20 Things That Will Survive 20 Years In The Cupboard

By Joy Boyd 1 year ago

1. Powdered milk

Image Source: Reddit
Powered milk has a best by date of around 18 months, typically. But in actuality, the USDA says powerded milk is a shelf-stable food that can last indefinitely when stored in a pantry. Many say that non-fat powered milk will sustain a shelf-life of over 25 years!

2. Salt

Image Source: Reddit
This savory condiment can bring flavor out of virtually any dish! The best part? It will last forever in your cupboard. Be sure to keep it in a cool, dark place. It should also be kept dry and in a place where the temperature is relatively constant. It's an every day staple, so why not buy in bulk!

3. Instant coffee

Image Source: Reddit
This is maybe the most important information. Instant coffee stored in the freezer will basically last forever. If you store it in the pantry, it can last up to 20 years! So either way, you're probably good. Because it's dried and contains no sugar, wheat or fat, it has a very shelf-stable life!

4. Soy sauce

Image Source: Reddit
We already know that salt lasts forever, and soy sauce has a high concentration of it! If you keep it sealed, it will last FOREVER in your pantry. Once you open it, be sure to store it in the fridge. It will last for about two to three years once it's open, which is still a long time!

5. Honey

Image Source: Reddit
Honey is a staple that should be in your pantry! Did you know that it can truly last forever? The package may have an expiration date, but in reality, this just means it's when it will start to crystallize. It does not mean that it's inedible. You can return the crystals to their "normal" state by heating it up. The sugar content in honey makes it extremely hard for any bacteria to form.

6. Champagne

Image Source: Reddit
This is good news for everyone. Champagne will last for a very long time. If you're known for drinking the vintage stuff, then you're in luck. This will keep for 20 years or more! If it's less rarified (sparkling wine), then you should expect a shelf-life closer to 4-5 years.

7. Pure vanilla extract

Image Source: Reddit
You should have tasty foods, even if you're in a literal survival state. So stock up pure vanilla extract. It's said that this item not only lasts forever, it only gets better with age, because it's about 35% alcohol. It could really help flavor up that instant coffee you'll be drinking!

8. Oats

Image Source: Reddit
Oats are a fantastic breakfast food and make you feel full longer. They can be a challenge to store, because of insects, moisture, etc. But if stored properly in an airtight container or in the freezer, they can last over 25 years! This is definitely something you'll want to keep in your pantry for future use!

9. Baking soda

Image Source: Reddit
Did you know that baking soda lasts indefinitely? It should be said that it CAN lose its leavening power over time, but it has a lot of other uses. If you want to test the state of yours, combine a bit of baking soda and a bit of vinegar. As long as it bubbles, you're good to go!

10. Uncooked rice

Image Source: Reddit
Uncooked white rice can last between 25 and 30 years in your pantry if stored properly! You need to keep it in an oxygen-free container, but it will be completely safe to consume up to this amount of time according to the US Food & Drug Administration!

11. Coconut oil

Image Source: Reddit
People swear that coconut oil does pretty much everything! It's a nutritious fat and has a stable shelf-life. If your item has the factory seal in place, it will last forever. And even if it's well past the expiration date, if you're too nervous to consume it, you can always use it for moisturizer or even sunscreen!

12. Dark chocolate

Image Source: Reddit
We have fantastic news! Because dark chocolate is high in cacao and doesn't have any milk, it's great for long-term shelf life. Just be sure it's stored in a cool and dry place. It needs to be in an airtight container as well, but in the right conditions it can last over 20 years!

13. Cornstarch

Image Source: Reddit
Store your cornstarch in its original container. As long as you keep it in a cool, dark place, it will last forever. Cornstarch dissolves when it comes in contact with water, so it's important to keep moister out. It's a natural thickening agent and can come in handy in a pinch!

14. Dehydrated foods

Image Source: Reddit
One of the things that shortens shelf-life is moister. So dehydrated foods have the ability to last long-term. When stored in an airtight container with oxygen absorbers, dehydrated fruits and vegetables can last for up to 25 years! It's pretty affordable and the end product is compact for easy storage.

