Stocking your pantry with long shelf-life foods is key to a well-prepared kitchen. Discover a comprehensive guide to essential pantry foods that last a long time. It ensures your kitchen is always ready for any situation.
Understanding Long Shelf Life Foods
Why Long Shelf Life food Matters
Long shelf-life foods play a crucial role in meal planning and emergency preparedness. Understanding which foods last longest can save time and resources while ensuring a well-stocked pantry.
Essential Pantry Food That Last a Long Time
Here are detailed cooking hacks on 17 long shelf life foods to keep in your pantry. Must read every detail of individual food items and then apply them in your kitchen.
Rice
What is the shelf life of rice
The shelf life of brown rice is approximately 6 to 8 months and for white rice it is approximately indefinite time if stored properly.
How to store riceย
All types of white rice including basmati, Jeera kathi, Sonamukhi etc can stay for years if stored in a tightly sealed packet and harvested crops donโt have any flour bug eggs inside them when packaged.
But fiber rich brown rice contains high oils that make the rice rancid after 6 to 8 months sometimes tiny black bugs may grow inside them if not stored in a completely dry place.
Also read : How to prevent garlic from burning while cooking
Oats
What is the shelf life of oats
Oats are another long shelf life food. It has the shelf life of oats is about 2 years from the date of packaging.
How to store oats
To safely store oats bugs free keep them in an airtight container.
Oats are rich in antioxidants and contain a powerful soluble fibre called Beta-Glucan, according to nutrition experts this fibre helps to lower cholesterol levels and protect LDL cholesterol from damage.
You can eat oats in your diet as porridge, dosa, and muffin.ย
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Salt
What is the shelf life of salt
Salt is the most popular long shelf life pantry items. The shelf life of all types of table salt and sea salt usually lasts longer periods of time if stored properly but some iodized salt can only last 4 to 5 years.
How to store salt
The main problem with storing salt is the moisture, if moisture can come in contact with salt then your salt becomes rock hard.
So after opening the salt packet always store in a dry air-tight container where it can easily stay at room temperature.
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Sugar
What is the shelf life of sugar
Sugar is the most useful long shelf life foods item. The shelf life of sugar including white sugar and brown sugar is forever.
How to store sugar
Though both white granulated sugar and brown sugar can last forever, but brown sugar have a tendency to turn hard after some time.So to avoid this store them in airtight container and palce in a cool and dry place.
To soften brown sugar, you can use a slice of bread or a marshmallow slipped into the container overnight.
Also read : How to prevent apple slices from turning brown
Cornstarch
What is the shelf life of cornstarch
Cormstarch is another popular long shelf life foods item. After opening the packet, the shelf life of cornstarch is approximately 2 years from the date of packaging.
How to store cornstarch
To store cornstarch keep them in a cool and dry place away from moisture.
Cornstarch is used as a natural thickening agent in many dishes usually cornstarch-water mixture pour into a liquid dish to make them a thicker consistency.
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Grains
What is the shelf life of grain
If you are looking for foods that last a long time then you should choose grain. Beacause, most of the grains including barley, quinoa, millet, and flax seed usually last approximately 2 years.
How to store grains
To keep grains fresh for a longer period of time and avoid building up any mould inside grains, always store them in an airtight container to keep moisture out from them.
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Oils
What is the shelf life of oil
We all know most of the cooking oil belongs to the category of foods with a long shelf life. Most cooking oil last approximately 1 to 2 years except canola oil, olive oil, coconut oil and vegetable oil which only has a few months.
How to store oil
To store oil for a longer time without going rancid quickly make sure store it in a dark and dry place where it can easily stay at room temperature, out of contact with direct sunlight and heat., otherwise, you can store it in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
But if you are using refined coconut oils, canola oil, olive oil, and peanut oil then after opening the packet you have to use them within a few months otherwise may be rancid.
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Dried Fruits
What is the shelfย life of dried fruits
If you are loong for long shelf life pantry items then choose dried fruits. Most of the dried fruits usually last 6 months to 1 year.
