---
title: "17 Pantry Foods That Never Expire"
description: "Does sugar go bad? What about salt? Learn which pantry staples are nonperishable foods, and which you should eat sooner rather than later."
date: "2023-04-20"
modified: "2024-03-01"
authors:
  - name: "Ayn Monique Klahre"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/ayn-monique-klahre/"
  - name: "Margaret Foley"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer & Editor"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/margaret-foley/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/foods-that-never-expire/"
categories:
  - "Interior"
---

# 17 Pantry Foods That Never Expire

![foods that never expire - hands holding jar of dried food](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-1202758916-foods-that-never-expire-hands-holding-jar-of-dried-food.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

Pantries date back to medieval times, and in those days were rooms that only stored bread. In most of today's homes, these spaces are dedicated to housing a wider variety of foods, sometimes as much of it as we can cram onto its shelves. Under the right conditions, some pantry staples can last for years and still be safe to eat, which is great to know if you’re stocking up for emergencies. While you should always use your best judgment before eating the contents of a container that’s been sitting on a shelf for years, you can find some peace of mind knowing that these foods never expire, if they’re kept in cool, dry conditions.

## 1. Canned Food

![foods that never expire - collection of canned food in wooden cabinet](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-1328563317-foods-that-never-expire-collection-of-canned-food-in-wooden-cabinet.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

Because the canning process locks out oxygen, most canned food will stay fresh long past the expiration date printed on the can. Remember, though, that eating improperly stored canned goods can cause botulism, so if your cans [look rusted](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-rust/>) or have deep dents or bulges, don’t eat what’s inside.

**RELATED: [How to Open a Can Without a Can Opener: 3 Tried-and-True Methods](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-open-a-can-without-a-can-opener/>)**

## 2. Salt

![foods that never expire - salt shaker next to loose salt on wooden table](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-827818618-foods-that-never-expire-salt-shaker-next-to-loose-salt-on-wooden-table.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

If you're trying to build up your stores of nonperishable food, feel comfortable stocking up on salt. When stored in an airtight container, this natural preservative will last forever. So, go ahead—shake that salt shaker.

**RELATED: [Why You Should Sprinkle Salt Onto Your Cutting Board—and Into Your Coffee](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/uses-for-salt/>)**

## 3. Honey

![foods that never expire - honey stirrer lifted from honey jar](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-183354852-foods-that-never-expire-honey-stirrer-lifted-from-honey-jar.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

It may be a liquid, but this viscous sweetener has a very low water content, which helps it last for years. Even when honey changes color or crystallizes, it's still good—as long as the container is sealed.

## 4. Sugar

![foods that never expire - sugar in measuring spoons](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-456074779-foods-that-never-expire-sugar-in-measuring-spoons.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

Does sugar go bad? Nope! All kinds of sugar, including brown, powdered, and white sugar, will last indefinitely. Sugar can harden over time, but it's still safe to eat if you don't mind the texture. If the lumps really bother you, try softening the sugar by putting it in a plastic bag along with a damp paper towel and microwaving it for 15 seconds.

**RELATED: [How to Get Rid of Sugar Ants: 5 Steps to Banish These Sugar-Loving Pests From Your Home](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-sugar-ants/>)**

## 5. Maple Syrup

![foods that never expire - spoon lifted from cup of maple syrup](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-538184814-foods-that-never-expire-spoon-lifted-from-cup-of-maple-syrup.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

Like honey, pure [maple syrup](<https://www.amazon.com/Butternut-Mountain-Farm-Vermont-Natural/dp/B00248E7ZK/?tag=bovi01-20>) has low water content and can last for ages which, given how much it costs, is good news for everyone.

**RELATED: [The 27 Most Useful Gadgets for the Home](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/useful-gadgets-for-the-home/>)**

## 6. Alcohol

![foods that never expire - multiple clear shot glasses with different alcohols](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-859879212-foods-that-never-expire-multiple-clear-shot-glasses-with-different-alcohols.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

Distilled liquors like tequila, vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum last indefinitely, even after they've been opened. While it’s still technically drinkable, an open bottle of spirits does slowly lose its flavor over time, and may not have the appeal it did when it was “fresh.”