15. Hard liquor

Image Source: Reddit
Unopened bottles of pure liquor like whiskey, vodka, or rum will never expire as long as you store them correctly, and they're properly sealed! One of the biggest things is to make sure you keep it out of direct heat and sunlight. If it has flavoring or added elements like dairy or cream, this does not apply!

16. Ghee

Image Source: Reddit
Ghee is dehydrated butter, and it can last forever when stored in your pantry in an airtight container. All you have to do is take any butter of your choice and gently cook it until all of the water has evaporated and then store it. It's a long-life food that can make your food extra tasty, especially if there's a food emergency.

17. Maple syrup

Image Source: Reddit
If unopened, maple syrup will last FOREVER. Once you open it, though, it's good for up to a year. Be sure to store unopened bottles in your pantry, but keep the opened bottles in the fridge for longer shelf-life. It's another one of those things you can put in your instant coffee to improve the taste, if that's your vibe!

18. Pasta

Image Source: Reddit
Okay, so pasta will typically last about a year or longer. But if you store it properly, some say you can still consume it for up to 25 years. To make it last that long, you need to remove it from its original packaging and put it in an airtight container. This way it doesn't absorb chemicals (like glue) that might be part of the packaging.

19. Wheat

Image Source: Reddit
Wheat sometimes gets a bad rep, but in reality, it's high in protein, essential minerals, and fiber. It's said that if it's stored well, it can remain good for 30 years! Put it in an airtight container and keep it cool in your pantry. You can use an oxygen absorber packet to keep it even fresher and make sure there's no bugs in it!

20. Peanut butter... kinda?

Image Source: Reddit
Okay, so in ~theory~ peanut butter can be eaten after it's expired. Peanut butter will keep on the shelf for 3-5 years. That being said, after time, oxygen starts to break down the food's flavor and also gives it a weird smell. But eating it after it's expired won't hurt you... it will just taste NOT good. I guess in a zombie apocalypse, it's better than nothing!

21. Vinegar

Image Source: Reddit
Vinegar is another item you shouldn't be afraid to buy in bulk. Keep it in its original airtight container, and it'll last you well over 20 years. Experts say it will actually never expire! Just be sure to keep it away from heat sources and in a dry spot in your pantry!

22. Instant potato flakes

Image Source: Reddit
Okay, it's not quite 20 years, but instant potato flakes can store (unopened) for 15 years. Just throw them in a sealed #10 can and keep them, as always, in a cool, dry place. If they're already opened, the lifespan is much shorter of about 6 to 12 months.

23. Popcorn

Image Source: Reddit
Keep your popcorn kernels in a sealed container and those suckers will last you literally forever! You can buy in bulk for super cheap, and it will NEVER EXPIRE. If you're like me, and occasionally only crave popcorn for dinner, this is fantastic news. Buy a stovetop popper and you're in for a delicious snack!

24. Spices... kinda

Image Source: Reddit
Similar to peanut butter, spices will definitely last a very long time. In fact, spices are safe to eat indefinitely. But, that being said, they WILL lose their aroma and flavor as time goes on. But it won't hurt you to consume them. Maybe placebo effect will kick in, and you'll still taste the flavor!

25. Dried lentils

Image Source: Reddit
Dried lentils can last in your pantry, literally forever, if they're stored properly. It's also said that by-and-large, when it comes to taste for emergency foods stored over a long time, this type of food won out big time! They need to be kept in a cool, dry place. So find a cozy spot in your pantry and stock up!

26. Dried beans

Image Source: Reddit
Similar to lentils, dried beans will last indefinitely. They are one of the cheapest long-term foods available. Try soaking them if you want to cut down on cooking time. They're great for meal-prepping and for keeping on hand in case of an emergency!

27. Powdered jell-o

Image Source: Reddit
Stock your pantry with powered Jell-O for a long-lasting on hand treat. It's said that Jell-O will literally store forever when it's in its dry state, so you can keep the packets and always be prepared to make a fun gelatin recipe. What's your favorite flavor? I'm a watermelon girlie!

