Forever Fresh: 26 Household Staples & Foods That Defy Expiration
Ok, so if you hate throwing food away and also hate spending money, just fill your pantry with stuff that basically never dies. Like, ever. Some of this crap will outlive us all. I found 26 foods that just… don’t go bad. They’re dry, stubborn, and kind of magical. You can forget them in the back of a cabinet for years and they’ll still be fine. It’s not fancy. But it works. Here’s the list, why they last forever, and what to do with them so they don’t go weird.
1. Honey
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Honey is basically magic. It’s got barely any water in it, it’s super acidic, and it literally kills off bacteria. That’s why it lasts forever. They even found jars of it in Egyptian tombs and yeah, still edible. Wild.
Here’s a trick: flip the bottle upside down. If the bubble rises slowly, that’s the good stuff—thick, pure, high quality. If it shoots up fast, it’s probably watered down junk.
Storage Tip: Just keep it sealed and don’t let water get in it. That’s what makes it go funky. Otherwise, it’ll sit on your shelf for years and still be fine.
PRO TIP: CRYSTALIZED HONEY DILEMMA
If your honey crystallizes, place the jar in warm (not boiling) water to return it to its liquid state. Avoid microwaving, as high heat can degrade its beneficial enzymes.
2. Salt
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Salt is a mineral and doesn’t spoil because it has no organic components to decompose. It also inhibits microbial growth, which is why it’s used in food preservation.
Storage Tip: Store in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping caused by humidity. Use food-grade containers for long-term storage.
PRO TIP: ADD RICE TO YOUR SALT
For bulk salt storage, add a few grains of uncooked rice to the container to absorb moisture and prevent clumping in humid environments.
See Also: Stores Known for Marking Down Products in a BIG Way Near Expiration Dates
3. White Rice
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: They basically strip off the part that spoils. No oil = no going rancid. White rice is just super dry and super plain, which is why it can last for, like, decades if you store it right.
Storage Tip: Toss it in an airtight container or one of those Mylar bags with the little oxygen pack thingies. Keeps the bugs and moisture out.
Oh—and skip brown rice if you’re trying to stock up long-term. It’s got more oil, so it goes bad way faster.
White rice has been polished to remove the oily bran layer, which is prone to rancidity. This makes it shelf-stable for decades.
PRO TIP: THROW YOUR RICE IN THE FREEZER
Freeze your new bags of rice for 48 hours after purchase to kill any potential insect eggs. Then store it in airtight containers with oxygen absorbers for maximum longevity.
4. Vinegar
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: It’s super acidic—basically nothing can live in it. White vinegar especially is like… immortal. You can forget it in the back of a cabinet for years and it’ll still be fine.
Storage Tip: Just screw the cap on tight and keep it at room temp. That’s it.
If it’s the fancy flavored kind, the taste might fade a bit over time, but it’s still safe to use.
PRO TIP: VINEGAR HAS MANY USES
Use white vinegar as a natural cleaning agent for windows, counters, and drains. Store it in a spray bottle for easy access to a non-toxic cleaner that never expires.
5. Soy Sauce
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Soy sauce doesn’t really go bad cause it’s basically salty fermented magic. the salt + fermentation combo keeps it from spoiling. if the bottle’s sealed, it can sit there for YEARS. once it’s open, it’s still good for a long time, don’t stress.
Storage Tip: Just throw it in the fridge after opening if you don’t want it to get all dark + weird tasting. that’s it. done.
PRO TIP: DO YOU BUY SOY FROM COSTCO?
If you bought a large container of soy sauce from Costco or Sam’s, consider transferring it to smaller containers after opening to reduce exposure to air. This helps maintain flavor and freshness longer.
6. Sugar
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Sugar lasts forever. like, actually forever. It’s dry as hell so mold and bacteria don’t stand a chance.
Storage Tip: Just keep it sealed up tight or it’ll turn into a rock or get buggy. That’s pretty much it. Sugar doesn’t care about time.
7. Dried Beans
Why They Don’t Go Bad: Dried beans? Yeah, they’re basically food time capsules. No moisture = no bacteria = they don’t go bad. They might take longer to cook if they’re old, but they’re still totally safe.
