We know that food expiration dates are very important, but have you ever wondered if there are foods that never expire? The answer is yes, and if you’re curious to find out which ones, you’re in the right place: here are 13 foods you can safely consume even years after purchasing them.
We’ve often talked about food expiration dates, how important it is to respect them both for safety—therefore, eating healthy, bacteria-free products—and for quality, ensuring we’re consuming products that maintain their organoleptic and nutritional properties at their peak. But did you know that there are foods that don’t expire and that not only last for years, but can also be consumed long after the date legally indicated on the packaging? Once the expiration date has passed, we often give in to the bad habit of throwing away food without even checking its condition, thus generating food waste that is no longer sustainable. Yet, a little extra attention and better information would be enough to significantly reduce waste.
Also because there’s a necessary distinction to be made between expiration dates and “best before” dates: we often assume that one term is equivalent to the other, when in fact this isn’t the case. The second term, in fact, means that those foods can actually be consumed even after the indicated date because, while losing some of their organoleptic properties, they cannot be harmful in any way. Unlike “use by” foods, which, once the indicated date has passed, can deteriorate and become dangerous.
So, by paying attention to how product expiration dates are indicated, you can stock up on foods that, if stored properly, won’t spoil and can be consumed safely even years after you purchased them. What are they? Here are 13.
13 Foods That Never Expire (And How to Best Store Them)
The Ultimate Guide to Long-Lasting Pantry Staples
Food expiration dates can be confusing—and sometimes misleading. While many foods do go bad, there are a handful of natural and properly preserved items that can last indefinitely when stored the right way.
These foods have been found edible even after decades or centuries under the right conditions. Whether you’re building an emergency pantry, preparing for long-term self-sufficiency, or simply trying to reduce food waste, these are the 13 foods that never truly expire—and how to store them for maximum longevity.
🥇 1. Honey
Why it lasts forever:
Honey is naturally antibacterial and has extremely low moisture content, making it hostile to microbes.
Best storage:
- Airtight glass jar
- Cool, dry place
- If it crystallizes, warm gently in hot water
Fun fact: Honey found in ancient Egyptian tombs was still edible.
🧂 2. Salt
Why it lasts forever:
Salt is a mineral, not an organic food—so it cannot spoil.
Best storage:
- Airtight container
- Keep away from moisture
- Avoid iodized salt for long-term storage (iodine degrades)
🍚 3. White Rice
Why it lasts forever (when stored properly):
White rice has had its bran removed, which prevents oils from turning rancid.
Best storage:
- Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers
- Sealed food-grade buckets
- Cool, dark, dry place
Shelf life: 30+ years when sealed correctly
🍝 4. Dry Pasta
Why it lasts forever:
Low moisture content prevents bacterial growth.
Best storage:
- Airtight container
- Keep dry and cool
- Avoid humidity
Shelf life: 20–30 years if vacuum sealed
🌽 5. Dried Corn (Popcorn)
Why it lasts forever:
Low moisture and intact hull protect the kernel.
Best storage:
- Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers
- Sealed buckets
- Cool, dry environment
🫘 6. Dried Beans
Why they last indefinitely:
They won’t spoil but may take longer to cook over time.
Best storage:
- Airtight containers
- Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers
- Keep away from heat
Tip: Add baking soda to soften very old beans.
🍬 7. Sugar
Why it lasts forever:
Sugar naturally inhibits microbial growth.
Best storage:
- Airtight container
- Keep dry
- Break clumps with gentle crushing
Note: Brown sugar hardens faster due to moisture.
🥃 8. Pure Alcohol (Hard Liquor)
Why it lasts forever:
Alcohol content prevents bacterial growth.
Best storage:
- Tightly sealed bottle
- Dark, cool area
- Avoid heat and sunlight
Best options: Vodka, whiskey, rum, brandy
🍶 9. Vinegar
Why it lasts forever:
Its acidity preserves it naturally.
Best storage:
- Original sealed bottle
- Cool, dark place
- Sediment is harmless
🌿 10. Soy Sauce
Why it lasts forever (unopened):
High salt content and fermentation protect it.
Best storage:
- Tightly sealed bottle
- Refrigerate after opening for best flavor
🥛 11. Powdered Milk
Why it lasts decades:
Dehydration removes moisture needed for spoilage.
Best storage:
- Mylar bags
- Oxygen absorbers
- Cool, dry, dark place
Shelf life: 20+ years when sealed properly
🧊 12. Freeze-Dried Foods
Why they last forever:
Moisture removal halts spoilage completely.
Best storage:
- Mylar bags
- Oxygen absorbers
- Sealed buckets
Shelf life: 25–30+ years
🫒 13. Ghee (Clarified Butter)
Why it lasts forever:
Milk solids and water are removed, preventing spoilage.
Best storage:
- Airtight container
- Cool, dark place
- Refrigeration extends freshness
🏡 Storage Tips for Maximum Shelf Life
Follow these universal rules for long-term food storage:
🌡️ Keep It Cool
Ideal temperature: 40–70°F (4–21°C)
Heat accelerates spoilage.
🌑 Keep It Dark
Light degrades nutrients and packaging over time.
💨 Remove Oxygen
Use oxygen absorbers or vacuum sealing when possible.
💧 Control Moisture
Humidity ruins food faster than time.
🐜 Protect from Pests
Use sealed buckets or metal containers.
⚠️ Important Safety Note
Even foods that never technically expire can:
- Lose flavor and nutrients
- Change texture
- Absorb odors
Always inspect before eating. If it smells bad, looks moldy, or tastes off—don’t eat it.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Building a pantry with foods that never expire is one of the smartest steps toward self-reliance, emergency preparedness, and zero waste living.
With the right storage conditions, these 13 foods can last a lifetime—giving you peace of mind and a dependable food supply for years to come.
Because the best expiration date… is never. 🥫✨