28. Corn syrup

Image Source: Reddit
Corn syrup is in the sugar family - a liquid sweetener made from cornstarch. And it is delicious and used in most sugary things we love. It has a lot of uses and is mostly put in candy, frosting, and jam. It is also used in baked goods. It has a long and stable shelf-life, so feel free to stock up!

29. Sugar

Image Source: Reddit
As with many others on this list - keep your white sugar in a dark and dry spot, preferably an airtight container, and it will last forever. Brown sugar will also keep for a long time, but because of the sugar and molasses, it will likely harden after a while. If you need to soften it, you can throw a slice of bread or a marshmallow in the container with it overnight to revive it.

30. Energy bars

Image Source: Reddit
If you want food that will survive virtually anything, then look no further than energy bars. These things basically last forever and are perfect for on-the-go. You know, when you're outrunning an earth-consuming tsunami. So they travel well and the provide great fuel and even protein when you're in a pinch.

31. Foods you can eat past their expiration date: eggs!

image source: reddit.com
Okay, so we're not talking 20 years after the expiry date, of course, but it's always good to know what you don't have to throw out the second the clock gets to expiration day! You might be surprised how long eggs can actually last after their expiration date: five weeks, in fact, if stored at the correct temperature (40 degrees F) in the fridge! The best way to check is to do the float test - if it sinks in a glass or bowl of water, it's still fresh!

32. Milk

image source: reddit.com
Milk is one of the most common things to panic about when the expiration date is drawing near, and so much milk can get wasted from people just throwing a gallon away as soon as the date hits. A quick sniff will tell you whether it smells bad or good, but generally, it can last a week after the date as long as it keeps smelling okay!

33. Hard cheeses

image source: reddit.com
Cheese is such a risky ball game because we all know aged cheese is a thing, and that you can eat cheese with mold on it (stilton) but other times there are certain cheese you shouldn't eat after they expire - it's all confusing! But a good rule of thumb is hard cheeses will last a lot longer than soft because they have less moisture, so just give it a quick once over.

34. Raw meat/poultry

image source: reddit.com
We know it's surprising that this is even possible based on how important it is to store and cook meat properly, but it's entirely possible to extend the shelf life of your meat as long as you have a freezer! Meat kept in the fridge will need to be eaten by the date, but you can freeze ground meat for a few months, and even a whole frozen chicken/turkey for a year!

35. Yogurt

image source: reddit.com
Because yogurt is another thing that's dairy-based, it's understandable to worry about leaving it too long before throwing out. But if you haven't yet opened the yogurt, it can last a good few weeks after the date, and that's because the probiotics and lactic acid defend against bacteria growth.

36. Fish

image source: reddit.com
You can use the same principle with fish as you can with meat, so if you want to store your fish for much longer, just pop it in the freezer! It all depends on what kind of fish it is, but fish already frozen can last up to a year, smoked fish can last a few months, and other fish 6-9 months!

37. Bread

image source: reddit.com
The best investment you can make if you eat bread and toast a lot is a toaster with a defrost function - because bread can last ages when stored in the freezer instead of out on the side! No more panicking about eating whole loaves in time. Bread can last up to six months when frozen.

38. Fruits and veg

image source: reddit.com
The best way to extend the shelf life of your fruit and vegetables is again to take advantage of the freezer! We know fresh fruit and veg is the most logical option, but it can go off very quickly when left on the side. You can freeze fruit and veg (or buy frozen fruit and veg) to extend the shelf life for months.

39. Tomato sauce

image source: reddit.com
Tomatoes themselves are high in acidity, which means it takes longer for them to spoil. The same applies to tomato sauce, like pasta sauce or tomato paste, which is good news for extending the shelf life a little. Unopened ketchup can last up to a year in the pantry, or around six months if opened and kept in the fridge. Other tomato sauces, even after being opened, can last for weeks in the fridge.

40. Canned veg

image source: mashed.com
The thing about vegetables that come in a can is that they'll already have an amazing shelf life, usually a few years. But, even better, you can make them last even longer! As long as you haven't opened the can, they should last around another two years after the date given.

41. Leafy greens

image source: reddit.com
The thing about buying fresh leafy greens, as healthy as they might be, is that they very soon start to wilt or go soggy if you don't eat them quickly enough. The key to extending the life of leafy greens is to soak them in ice water to restore them, or you can wash and spin them in a salad spinner before storing in the fridge for a longer shelf life.

