10 Foods That Stay Fresh Indefinitely (or Nearly Forever)

Preparing for an emergency? While canned tuna and dried fruit have a decent shelf life, these exceptional foods are the ultimate champions of longevity, perfect for long-term storage.

1. White Rice

Studies indicate that white (or polished) rice retains its nutrients and taste for up to 30 years when stored in oxygen-free environments at temperatures below 40° F. In contrast, brown rice has a much shorter shelf life (six months) due to the natural oils in its bran layer.

2. Honey 

Honey is often regarded as the only food that never spoils, owing to its unique chemical makeup and the efforts of bees. Flower nectar combines with enzymes inside bees, altering its structure and converting it into simple sugars stored in honeycombs. The flapping of bees’ wings and their stomach enzymes produce a liquid that is highly acidic and low in moisture, creating an environment where bacteria cannot thrive.

The way honey is processed and sealed contributes to its eternal shelf life. Although low in moisture, honey’s sugars are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture from the air. When honey is heated, strained, and properly sealed, it prevents moisture absorption, ensuring it remains unchanged indefinitely. The oldest known jar of honey is estimated to be 5500 years old.

3. Salt

Since sodium chloride is a natural mineral extracted from the earth, its durability is expected. Historically, it has been used to preserve food (and even bodies) by extracting moisture. However, the salt in your pantry might not last indefinitely. Morton Salt notes that iodized table salt has a shorter shelf life, typically around 5 years, due to the added iodine.

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4. Soy Sauce

The shelf life of soy sauce varies depending on its type and the additives used by the brand. When unopened, it can last indefinitely. Even after opening, this salty condiment remains fresh for several years if stored in the refrigerator.

5. Sugar

Similar to other items here, how you store your sugar determines its longevity. Powdered and granulated sugar should be kept in airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption. While retailers must label bags with dates, manufacturers confirm that even hardened brown sugar remains edible once softened.

6. Dried Beans

In line with rice research, Brigham Young University scientists discovered that after 30 years, pinto beans' quality declined slightly, but “80 percent of consumer panelists deemed them acceptable for emergencies. Additionally, protein digestibility remained consistent over time.”

7. Pure Maple Syrup

A Guide to Food Storage for Emergencies by Utah State University [PDF] includes pure maple syrup alongside other sugars (like honey and granular sugars) as having an indefinite shelf life “because they resist microbial growth, including molds.” The Massachusetts Maple Producers Association confirms that unopened maple syrup lasts indefinitely but advises consumers on handling mold: “If harmless mold forms on the surface, simply boil the syrup, skim the mold, pour it into a clean container, and refrigerate.”

8. Powdered Milk

While the flavor may not match fresh milk, powdered milk is designed for longevity. It’s also more convenient to transport and store compared to its liquid counterpart.

9. Hard Liquor

Discard cream liqueurs, but hard liquor can be stored indefinitely. Although oxidation may alter the flavor and evaporation might reduce the volume in an opened bottle, the spirits remain safe to consume as long as someone is around to enjoy them.

10. Pemmican

Created by Native American tribes, pemmican remains a go-to for survivalists seeking a durable, portable protein source. Traditional recipes used dried meat from large game such as elk or buffalo, ground into powder and combined with berries and rendered fat. The resulting pemmican could be consumed raw, stewed, or fried. Modern versions may adapt the recipe for safety and dietary needs, but many still praise its enduring nutritional value.