9 Foods That Never (or Almost Never) Expire

It’s a bummer when you reach for an item in your pantry and discover that its expiration date has passed. But did you know there are many foods that never – or almost never – go bad? Whether you’re prepping for the unknown or just want to score a great bulk discount, here is a list of foods that never expire.

1. White Rice

White rice almost never goes bad. In fact, scientists have found that this kitchen staple retains its nutrient content and flavor for 30 years if stored properly in an airtight container and at temperatures below 40 degrees. You can also store white rice for up to a decade by keeping it at a stable 70 degrees and adding oxygen absorbers to your container.

Even if you don’t need to preserve rice for decades, you can still safely store it at room temperature – even without any type of oxygen absorber or special container – for up to two years.

Though rice lasts a very long time, it won’t last forever (especially if not properly stored). Before consuming your rice, check the package for signs like holes, bugs or dampness.

2. Salt

No need to throw out that old salt. It’s pretty much good indefinitely as long as it’s stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Meanwhile, opened packages of salt can last two to three years.

Just remember that not all salts are created equal. While pure salts last forever, those with additives like iodized salt, Himalayan salt, table salt and kosher salt can lose their quality over time. While you can still consume these salts as they age, they may lose their flavor and health benefits. For instance, studies have found that the iodine in salt declines over time, particularly after the first six months.

3. Rolled Oats

Need an emergency-ready source of fiber and protein? Stock up on oats. Most dried oats can stay in your pantry for a whopping 30 years if stored correctly. If you’re in it for the long haul, make sure to put your oats in an airtight container and consider adding some oxygen absorbers. Keep the oats in a cool, dry place.

4. Honey

Looking for something sweet to flavor those oats? Try honey, another food that lasts forever. And by forever, we mean forever. In fact, archaeologists discovered honey that was thousands of years old in some ancient Egyptian tombs – and it was still good! The secret to keeping your honey fresh is proper storage. Keep it in an airtight container, and make sure no moisture gets in.

Keep in mind that coloration and texture will change over time. For instance, honey can change from pale to dark or it can begin to crystallize. Thankfully, none of these changes make the sweet stuff unsafe to eat.

See more: From Bee to Bottle: How Honey Is Made

5. Dried Beans

From black beans to lentils, kidney beans to garbanzos, dried beans are a great protein source that can last for a long time if stored properly. In fact, a study from Brigham Young University found that pinto beans that had been stored for up to 30 years had a more than 80% acceptance rate by a consumer taste panel.

For best results, keep your beans inside an airtight container in a dark area. For instance, you can probably squeeze at least 10 years of shelf life out of your dried beans by throwing them into #10 cans or Mylar-type bags. Oxygen absorbers can extend their life further and minimize flavor changes.

6. Sugar

Dry sugar is another item you can keep indefinitely since it’s a food that never expires. That said, most sugars have a “best by” date of about two years since quality can decline with time. Pure cane and beet granulated sugarcane keep the best while raw sugars have a shorter shelf life.

To keep your sugar fresher for longer, store it in a container that is opaque, airtight and moisture/odor proof, and keep it in a cool, dry location. Good options include polyethylene bags, Mylar-type bags, food-grade plastic buckets, glass canning jars and #10 cans.

Though other foods may benefit from oxygen absorbers, they are not recommended for storing sugar.

7. Popcorn

If you’re looking for a tasty snack you can keep in your cupboard for a long time, popcorn is a good choice. This whole grain has an indefinite shelf life and offers a ton of health benefits. For instance, its high fiber content may help reduce the risk of heart disease, and it’s also loaded with nutrients and antioxidants.

It’s important to note that we’re talking about popcorn kernels, not popped popcorn. And even though the popcorn kernels technically don’t expire, they tend to lose moisture over time, which makes them less likely to pop. To get the longest shelf life out of your popcorn, make sure to keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

See more: 7 Types of Whole Grains and How to Use Them

8. Canned Fish

Most experts assert that canned fish like tuna, salmon and sardines can last from about three to five years after their packaging date. That’s because the canning process removes air and puts the food in vacuum-sealed containers that are heat processed. This destroys microorganisms and prevents any new bacteria from getting in. That said, some brands promise an even longer shelf life. For instance, Oregon’s Choice says its Gourmet Albacore Tuna, Gourmet Chinook Salmon and Alaskan Sockeye Salmon are good for up to a decade after their purchase date.

9. Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried Food

Removing moisture from foods can seriously extend their shelf life. For instance, most high-end dehydrated food has lost 90% of its water content and can last 15 years. Some products can even be consumed for up to 25 years. However, at-home dehydration systems generally remove less water, so doing it yourself may result in a shorter shelf life.

Meanwhile, freeze-dried foods like kale chips or green beans generally have a shelf life of 25 years or more. That’s because a whopping 98% to 99% of moisture has been removed from these foods.

Either way, cooler temperatures will help extend the life of your food. Keep your dehydrated and freeze-dried foods in a cool, dark, dry location below 70 degrees.