FOOD NEWS
16 Pantry Items That Have The Longest Shelf Life
BY ANNA KOT
Dried Legumes
Pantry items are known for their long shelf lives, and of the longest-lasting items, dried legumes are near the top of the list, with a shelf life of up to 30 years.
For the best results, store them in airtight containers in a cool, dark area. Note that while they're edible for decades, they lose their vitamin content after five years.
Salt
Pure salt never expires because it is a mineral, but not all salt is pure salt. Table salt can go bad after a few years due to iodine and anti-caking agents.
Kosher, flaky, Himalayan, rock, and sea salts will last a lifetime when stored properly in an airtight container with rice to prevent clumping and moisture buildup.
Liquor
Although not a typical pantry item, liquor has a long shelf life thanks to its high alcohol content and lack of sugar and other additives.
Unopened liquor will last indefinitely when stored in the dark at room temperature. Once opened, most distilled spirits last for 6-24 months while vodka can last up to two decades.
Sugar
Like salt, sugar has an indefinite shelf life because it has no natural moisture, but again, you must store it properly.
Store sugar in an airtight container in a cool, dark area, and note that while it’s technically long-lasting, it’s best used within two years or you may taste some deterioration.
Honey
Honey doesn’t expire whether it's open or closed thanks to its natural composition that deters bacteria, preserves the honey, and disinfects it.
While old, cloudy, or crystallized honey is safe to eat, the USDA recommends using honey within a year and storing it in a sealed glass jar at room temperature.