42. Root veg

image source: reddit.com
Root vegetables are always a must for healthy, delicious recipes! But if you're constantly battling with root veg which isn't keeping as long as you'd hope, especially if you buy in bulk, then the key is how you're storing them. You can store veg like potatoes and parsnips in cool, dark places so they can last several weeks.

43. Dry cereal

image source: reddit.com
Anything that counts as 'dry' is going to have a much longer shelf life than might be advertised, because of the absence of moisture - so dry cereal is a good way to go. Both dry cereal and granola could last for several weeks after the expiry date if they're completely sealed in containers.

44. Nuts

image source: reddit.com
Nuts are another dry food that can last for a very long time if kept in a sealed container away from moisture. They could even last for months after the given expiry if they're stored properly! But that doesn't mean they're without risk of going off, due to their fat content - so the best way is to smell them to see if they smell 'off'.

45. Dried beans

image source: reddit.com
They have to give an expiration date on dried beans, but the reality is they can last for so long that we can't even give a timeframe - they keep good indefinitely! You just need to make sure you store them in a cool, dry place (as always) and then beans, legumes and lentils will stay good for a very long time!

46. Dry pasta

image source: reddit.com
Again, the key is 'dry', so your dried, uncooked pasta is going to last a very long time, too, if it's in an airtight container and stored in a dry place! It's actually so good at being stored this way that it could last up to two years after the expiration date! So don't be throwing out any unused bags of pasta anytime soon.

47. Salt

image source: reddit.com
If you've bought a huge tub of salt but you only use a pinch or two now and again, you might have been worrying about not using enough of it before the expiry date hits - but don't worry! As long as you keep salt away from moisture and anything else it could absorb - like bad smells - it'll stay good for a long time.

48. Baking ingredients

image source: reddit.com
Most baking ingredients will be dry ingredients, like bags of flour, baking powder, baking sugar or powdered icing. The good news is, if you changed your mind and you're not going to be uploading your finished cake to Instagram anytime soon, the ingredients will keep - a month or two after the expiry date, in fact.

49. Honey

image source: reddit.com
Honey is low in moisture and high in acidity, both of which make for the perfect "I'm going to last a pretty long time" tag. It's very good at preventing bacteria growth, so it's very unlikely to spoil, so as long as you keep it in a cool, dry place in a sealed container, it should last for years!

50. Sugar

image source: reddit.com
Preserving sugar will need a little TLC, but it's do-able. A lot of the time, bags of sugar can be banished to the back of the highest cupboard once you've filled up your canister, and this is where it's at risk of pets or being compromised. So seal your sugar bag up tight and it can last for 2 years (which is when it's recommended to be replaced).

51. Quinoa

image source: reddit.com
For all the health gurus out there who love to eat the famously difficult to pronounce quinoa, you'll be pleased to know it has a great shelf life. The seeds are naturally coated with saponin, a bitter-tasting compound that acts as a protective layer against pests and it doesn't contain oils so lasts longer than some foods!

52. Cocoa powder

image source: reddit.com
Cocoa powder is one of those things you can leave in the cupboard and forget to check the expiration, even when the writing has long since faded away. To maintain its quality, cocoa powder should be kept in an airtight container which will guard it against the infiltration of moisture and unwanted odors.

53. Dried noodles

image source: reddit.com
Dried noodles: a cupboard essential. Because they are dried, and packaged in a dehydrated state, these noodles are less susceptible to bacterial growth or mold formation. So, keep them in the cupboard as long as you like and they probably won't go bad!

54. Seeds

image source: reddit.com
Seeds, the tiny little powerhouses that pack so many nutrients and goodness. The key to their enduring shelf life lies in their natural protective mechanisms. They're wrapped in an outer shell, which protects them and prevents them from going bad, even after lying in the cupboard for years.

55. Pickles

image source: reddit.com
Pickles, hence the name, are stored in pickled juices which keeps them from going bad. The pickling process, often involving vinegar, salt, and sometimes spices, acts as a natural preservative. If they stay in an airtight container, pickles could be good enough to eat for years.