How to store dried fruits
Store the dried fruits in a tightly sealed packet or dry container, you can also store them in freezer.
It is advised to store them in air tight containers or freezer just thaw them to room temperature before eating.
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Pasta
What is the shelf life of pasta
Most of the dry pasta is usually last 2 years if stored properly in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.
How to store pasta
To store pasta for a longer duration store them in a sealed plastic bag, and you can store it in the pantry.
Pasta that usually comes in a cardboard box or pasta that youโve opened should be transferred to an airtight container so it lasts as long as possible.
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Canned fruits, vegetables
What is the Shelf life of Canned fruits, vegetables
You can use all types of canned fruits as long shelf life pantry items. Most of the canned fruits and vegetables is last approximately 2 years.
How to store canned fruits, vegetables
If you want to store canned fruits and vegetables for longer period of time then keep them in a cool, dry place specially away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
You can even store them in your pantry or cabinet, rather than in a damp basement or garage.
Make sure always check the expiration date and any signs of spoilage, such as swelling or rusting cans.
Jam
What is the shelf life of jam
You can use jam as long shelf life foods item. For sealed store-bought jam has a shelf life of 1-2 years if stored it in a cool, dry place.
Where as in homemade jam it has a shorter shelf life of about 6-12 months when stored in the refrigerator.
How to store jam
To store jam for longer period of time always keep it in a cool, dry place, if possible keep it away from direct sunlight. When opened, then store it in the refrigerator and use it within 6 to 12 months.
Make sure to check the expiration date on store-bought jam and discard it if it has expired.
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Also read : How to clean burnt utensils easily
Popcorn
What is the shelf life of popcorn
You can choose popcorn as foods that last a long time. Though the shelf life of popcorn is about 2 years. But when popped it can last for about 2-3 weeks if stored in an airtight container or resealable bag.
How to store popcorn
To store popcorn for longer period of time make sure store it in an airtight container or resealable bag.
This will help to keep the popcorn fresh and prevent it from absorbing any moisture or odors from the surrounding environment.
Additionally, it is important to keep popcorn in a cool, dry place to prevent any spoilage or loss of freshness.
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Peanut Butter
What is the shelf life of peanut butter
You can try peanut butter as long shelf life foods items. Most of the sealed peanut butter usually last for up to 3 months in the pantry and 12 months in the refrigerator.
Once opened, the creamy peanut butter should be consumed within 2-3 months.
How to store peanut butter
To store peanut butter for a longer time period, store it in an airtight container.
If storing in the refrigerator, keep it in the main compartment, not the door, as this area fluctuates in temperature.
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Dried herbs and spices
What is the shelf life of Dried herbs and spices
Most of the dried herbs and spices usually last for about 1-3 years if stored properly.
How to store Dried herbs and spices
To store dried herbs and spices properly store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark, and dry place, if possible keep them away from heat and moisture sources.
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White Vinegar
What is the shelf life of white vinegar
White vinegar also benog to the same category of long shelf life pantry items. Though the shelf life of white vinegar is indefinite time if stored properly. But you have to remember the quality of the vinegar may deteriorate over time.
How to store white vinegar
To store white vinegar safely keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and any additional heat sources.
Make sure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and oxidation. It is also important to keep the bottle away from any strong odours or flavours as it can absorb them.
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Honey
What is the shelf life of honey
Honey is also belongs to the same category of foods with a long shelf life. If we are talking about the shelf life of honey then it broadly varies into two categories for sealed honey which we usually buy from the grocery store they have a limited shelf life of best before 24 months.
Whereas raw honey which you can say is pure honey can last a long time if stored properly.
How to store honey
To store honey for a longer duration keep it in a tightly sealed jar and keep it away from humidity.
Honey, being a natural sweetener has a lot of antiviral and antibacterial properties. But as time passes it becomes grainy and sometimes it starts changing colour yet its immunization properties prevent it from spoiling.
