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What Foods Don’t Expire?

"Most foods have a shelf life, but there are some things you never need to worry about going bad if stored properly."

9 August, 2024

Expiration dates are something we always consider when purchasing food and drinks because even when stored properly, their quality and characteristics change over time, except for a few types of foods that don’t have expiration dates.

Which foods don’t have expiration dates?

Some foods are capable of long-term preservation and won’t spoil over time if stored correctly.

Honey

Honey has long been considered one of the foods without an expiration date. Many studies have shown that honey found in ancient Egyptian tombs remained almost intact after thousands of years. The secret lies in honey’s natural properties, especially its low pH and high sugar content. These factors create an environment that is unfavorable for the growth of bacteria and mold, thus preserving honey from spoilage.

Honey can remain intact after thousands of years of preservation (Photo: Sedgemoorhoney)

To properly store honey, make sure to tightly seal the container and keep it in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight or high temperatures, as this may affect the natural flavor and color of the honey.

Salt

Salt is not only an important seasoning in cuisine but also the most effective natural preservative. Thanks to its strong hygroscopic properties, salt inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold, helping to preserve food for an extended period. This is why salt has been used to preserve meat, fish, and other foods since ancient times.

When storing salt, the most important thing is to keep it dry. You can use containers with tight-fitting lids and store them in a well-ventilated area, avoiding moisture. If the salt forms lumps due to moisture absorption, simply dry it out or use small grains of rice to absorb the excess moisture in the salt container.

Sugar

Similar to salt, sugar will not have an expiration date if stored properly. As it contains very little water, the environment inside the sugar is not conducive to the growth of bacteria and mold, meaning that sugar can retain its original flavor and quality for a long time without spoiling.

For effective sugar storage, it is recommended to store it in airtight containers and place it in a cool, dry area. Do not refrigerate sugar, and avoid exposing it to moisture to prevent lumping, which can make it difficult to use.

Salt and sugar are types of foods without expiration dates if stored properly (Photo: Chicagovitality)

Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural preservative with a high acid content, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and mold. Therefore, it is one of the foods without an expiration date. Common types of vinegar such as apple cider, rice, and white vinegar are not only used in cooking but also have various applications like cleaning and food preservation.

To properly store vinegar, keep it in tightly sealed bottles or jars, and place them in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight, as high temperatures can alter the flavor of the vinegar.

Hard Liquor

Hard liquors such as vodka, whisky, and rum have a high alcohol content, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. This makes hard liquor capable of long-term preservation without spoilage. With alcohol content above 40%, these liquors can be safely stored for many years.

To store hard liquor, keep the bottles in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. The caps should be tightly sealed to prevent alcohol evaporation, ensuring the liquor remains in its best condition.

Foods with Very Long Shelf Lives When Stored Properly

White rice, when stored correctly, can be kept for many years without spoilage. Its low moisture content and natural characteristics are primarily responsible for its long shelf life.

To preserve rice, consider using airtight containers or nylon bags, and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing rice to direct sunlight or high humidity, as this may cause mold or insect infestation. Additionally, you can add lemongrass, dried chili, or garlic to the rice container to repel insects and termites.

Dried beans can also last a very long time.

Dried beans also have a long shelf life due to their low water content, making it difficult for bacteria and mold to grow. You can store dried beans for several years if stored correctly. The optimal method is to place them in cloth bags, nylon bags, or airtight containers and keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing beans in humid places, as this can cause them to spoil quickly.

According to VTC News

Frequently asked questions

While most foods have a finite shelf life, there are some items that can last indefinitely if stored properly. These include honey, white rice, pure maple syrup, hard liquor, vinegar, salt and sugar.

The science behind the longevity of these foods varies. For example, honey has a low moisture content and a high acid content, which creates an environment inhospitable to bacteria. Similarly, the processing and refining of white rice removes the elements that would otherwise spoil, leaving it with an indefinite shelf life.

Proper storage is key to ensuring the longevity of these foods. Honey should be stored in an airtight container, away from moisture and heat. White rice should be kept in a cool, dry place in a sealed container. Pure maple syrup can be stored in its original container, in a cool, dark place. Hard liquor, vinegar, salt and sugar should all be stored in airtight containers, away from direct sunlight.

While the list provided contains foods that are commonly accepted to have an indefinite shelf life when stored properly, there are other foods that come close but may eventually degrade over time. For example, peanut butter, powdered milk, dried beans and certain cheeses can last for many years but may eventually lose their optimal flavor or texture.