56. Ketchup

image source: reddit.com
Ketchup probably isn't something we'd assume would be okay for a seriously long time in the cupboard. But, the high acidity level in ketchup acts as a natural preservative, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and microorganisms - essentially what makes food go bad or grow mold!

57. Powdered drink mixes

image source: reddit.com
Powdered drink mixes, those convenient flavorsome drink alternatives, endure the test of time due to their dry composition and careful packaging. So no matter how long you've had these stored away, the chances are that they will still be fine to drink!

58. Nuts

image source: reddit.com
Nuts are packed with natural oils which helps to protect them against spoiling. While they do have the potential to last, it does require cool, dark and dry storage. If the nuts have changed in color too much then they're probably not so fresh anymore!

59. Instant soups

image source: reddit.com
Instant soups, a cupboard favorite for being a quick and comforting meal solution or snack. These soups are dehydrated, meaning that the likelihood that bacteria will grow here is minimal. So if you're stuck for what to snack on, reach in the depths of the cupboard and pull out a very old instant soup sachet.

60. Mustard

image source: reddit.com
Mustard is a condiment that will keep for a super long time thanks to its natural zest and it's vinegar content. Not many people finish a jar of mustard quickly (it's powerful stuff), so the fact that it can keep well is a bonus that will save you from re-purchasing it!

61. Instant ramen

image source: reddit.com
Instant ramen...our guilty pleasure that gives us that satisfying noodle fix. These have been created to stand the test of time, and that they certainly do. Its dehydrated form means that there's minimal moisture content to reduce the risk of bacteria growing!

62. Canned beans

image source: reddit.com
Canned beans, the overlooked member of the pantry, owe their longevity to a perfect marriage of sturdy legumes and airtight containers. The can itself keeps everything from the outside well and truly out so that they can last for many years without going bad.

63. Canned coconut milk

image source: reddit.com
You may have a can of coconut that's fallen right to the back of the cupboard, but don't let the expiration date and the word 'milk' deter you from using it. Properly sealed away, coconut milk will maintain its goodness and flavor for a seriously long time.

64. Hot chocolate powder

image source: reddit.com
Hot chocolate powder, the delightful treat for cozy moments, is one of those cupboard items that can last a lifetime (well, not quite). But it can last a VERY long time if it's stored correctly, and it will continue to stay deliciously sweet and satisfying.

65. Tomato paste

image source: reddit.com
Tomato paste is usually stores in convenient tubes or airtight cans, meaning that the paste is shielded from the elements, preventing oxidation and maintaining its rich taste. So keep it in the cupboard way past expiration and it should stand the test of time.

66. Canned veggies

image source: reddit.com
The entire concept of canned veggies is based on the idea that they will last a very long time and won't go out of date like regular fresh veggies. They're certainly not created for their taste, but they are super convenient and great to keep in the cupboard.

67. Canned meats!

image source: reddit.com
Now, canned meats might sound a little bit gross. But they're invented for a reason. They're inexpensive but bets of all they last for YEARS, just sat on the cupboard waiting for the right time to be used. You barely even need to think about expiration dates!

68. Beef jerky

image source: reddit.com
Beef jerky, the flavorful and protein-packed snack, secures its lasting presence in the pantry through a combination of dehydration and careful packaging. Strips of beef are seasoned and dried, removing moisture to inhibit bacterial growth and spoilage.

69. Parmesan cheese

image source: reddit.com
You probably assumed that parmesan cheese has to be stored in the fridge, but this cheesy favorite can also be stored in the cupboard. Parmesan undergoes an extensive aging period, often up to 24 months or more, during which it develops its distinctive flavor and texture.

70.  Hot sauce

image source: reddit.com
Chilies, the fiery peppers that lend their heat to hot sauce, naturally possess qualities that aid in their preservation. The active compound responsible for the intense heat in chilies, capsaicin, acts as a natural preservative, meaning the expiration date can go out of the window!