Soy Sauce
What is the shelf life of soy sauce
If you are looking for long shelf life foods the you can try soy sauce. If soy sauce is stored properly then the shelf life of soy sauce is approximately 2 to 3 years. But once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator and used within 6 to 12 months.
How to store soy sauce
To store soy sauce for a longer period of time keep store it in its tightly sealed original container in a cool and dry place, especially keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
But, once opened you must store it in the refrigerator this will help prevent contamination and prolong its shelf life.
17 Long Shelf Life Foods: Essential Pantry Foods That Last a Long Time
Kitchen tips are the most important techniques that help us to know more about ingredients their shelf life and how to store them properly. Just follow the below important cooking tips and tricks on 17 long shelf life foods to keep in your pantry.
Ingredients
- Rice
- Oats
- Sugar
- Salt
- Honey
- Cornstarch
- Pasta
- Dried herbs and spices
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Soy sauce
- White vinegar
- Popcorn
- Jam
- Dried fruits
- Oil
- Grain
- Peanut Butter
Instructions
17 long shelf life foods to keep in your pantry
If you want to know long shelf life foods to keep in your pantry then read the below instructions their shelf life and how to store them.
Rice
What is the shelf life of rice
The shelf life of brown rice is approximately 6 to 8 months and for white rice it is approximately indefinite time if stored properly.
How to store riceย
All types of white rice including basmati, Jeera kathi , Sonamukhi etc can stay for years if stored in a tightly sealed packet and harvested crops didn't have any flour bug eggs inside them when packaged.
But fiber rich brown rice contains high oils that make the rice rancid after 6 to 8 months sometimes tiny black bugs may grow inside them if not stored in a completely dry place.
Oats
What is the shelf life of oats
Usually, the shelf life of oats is about 2 years from the date of packaging.
How to store oats
To safely store oats bugs free keep them in an airtight container.
Oats are rich in antioxidants and contain a powerful soluble fibre called Beta-Glucan, according to nutrition experts this fibre helps to lower cholesterol levels and protect LDL cholesterol from damage.
You can eat oats in your diet as porridge, dosa, and muffin.ย
Salt
What is the shelf life of salt
The shelf life of all types of table salt and sea salt usually lasts longer periods of time if stored properly but some iodized salt can only last 4 to 5 years.
How to store salt
The main problem with storing salt is the moisture, if moisture can come in contact with salt then your salt becomes rock hard.
So after opening the salt packet always store in a dry air-tight container where it can easily stay at room temperature.
Sugar
What is the shelf life of sugar
The shelf life of sugar including white sugar and brown sugar is forever.
How to store sugar
Though both white granulated sugar and brown sugar can last forever, but brown sugar have a tendency to turn hard after some time.So to avoid this store them in airtight container and palce in a cool and dry place.
To soften brown sugar, you can use a slice of bread or a marshmallow slipped into the container overnight.
Cornstarch
What is the shelf life of cornstarch
After opening the packet, the shelf life of cornstarch is approximately 2 years from the date of packaging.
How to store cornstarch
To store cornstarch keep them in a cool and dry place away from moisture.
Cornstarch is used as a natural thickening agent in many dishes usually cornstarch-water mixture pour into a liquid dish to make them a thicker consistency.
Grains
What is the shelf life of grain
Most of the grains including barley, quinoa, millet, and flax seed usually last approximately 2 years.
How to store grains
To keep grains fresh for a longer period of time and avoid building up any mould inside grains, always store them in an airtight container to keep moisture out from them.
Oils
What is the shelf life of oil
Most cooking oil last approximately 1 to 2 years except canola oil, olive oil, coconut oil and vegetable oil which only has a few months.
How to store oil
To store oil for a longer time without going rancid quickly make sure store it in a dark and dry place where it can easily stay at room temperature, out of contact with direct sunlight and heat., otherwise, you can store it in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
But if you are using refined coconut oils, canola oil, olive oil, and peanut oil then after opening the packet you have to use them within a few months otherwise may be rancid.
