These foods have a long shelf life and are great pantry staples. These foods can be kept in your pantry for many years, or even decades. ).
Do you hate looking in the cupboard to find that your favorite snack has gone bad or that your cake mix is no longer available? Some pantry items don’t last as long as they used to. There are many long-lasting foods that can be used to fill your pantry. These foods are great for daily cooking and also for those times when you can’t leave the house.
Long shelf life food includes the basics, such as rice, grains, and salt. However, some foods can be preserved for longer periods of time by being dried or canned. These techniques can prolong the life of many foods.
1. Bouillon
It lasts for two years
How to store bouillon cubes in a dark pantry
A container of bouillon is a great option if you don’t have the space to store many containers of broth. You can either dissolve the broth starter in water to make your favorite soup, or add it to sauces to enhance its flavor.
2. Canned Fruits, Vegetables, and Beans
They can last up to six years
How to store canned goods
Although canned goods can be kept for a while after expiration, they are best enjoyed before that time. You can still eat or add canned fruit to any can that is six months old.
Don’t eat anything inside a dented or bulging can. Cans in poor condition can be a sign that the contents are not properly preserved. It’s best to avoid them for your safety.
3. Corn Starch
It lasts forever
Corn starch storage: Store corn starch in the original container. Keep it in a dry, dark place, away from moisture. Cornstarch will start to dissolve as soon as it is in contact with water. Cornstarch will dissolve as soon as it comes in contact with water. However, cornstarch can be stored dry for an indefinite amount of time.
4. Dark Chocolate
It lasts for two years
How to store dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is the most durable of all chocolate varieties. You can eat milk chocolate or white chocolate within one year.
5. Dried Beans and Lentils
They last forever!
How to store dried beans
Dry legumes can get even more dry over time. This is why it’s important to cook them after their best-by date. Cooking dried beans in an Instant Pot shouldn’t take too much time.
6. Dried Fruits (Raisins and Dried Cranberries, and More)
They last for a year or longer
Dry fruits can be stored in sealed bags or transferred to sealed containers. The freezer can be used to extend the shelf life of dried fruits by up to six months.
For baking and snacking, dried fruits are great to have on hand. Some of our favourite dried fruit recipes are made from dried cranberries, raisins, and other fruits.
7. Dried Pasta
It can last up to three years
How to store dried pasta
You can store pasta as-is in the pantry if it is purchased in a plastic bag. Pasta in cardboard boxes or pasta you have opened should be placed in a sealed container to ensure it lasts as long possible.
8. Grains
They can last up to eight years
How to store grains
Bulk buying is a good idea for grains such as quinoa, rye and flax. For best results, keep all grains in sealed containers.
9. Instant Coffee
It can last up to 25 years in the refrigerator, and longer in the freezer
Instant coffee storage: Dry instant coffee. You can either store it in the original container, or transfer it into an airtight container.
Instant coffee is great to have around for when you need it. Instant coffee has a long shelf-life, so you can stockpile your favorite brands and enjoy them for years to come.
10. Jams and jelly
They last for two years if they are not opened; six months if they are opened.
Jam and jelly storage: Keep unopened jams and jelly in the pantry. Keep jam and jelly in the refrigerator after you have opened the jar.
Jams and jelly are great for preserving fruit flavors even in the off-season.