## 7. Vanilla Extract

![foods that never expire - dark liquid pouring into measuring spoon](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-914801648-foods-that-never-expire-dark-liquid-pouring-into-measuring-spoon.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

[Pure vanilla extract](<https://www.amazon.com/Nielsen-Massey-Pure-Vanilla-Extract-ounces/dp/B077MT496B/?tag=bovi01-20>) (not the imitation kind) is mostly alcohol, so a bottle of the stuff will stay fresh for years as long as it's been properly sealed after use.

**RELATED: [7 Storage Bins That Won’t Crack or Warp Under Pressure](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-storage-bins/>)**

## 8. White Vinegar

![foods that never expire - white vinegar bottle next to cleaning supplies](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/amazon-foods-that-never-expire-white-vinegar-bottle-next-to-cleaning-supplies.jpg>)
*Photo: amazon.com*

This high-acidity liquid is a preservative for a reason: Distilled white [vinegar](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-vinegar-for-cleaning/>) will last forever in a cool, dark place. Given that it can be used for cooking, cleaning, and even gardening, it’s worth stocking up on by the gallon!

**RELATED: [29 Handy Household Uses for Vinegar](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/29-handy-household-uses-for-vinegar-46029/>)**

## 9. White Rice

![foods that never expire - raw white rice grains spilled on table](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-155156716-foods-that-never-expire-raw-white-rice-grains-spilled-on-table.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

Inside an airtight [food storage container](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/refrigerator-organization/>), all varieties of uncooked [white rice](<https://www.amazon.com/Mahatma-Extra-Long-Grain-Enriched/dp/B00MMTQAF6/?tag=bv-ss-foods-that-never-expire-20>) will last forever—just keep it safe from pantry pests. Alas, brown rice is not on the list of foods that don't expire—the oils in brown rice will cause it to go rancid in less than a year.

**RELATED: [17 Things You Can Do with Rice Other Than Eating It](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/uses-for-rice/>)**

## 10. Oats

![foods that never expire - oat grains in clear bowl](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-185007888-foods-that-never-expire-oat-grains-in-clear-bowl.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

Another dried grain with a long shelf life, oats will last for years when stored in an airtight container (adding an oxygen absorber to the container will help keep the oats fresh even longer).

**RELATED: [How to Get Rid of Weevils in Your Pantry](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-weevils/>)**

## 11. Dried Pasta

![foods that never expire - multiple open jars with various pasta types](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-1160659113-foods-that-never-expire-multiple-open-jars-with-various-pasta-types.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

Although pasta manufacturers stamp an expiration date on the package, the truth is, an unopened package of dried pasta can last for years beyond that date. To ensure lasting freshness, keep pasta in a cool, dark place, in an airtight container.

**RELATED: [The 27 Most Useful Gadgets for the Home](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/useful-gadgets-for-the-home/>)**

## 12. Dried Beans

![foods that never expire - different types of dried beans in clear jars](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-640104604-foods-that-never-expire-different-types-of-dried-beans-in-clear-jars.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

Though they may take longer to cook than usual, many varieties of dried beans remain edible basically forever. Given their longevity, there's good reason to grow (and then dry) beans in your garden—in a [three sisters garden](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/three-sisters-garden/>), perhaps?

## 13. Cornstarch

![foods that never expire - spoon next to bowl with cornstarch](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-1066358590-foods-that-never-expire-spoon-next-to-bowl-with-cornstarch.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

Cornstarch’s enemies are bugs and moisture. As long as you keep it dry and well sealed after you’ve opened it, this low-moisture thickener should last for years.