Dried Fruits
What is the shelfย life of dried fruits
Most of the dried fruits usually last 6 months to 1 year.
How to store dried fruits
Store the dried fruits in a tightly sealed packet or dry container, you can also store them in freezer.
It is advised to store them in air tight containers or freezer just thaw them to room temperature before eating.
Pasta
What is the shelf life of pasta
Most of the dry pasta is usually last 2 years if stored properly in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.
How to store pasta
To store pasta for a longer duration store them in a sealed plastic bag, and you can store it in the pantry.
Pasta that usually comes in a cardboard box or pasta that youโve opened should be transferred to an airtight container so it lasts as long as possible.
Canned fruits, vegetables
What is the Shelf life of Canned fruits, vegetables
Most of the canned fruits and vegetables is last approximately 2 years.
How to store canned fruits, vegetables
If you want to store canned fruits and vegetables for longer period of time then keep them in a cool, dry place specially away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Jam
What is the shelf life of jam
For sealed store-bought jam has a shelf life of 1-2 years if stored it in a cool, dry place.
Where as in homemade jam it has a shorter shelf life of about 6-12 months when stored in the refrigerator.
How to store jam
To store jam for longer period of time always keep it in a cool, dry place, if possible keep it away from direct sunlight. When opened, then store it in the refrigerator and use it within 6 to 12 months.
Make sure to check the expiration date on store-bought jam and discard it if it has expired.
Popcorn
What is the shelf life of popcorn
Though the shelf life of popcorn is about 2 years. But when popped it can last for about 2-3 weeks if stored in an airtight container or resealable bag.
How to store popcorn
To store popcorn for longer period of time make sure store it in an airtight container or resealable bag.
This will help to keep the popcorn fresh and prevent it from absorbing any moisture or odors from the surrounding environment.
Additionally, it is important to keep popcorn in a cool, dry place to prevent any spoilage or loss of freshness.
Peanut Butter
What is the shelf life of peanut butter
Most of the sealed peanut butter usually last for up to 3 months in the pantry and 12 months in the refrigerator.
Once opened, the creamy peanut butter should be consumed within 2-3 months.
How to store peanut butter
To store peanut butter for a longer time period, store it in an airtight container.
If storing in the refrigerator, keep it in the main compartment, not the door, as this area fluctuates in temperature.
Dried herbs and spices
What is the shelf life of Dried herbs and spices
Most of the dried herbs and spices usually last for about 1-3 years if stored properly.
How to store Dried herbs and spices
To store dried herbs and spices properly store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark, and dry place, if possible keep them away from heat and moisture sources .
White Vinegar
What is the shelf life of white vinegar
Though the shelf life of white vinegar is indefinite time if stored properly. But you have to remember the quality of the vinegar may deteriorate over time.
How to store white vinegar
To store white vinegar safely keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and any additional heat sources.
Make sure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and oxidation. It is also important to keep the bottle away from any strong odours or flavours as it can absorb them.
Honey
What is the shelf life of honey
If we are talking about the shelf life of honey then it broadly varies into two categories for sealed honey which we usually buy from the grocery store they have a limited shelf life of best before 24 months,
Whereas raw honey which you can say is pure honey can last a long time if stored properly.
How to store honey
To store honey for a longer duration keep it in a tightly sealed jar and keep it away from humidity.
Honey, being a natural sweetener, has a lot of antiviral and antibacterial properties, but as time passes it becomes grainy and sometimes it starts changing colour, yet its immunization properties prevent it from spoiling.
Soy Sauce
What is the shelf life of soy sauce
If soy sauce stored properly then the shelf life of soy sauce is approxmately 2 to 3 years. But once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator and used within 6 to 12 months.
How to store soy sauce
To store soy sauce for a longer period of time keep store it in its tghtly sealed original container in a cool and dry place, especially keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Notes
Long shelf life food Tips
- Read the above-detailed instructions thoroughly to learn about long-shelf life foods to keep in your pantry.