Storage Tip: Store ’em in something airtight so bugs don’t move in. Wanna get fancy? Toss in a bay leaf—bugs hate that.
PRO TIP: THE BAKING SODA TRICK
If older beans take longer to cook, add a pinch of baking soda to the water to help soften them faster without affecting taste.
8. Instant Coffee
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Instant coffee lasts forever because it’s freeze-dried—basically all the moisture is sucked out, so there’s nothing in it that can spoil. It’s just shelf-stable caffeine dust.
Storage Tip: Just keep it in a cool, dry place. Once it’s open, seal it up tight unless you enjoy sad, stale coffee.
PRO TIP: ABSORB THE MOISTURE
Keep a small Silica Gel desiccant packet (like the ones found in vitamin bottles) inside the coffee container to absorb any moisture and maintain freshness.
See Also: 24 Often Overlooked Ways to Save Money at the Grocery Store
9. Powdered Milk
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Powdered milk has a low moisture content, especially when stored in oxygen-free packaging.
Storage Tip: Keep it in a sealed container away from heat and light. Rotate stock every few years for best flavor.
PRO TIP: THE OVERNIGHT TRICK
Use powdered milk to make creamy soups or desserts. Mix with cold water and refrigerate overnight for the best taste and texture.
10. Cornstarch
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Cornstarch is purely starch with no oils or proteins to spoil. It can last indefinitely if stored properly.
Storage Tip: Store in a dry, airtight container to prevent clumping from moisture exposure.
PRO TIP: DOUBLE BAG IT
Store cornstarch in a resealable plastic bag before placing it in its container to provide double protection against moisture and clumping.
11. Liquor
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Hard liquors like vodka, whiskey, and rum have high alcohol content, which acts as a preservative. They don’t spoil if unopened.
Storage Tip: Store bottles upright in a cool, dark place to protect the seal and prevent evaporation.
PRO TIP: NOT ALL LIQUOR QUALIFIES
If the alcohol has any cream in it, like Bailey’s Irish Cream, it won’t last forever. Figure 2 years tops if you keep it in the refrigerator.
12. Ghee
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Ghee is basically butter with all the stuff that goes bad taken out—no water, no milk solids. That’s why it doesn’t spoil and can sit on your shelf for ages.
Storage Tip: Just keep it in a sealed jar somewhere cool and dark. Want it to last even longer? Stick it in the fridge.
13. Spices
Why They Don’t Go Bad: Whole spices like cloves, cinnamon sticks, and peppercorns don’t go bad because they’ve got natural oils that help them last. They lose flavor over time, but they don’t spoil.
Storage Tip: Just toss them in an airtight jar and keep them out of the light and heat. Ground spices go bland faster, but they’re still fine to use. Just maybe don’t expect a flavor explosion if they’ve been sitting there for 3 years.
PRO TIP: UNLOCK THE FLAVOR
Toast whole spices in a dry skillet before grinding them to unlock their full aroma and flavor. This is especially useful for older spices.
14. Apple Cider Vinegar
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Like white vinegar, apple cider vinegar has high acidity, preventing microbial growth. The natural “mother” culture adds probiotics, which also help preserve it.
Storage Tip: Keep in a sealed bottle. Cloudiness or sediment is normal and doesn’t indicate spoilage.
15. Baking Soda
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Baking soda doesn’t really expire, it just kinda sits there forever. It might stop working great for baking after a while, but it’s still fine to use.
Storage Tip: Wanna test it? Dump some in vinegar. If it bubbles a lot, cool. If not, whatever—use it to scrub your sink or deodorize your shoes or something.
16. Dry Pasta
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Dry pasta basically lasts forever ’cause it’s just flour and water with barely any moisture. Nothing in it really spoils.
Storage Tip: Just leave it in the box or dump it into something airtight so bugs don’t get in. That’s pretty much it.
17. Maple Syrup
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Pure maple syrup doesn’t go bad because it’s loaded with sugar—bacteria don’t stand a chance.
Storage Tip: If it’s unopened, just stick it in the pantry. Once you open it, toss it in the fridge (or even the freezer if you’re not gonna use it for a while).