71. Lemon juice

image source: reddit.com
Bottled lemon juice is naturally a preservative due to it's acidity. The juice is extracted from fresh lemons, where its natural acidity acts as a formidable preservative. Once extracted, it is promptly sealed in airtight bottles, creating a protective barrier against contamination!

72. Barley

image source: reddit.com
Barley, the hearty and versatile grain, maintains its durability through a combination of natural resilience and proper storage. Known for its robust nature, barley has a low moisture content, reducing the risk of mold or bacterial growth. The outer hull of barley also protects the grain from external contaminants!

73. Bottled salad dressings

image source: reddit.com
Whether it's Ranch or Caesar dressing, these bottled condiments should last much longer than you think! Crafted from a blend of oils, vinegar, herbs, and spices, these dressings are meticulously balanced for both taste and longevity and sealed in bottles to keep them fresh.

74. Tofu

image source: reddit.com
There are certain kinds of tofu which don't need to be kept in the fridge, they can stay in the cupboard instead! Crafted from soybeans, tofu has a moderate moisture content, meaning that airtight packing is essential to preventing it from growing mold!

75. Miso soup packets

image source: reddit.com
Miso soup packets are the kind of thing that you buy, put in the cupboard, and then they slip into the realm of forgotten foods when one of the sachets falls loose. However, when you finally stumble across it, it will probably still good enough to eat!

76. Worcestershire sauce

image source: reddit.com
Created from a symphony of vinegar, molasses, anchovies, and an array of spices, this sauce is full of natural preservatives meaning that it's in the cupboard for the long haul. And the best bit, it will taste just as good months or even years after purchasing it!

77. Cous cous

image source: reddit.com
Cous cous, another healthy and convenient option that can last years in your cupboard. Consisting of tiny, dehydrated wheat granules, couscous has minimal moisture content, reducing the risk of going bad. The cool, dark environment of a cupboard is a perfect place to keep it.

78. Unrefrigerated kombucha

image source: reddit.com
Unrefrigerated kombucha, the fermented tea beverage, can remain safe for consumption for a short period under specific conditions. Kombucha is a result of the fermentation process, where sweetened tea undergoes fermentation by symbiotic cultures of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY).

78. Shitake mushrooms

image source: reddit.com
Shiitake mushrooms maintain their long-lasting preservation due to a combination of factors inherent to their nature as well as the drying process. First, the dehydration method significantly reduces the moisture content within the mushrooms. Additionally, shiitake mushrooms possess natural compounds, including antimicrobial agents!

79. Pickled herring in a jar

image source: reddit.com
Fish is usually a food that you have to consume within a couple of days before it expires, tastes bad or makes you sick. But, with pickled herring they are preserved and only until you open the jar is there any need to eat it within a certain time frame.

80. Jarred salsa

image source: reddit.com
Salsa is among the many delights that can be consumed way after expiration. Crafted from a medley of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices, jarred salsa is sealed within glass jars or airtight containers, protecting it from external contaminants and preserving its robust taste.

81. Balsamic glaze

image source: reddit.com
Balsamic glaze is made by simmering the vinegar until it turns into a rich, syrupy treat. Kept safe in bottles or jars, shielded from light and air, it holds onto its flavor and properties. Stored in a cool pantry, away from sunlight, this glaze can be used way beyond what the label says.

82. Dried edamame

image source: reddit.com
Dried edamame boasts an extended shelf life due to the dehydration process employed in its preparation. By removing the majority of its water content, the soybeans become less susceptible to microbial growth, preventing spoilage and maintaining their integrity.

83. Tamarind paste

image source: reddit.com
Tamarind paste has a prolonged shelf life due to its concentrated form and the absence of water in its composition. The process of creating the paste involves extracting the pulp from tamarind pods and refining it, eliminating water content from the paste.

84. Elderflower syrup

image source: reddit.com
Elderflower is created through an extraction process which is then quickly encased into a glass bottle and sealed - safeguarding it from the exposure of bacteria and outside germs. So, elderflower syrup can last years if it remains unopened in the cupboard.

85. Sealed barbeque sauce

image source: reddit.com
Who doesn't love barbecue sauce? If it manages to stay in the cupboard without being eaten, it can stay there a very long time. Preservatives, and a sealed jar mean that this sauce can keep for a long time if you manage to resist eating it for that long anyway.

