May 10, 2025, 2:28 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Pantry stocked, but what can you still eat after years? Some foods are practically non-perishable—if stored correctly. Here’s a look at which products last indefinitely and what to watch out for.
Salt, honey, or rice: If you store these products correctly, you hardly need to worry about the expiration date. Some foods can last for many years with proper storage—some even indefinitely. myHOMEBOOK reveals some of the foods that have an almost unlimited shelf life.
Salt and Sugar: Classics with Eternal Shelf Life
Salt and sugar are among the most stable pantry items. According to Consumer Center North Rhine-Westphalia, they are indefinitely shelf-stable if kept dry and airtight. Moisture may cause them to clump, but it does not affect their usability.
Rice: Long Shelf Life—with Exceptions
White rice and wild rice can last for years if stored dry and airtight. It’s different for red or black rice, as well as pseudo-grains like quinoa and amaranth. Due to their higher fat content, these varieties can spoil faster. Consumer Center advises: If the product is clumped or contaminated, it may indicate pest infestation—in which case it should be discarded.
Flour: Lasts Longer Than Expected
Flour shouldn’t be thrown away prematurely. When stored dry and well-sealed, it can often be used up to a year past the expiration date. The same rule applies: If there is visible contamination or clumping, caution is advised—please discard.
Pasta: Durum Wheat Lasts the Longest
Pasta made from 100 percent durum wheat is very shelf-stable and can be consumed well beyond the expiration date. It’s different for whole grain and egg noodles—these should be used within a year as they can become rancid more quickly.
Vinegar and Water: Surprisingly Stable Supplies
White wine vinegar is shelf-stable for several years due to its high acidity. The same goes for water—provided it is stored in glass bottles and kept cool and dark. For plastic bottles, the Consumer Center advises paying attention to the expiration date. The reason: Over time, substances from the plastic can leach into the water.
Honey: Natural Product with Long-Term Quality
Honey is one of the few foods that is almost indefinitely consumable—if stored cool, dry, and dark. Crystallization is not a sign of spoilage but a natural process. Those who prefer liquid honey can re-liquefy it by gently warming it.
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Where You Should Never Store Tomatoes
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Canned Foods: Pantry Staples with an Almost Unlimited Shelf Life
Canned foods are often shelf-stable for years if stored properly—provided they are unopened and undamaged. According to the Consumer Center, the ideal storage temperature is a maximum of 66 degrees Fahrenheit. However, be cautious with dents or dings: The can’s inner coating may be damaged, allowing substances to leach into the food. Swollen cans should definitely be discarded.
With material from dpa