It’ll stay good for a long time—just don’t double dip with a pancake-covered spoon.
PRO TIP: DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN FREEZE SYRUP?
To extend the shelf life of opened maple syrup, freeze it in small portions. It won’t freeze solid due to its high sugar content, but it will stay fresh and ready for use. You can even use silicone ice cube trays for easy portioning.
18. Freeze-Dried Foods
Why They Don’t Go Bad: Freeze-dried foods last forever because there’s basically no water left in them. No moisture = no mold = they’re good for decades. Yes, literal decades.
Storage Tip: Just keep ’em in sealed Mylar bags with those little oxygen pack things, and you’re set. They’ll outlive your spice rack and probably your house.
See Also: Ultimate List of All The Store Brands Made By Name Brands
19. Canned Goods
Why They Don’t Go Bad: Canned food lasts forever (almost) because it’s cooked, sealed, and basically locked in a tiny metal time capsule.
As long as the can isn’t dented, rusty, or bloated, it’s probably fine—even years past the date on the label.
Storage Tip: Just don’t store it somewhere gross, like a damp garage or next to your dryer. Rust ruins the magic.
PRO TIP: ROTATE YOUR STOCK
Label your cans with the purchase date using a marker. This helps you keep track of the oldest items, ensuring proper rotation and usage.
20. Bouillon Cubes
Why They Don’t Go Bad: Bouillon cubes don’t go bad because they’re basically salt bombs. The high salt content keeps anything from growing on them. They’ll last for years if you just leave them alone.
Storage Tip: Keep ’em in their foil and toss them in a sealed container so they don’t get funky or lose flavor. That’s it.
PRO TIP: MAKE A POWDER
Crush bouillon cubes into a fine powder to create a quick seasoning for soups, stews, or even as a rub for meats. This also makes it easier to measure small amounts.
21. Tea Leaves
Why They Don’t Go Bad: Dried tea leaves last forever because they’re super low in moisture—nothing gross can grow on them. Black tea especially holds up well over time.
Storage Tip: Just keep it in a sealed container somewhere cool and dry. Light and air are what mess it up, not time.
22. Ramen Noodles
Why They Don’t Go Bad: Instant noodles don’t really go bad, the noodles are super dry so nothing grows on ’em. The flavor packet might get weird over time ’cause of the oil, but the noodles? Still fine.
Storage Tip: If they look dry and don’t smell funky, you’re good. Just ditch the packet if it’s sus and throw some seasoning on yourself.
PRO TIP: TAKE RAMEN TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Transform ramen into a gourmet dish by discarding the flavor packet and using fresh ingredients like vegetables, eggs, or shredded chicken. Enhance the flavor with soy sauce, sesame oil, or chili paste for a healthier and more delicious meal.
23. Pure Vanilla Extract
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Real vanilla extract lasts forever ’cause it’s loaded with alcohol. That stuff keeps it preserved basically for life.
Storage Tip: Just stash it in a cool, dark cabinet and you’re good. Skip the fake vanilla—it doesn’t hold up the same and loses its flavor way faster.
24. Coconut Oil
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Coconut oil doesn’t go bad fast ’cause it’s got a ton of saturated fat that keeps it from going rancid.
Storage Tip: Just toss it in a cool, dark cabinet and forget about it. If it goes solid when it’s cold, that’s normal. Still totally fine to use.
PRO TIP: SUPER VERSATILE STUFF
Use coconut oil for more than just cooking—apply it as a natural moisturizer, hair conditioner, or makeup remover. Store in a cool, dark place to prevent it from turning rancid.
25. Gelatin Powder
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Gelatin is derived from collagen and has no moisture content, making it highly stable.
Storage Tip: Store in a dry, airtight container to prevent clumping.
26. Distilled Water
Why It Doesn’t Go Bad: Distilled water lasts basically forever ’cause it’s purified and has nothing in it that can spoil. As long as it’s in a clean, sealed container, you’re good.
Storage Tip: Use it for stuff like humidifiers, car batteries, or stash it for emergencies. Just keep it somewhere cool and dark so it doesn’t get gross.
Ask the Reader: What items did I miss? Let me know in the comments, thanks.
By Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)