86. Tahini

image source: reddit.com
Tahini, the smooth and nutty sesame paste, maintains its enduring appeal in the pantry ready to be used at your convenience (even years after it's predicted expiration). Tahini is shielded from air and light, preserving its creamy texture and flavor.

87. Truffle oil

image source: reddit.com
Truffle oil is purposefully stored in dark glass bottles, truffle oil is shielded from light and air, ensuring that its delicate flavors remain intact. Typically, it is stored in a cool, dark place, away from heat sources which could potentially ruin the oil.

88. Bottled mirin

image source: reddit.com
Bottled mirin, the sweet rice wine essential in Japanese cuisine, is carefully created through a meticulous brewing process and careful bottling. The acidity and the bottling process means that it only starts to age once it is open and exposed to the outside air.

89. Thai fish sauce

image source: reddit.com
Thai fish sauce maintains its durability and long shelf life due to the combination of its high salt content and the fermentation process (both of which are natural preservative methods). The sauce is crafted by fermenting fish, usually anchovies or other small varieties, with salt.

90. Bottled agave nectar

image source: reddit.com
Bottled agave nectar is a natural sweetener that is derived from the agave plant, which undergoes minimal processing before it's put into the bottle and sold. But nonetheless, the product can usually be consumed long after the expiration date has been and gone.

91. Canned tomatoes

image source: reddit.com
The high acidity of tomatoes and the canning process makes canned tomatoes the perfect food to last for MANY years in your cupboard, without ever going bad. The tomatoes are quickly processed, sealed in cans, and subjected to heat to ensure their preservation.

92. Rose water

image source: reddit.com
Bottled rose water stands the test of time thanks to its inherent stability and careful preservation. The distillation process not only captures the enchanting essence of rose petals but also removes impurities, contributing to its purity and longevity.

93. Chimichurri sauce

image source: reddit.com
Chimichurri sauce, the vibrant and zesty condiment hailing from South America, maintains its unique flavor for a very long time, even sat in the cupboard for months or years. But, when it's opened it's best kept in the fridge where it will stay even longer.

94. Garlic paste

image source: reddit.com
Garlic paste endures the test of time owing to the natural preservative qualities of garlic. The initial crushing or mincing of fresh garlic activates allicin, a compound renowned for its antimicrobial properties., helping to stave off bacteria and mold!

95. Jarred mango chutney

image source: reddit.com
Jarred mango chutney captures the essence of a tropical escape with its sweet and tangy symphony. Crafted from ripe mangoes, carefully selected spices, and a touch of vinegar, this condiment transforms ordinary dishes into culinary adventures. The jarring process becomes a sealed sanctuary from microbes.

96. Canned pineapple chunks

image source: reddit.com
Canned pineapple chunks, the sweet and convenient tropical delight, owe their extended shelf life to meticulous canning processes and the inherent natural properties of pineapple. Sealed within durable containers, these golden nuggets are safeguarded from external elements.

97. Pickled ginger

image source: reddit.com
Prepared from young ginger roots, the ginger is thinly sliced and then pickled in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. This pickling solution not only gives it its divisive sweet and tangy flavor to the ginger but it also preserves its natural spiciness, meaning that you can eat it past expiration!

98. Dried banana chips

image source: reddit.com
Dried banana chips, those delightful bites of sweetness and crunch, owe their lasting appeal to the art of dehydration and meticulous storage. Made from ripe bananas, the dehydration process removes the majority of water content, which not only extends shelf life but also intensifies their natural sweetness.

99. Red onion marmalade

image source: reddit.com
Red onion marmalade, that tangy but and sweet relish, secures its lasting flavor through a meticulous blending of handpicked ingredients and a slow-cooking process. It is then put inside a jar and if it's not opened it can last for a very long time in the cupboard!

100. Dried chilli peppers

image source: reddit.com
The drying process involved in creating dried chilli peppers removes moisture, so that they last much longer than other non-dried fruit and veggies. These fiery ingredients are typically stored in airtight containers, such as sealed bags or jars to keep them fresh.

What To Read Next

Load More