**RELATED: [25 Things to Get Rid of Before 2025](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/new-year-decluttering/>)**

## 14. Powdered Milk

![foods that never expire - spoon with powdered milk laying on bowl of powdered milk](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-1064895022-foods-that-never-expire-spoon-with-powdered-milk-laying-on-bowl-of-powdered-milk.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

As long as it’s sealed, an unopened package of [powdered milk](<https://www.amazon.com/Hoosier-Hill-American-Powder-tested/dp/B08769TPSY/?tag=bovi01-20>) can last indefinitely. Adding an [oxygen absorber](<https://www.amazon.com/O2frepak-100-Pack-Absorbers-Indicator-Absorption/dp/B07GV8C6RJ/?tag=bv-ss-foods-that-never-expire-20&th=1>) to the storage container will keep it fresher longer.

## 15. Corn Syrup

![foods that never expire - corn syrup in shallow clear glass with corn kernels around](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-514988916-foods-that-never-expire-corn-syrup-in-shallow-clear-glass-with-corn-kernels-around.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

An unopened bottle of [corn syrup](<https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Barrel-Corn-Syrup-fl/dp/B01C8XCMAM/?tag=bovi01-20>) can last basically forever. It may lose some sweetness over time (and light corn syrup may turn yellow), but it will still be safe to eat.

**RELATED: [30 Things in Your House That Are Attracting Bugs and Rodents](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/30-things-in-your-house-that-are-attracting-bugs-and-rodents-256845/>)**

## 16. Instant Coffee

![foods that never expire - spoonful of instant coffee](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-94165413-foods-that-never-expire-spoonful-of-instant-coffee.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

If kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot, [instant coffee](<https://www.amazon.com/Mount-Hagen-Organic-Freeze-Instant/dp/B000VK7UZW/?tag=bovi01-20>) can last for 20 years—which is an excellent argument for keeping a jar on hand for your next coffee emergency.

**RELATED: [20 Uses for Coffee Filters You Have to See to Believe](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/uses-for-coffee-filters/>)**

## 17. Tea

![foods that never expire - loose tea in small bowl](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/iStock-1304877546-foods-that-never-expire-loose-tea-in-small-bowl.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

Whether loose or in [tea bags](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/surprising-household-item-uses-2023/>), tea never spoils. It does lose flavor over time and may become less enjoyable to drink, but when stored properly and kept dry, it will never be unsafe to drink. In general, loose tea retains its flavor longer than bagged tea, and darker teas stay fresh longer than lighter ones.

Looking for ways to make your pantry stash last longer? Consider investing in:

- **[Airtight pantry containers](<https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grips-10-Piece-Container/dp/B07TBBL1C2/?tag=bovi01-20>)**
- **A [vacuum sealer](<https://www.amazon.com/FoodSaver-VS0160-PowerVac-Compact-Vertical/dp/B08BDHZ1PV/?tag=bovi01-20>)**
- **[Mylar food storage bags](<https://www.amazon.com/Sealable-Stand-Up-Pouches-Resealable-Storage/dp/B0989NVPPK/?tag=bovi01-20>)**
- **[Oxygen absorbers](<https://www.amazon.com/Wallaby-400cc-Oxygen-Absorbers-Dehydrated/dp/B08Y6BGTZ5/?tag=bovi01-20>)**
- **[Food-grade, 5-gallon buckets](<https://www.amazon.com/Gallon-White-Bucket-Lid-Contains/dp/B01BLKPDHM/?tag=bovi01-20>)**

## Author
Ayn-Monique Klahre is a writer, editor, and content director. She spent 12 years as a magazine editor at titles including [Woman's Day](<https://www.womansday.com/>), [FamilyFun](<https://www.parents.com/familyfun-magazine/>), and [Good Housekeeping](<https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/>) working on stories about all things home, DIY, and lifestyle—from decorating and entertaining to home improvement and organization. In 2017, Ayn-Monique said goodbye to NYC and moved with her husband and two daughters to North Carolina. Now based in Raleigh, she advises brands and businesses on creative strategy and corporate content. She also continues to create editorial, e-commerce, and branded content for media outlets, such as [Real Simple](<https://www.realsimple.com/>), [Business Insider](<https://www.businessinsider.com/>), [The Kitchn](<https://www.thekitchn.com/>), and [The New York Times](<https://www.nytimes.com/>).

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/aynmonique/>)