over time, it's unlikely to spoil if stored in a sealed container in a cool place. Refrigeration helps maintain flavor, but it’s not essential.

4. Maple Syrup

Pure maple syrup, if unopened and stored in a cool, dark place, can last indefinitely. Once opened, it should be refrigerated to prevent mold, but even mold can be skimmed off in many cases. Its high sugar content preserves it well, much like honey, though it’s more sensitive to contamination.

5. Canned Coconut Milk

Canned coconut milk has a long shelf life—often several years—because it's sealed and sterile. However, it may eventually separate or develop off flavors. As long as the can is intact and stored properly, it’s likely safe to consume well past the “best by” date. Watch for bulging cans, which indicate spoilage.

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6. Soy Sauce

Thanks to its high salt content and fermentation process, soy sauce can last indefinitely, especially when unopened. Even after opening, it can last years in the fridge or pantry with minimal change in flavor. Its natural preservative qualities make it a reliable condiment with remarkable staying power.

7. Red Wine

Unopened red wine can last for years and sometimes decades depending on how it's stored and the wine’s quality. Once opened, oxidation shortens its life, but some aged wines become more valuable with time. Storing in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature extends longevity.

8. Dried Beans

Dried beans can last indefinitely if kept in a sealed container away from moisture and pests. They may take longer to cook as they age and might lose some nutritional potency, but they remain edible and safe. Oxygen absorbers and mylar bags further preserve their quality for decades.

9. Olives

Jarred or canned olives, especially those in brine or oil, can last many years unopened. The high salt content acts as a preservative. Once opened, they should be refrigerated but can still last weeks or months. The acidity and salt together give them strong staying power.

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10. Pemmican

This traditional food made of dried meat, fat, and sometimes berries can last for decades when properly prepared and stored. Its low moisture and high fat content make it highly shelf-stable. Indigenous cultures relied on it for survival during long journeys and winters.

11. Salt

Salt is one of the most shelf-stable substances on Earth. As a mineral, it doesn't spoil or degrade over time. Whether it's table salt, sea salt, or Himalayan pink salt, it can last forever if kept dry and free from contaminants. It's also a natural preservative, making it valuable for food storage.

12. Hard Liquor

Distilled spirits like vodka, whiskey, rum, and gin don’t expire. Their high alcohol content prevents bacterial growth and spoilage. While they may lose a bit of flavor or aroma after many years—especially if the bottle is opened—they remain safe to drink indefinitely. Store them upright in a cool, dark place.

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13. Popcorn (kernels)

Unpopped popcorn kernels can last for decades if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry environment. Their low moisture content prevents mold and spoilage. However, over time, they may dry out too much and not pop as well—but they won’t become unsafe to eat.

14. Sugar

Like salt, granulated sugar doesn’t spoil. It has no water content, so it resists microbial growth. As long as it's kept dry and sealed away from pests and moisture, it will remain usable forever. It may clump over time, but a quick sift solves that issue easily.

15. Marinara Sauce (canned or jarred)

Commercially canned or jarred marinara sauce can last for years past the expiration date if unopened and stored properly. The acidic tomatoes and airtight seal help preserve it. Once opened, it must be refrigerated and used within a week or two. Always check for bulging lids or off smells before using.

16. Spam

Spam and similar canned meats can last many years due to the canning process and high salt content. It's often still edible long past its best-by date as long as the can is intact. It’s a popular prepper food for this reason—durable, calorie-dense, and portable.

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17. Meat Jerky

Properly dried and packaged jerky can last months or even years, especially when vacuum-sealed and stored in a cool, dark place. Its low moisture content and salt help prevent bacterial growth. Homemade jerky may have a shorter life, but commercial versions often last well beyond the printed date.

18. Dried Fruit

Dried fruit lasts for years if kept airtight and away from moisture. While it may harden or lose flavor over time, it doesn’t easily spoil. Adding preservatives like sulfur dioxide extends its shelf life even further. It’s a lightweight, nutrient-dense food often included in emergency kits.

19. Canned Tuna

Canned tuna is good for 3-5 years or longer when stored properly. The vacuum-sealed, sterile canning process makes it resistant to bacteria and spoilage. Look out for rust, bulging, or dents in the can, which can signal contamination. Otherwise, it's an excellent long-term protein source.

20. Vinegar

Vinegar, particularly white distilled vinegar, is practically immortal. Its acidity preserves it indefinitely. Even varieties like apple cider and balsamic vinegar last for many years. They might get a little cloudy or develop sediment, but that doesn’t impact safety or effectiveness.

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21. Vanilla Extract

Pure vanilla extract lasts indefinitely thanks to its alcohol base. Over time, the flavor might mellow, but it remains safe to use. Imitation vanilla has a shorter life due to lower alcohol content.

22. Powdered Milk

Powdered milk can last up to 10 years when stored in a sealed, oxygen-free container in a cool place. Once opened, its shelf life shortens, but it remains a reliable backup dairy option.

23. Canned Tomatoes

Unopened canned tomatoes can last for up to 18 months to 2 years. The acidity helps preserve them, but the cans must remain undamaged and free of rust or swelling to be considered safe.

24. Canola Oil

Canola oil can last up to 2 years unopened when stored in a cool, dark place. Though not eternal, it's fairly shelf-stable. Rancidity is the main concern—once opened, it’s best used within a year.

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25. Instant Coffee

Instant coffee can last for decades if stored airtight and dry. Its dehydrated form makes it extremely shelf-stable, and it's often found in emergency kits and bug-out bags for this reason.

26. Bouillon Cubes

Bouillon cubes, thanks to their salt and preservative content, can last indefinitely if kept dry and sealed. Even past best-by dates, they’re usually safe to consume though they may lose some flavor.

27. Protein Powder

Protein powder can last up to 2 years unopened, and sometimes longer if stored in dry, cool conditions. It doesn’t truly last forever, but when sealed well, it remains safe and usable long past the labeled date.

28.Cornstarch

Cornstarch has an indefinite shelf life if kept in a cool, dry, airtight container. Moisture is its only enemy—once introduced, clumping and spoilage can occur, so seal it tight after every use.

29. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil lasts about 2–5 years, depending on storage. Virgin coconut oil resists spoilage well due to its natural antimicrobial properties. It may solidify or melt with temperature, but that doesn’t affect its quality.