1. Powdered milk
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Powered milk has a best by date of around 18 months, typically. But in actuality, the USDA says powerded milk is a shelf-stable food that can last indefinitely when stored in a pantry. Many say that non-fat powered milk will sustain a shelf-life of over 25 years!Original content sourced from Femanin.com
2. Salt
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This savory condiment can bring flavor out of virtually any dish! The best part? It will last forever in your cupboard. Be sure to keep it in a cool, dark place. It should also be kept dry and in a place where the temperature is relatively constant. It's an every day staple, so why not buy in bulk!
3. Instant coffee
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This is maybe the most important information. Instant coffee stored in the freezer will basically last forever. If you store it in the pantry, it can last up to 20 years! So either way, you're probably good. Because it's dried and contains no sugar, wheat or fat, it has a very shelf-stable life!
4. Soy sauce
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We already know that salt lasts forever, and soy sauce has a high concentration of it! If you keep it sealed, it will last FOREVER in your pantry. Once you open it, be sure to store it in the fridge. It will last for about two to three years once it's open, which is still a long time!
5. Honey
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Honey is a staple that should be in your pantry! Did you know that it can truly last forever? The package may have an expiration date, but in reality, this just means it's when it will start to crystallize. It does not mean that it's inedible. You can return the crystals to their "normal" state by heating it up. The sugar content in honey makes it extremely hard for any bacteria to form.
6. Champagne
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This is good news for everyone. Champagne will last for a very long time. If you're known for drinking the vintage stuff, then you're in luck. This will keep for 20 years or more! If it's less rarified (sparkling wine), then you should expect a shelf-life closer to 4-5 years.
7. Pure vanilla extract
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You should have tasty foods, even if you're in a literal survival state. So stock up pure vanilla extract. It's said that this item not only lasts forever, it only gets better with age, because it's about 35% alcohol. It could really help flavor up that instant coffee you'll be drinking!
8. Oats
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Oats are a fantastic breakfast food and make you feel full longer. They can be a challenge to store, because of insects, moisture, etc. But if stored properly in an airtight container or in the freezer, they can last over 25 years! This is definitely something you'll want to keep in your pantry for future use!
9. Baking soda
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Did you know that baking soda lasts indefinitely? It should be said that it CAN lose its leavening power over time, but it has a lot of other uses. If you want to test the state of yours, combine a bit of baking soda and a bit of vinegar. As long as it bubbles, you're good to go!
10. Uncooked rice
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Uncooked white rice can last between 25 and 30 years in your pantry if stored properly! You need to keep it in an oxygen-free container, but it will be completely safe to consume up to this amount of time according to the US Food & Drug Administration!
11. Coconut oil
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People swear that coconut oil does pretty much everything! It's a nutritious fat and has a stable shelf-life. If your item has the factory seal in place, it will last forever. And even if it's well past the expiration date, if you're too nervous to consume it, you can always use it for moisturizer or even sunscreen!
12. Dark chocolate
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We have fantastic news! Because dark chocolate is high in cacao and doesn't have any milk, it's great for long-term shelf life. Just be sure it's stored in a cool and dry place. It needs to be in an airtight container as well, but in the right conditions it can last over 20 years!
13. Cornstarch
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Store your cornstarch in its original container. As long as you keep it in a cool, dark place, it will last forever. Cornstarch dissolves when it comes in contact with water, so it's important to keep moister out. It's a natural thickening agent and can come in handy in a pinch!
14. Dehydrated foods
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One of the things that shortens shelf-life is moister. So dehydrated foods have the ability to last long-term. When stored in an airtight container with oxygen absorbers, dehydrated fruits and vegetables can last for up to 25 years! It's pretty affordable and the end product is compact for easy storage.
15. Hard liquor
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Unopened bottles of pure liquor like whiskey, vodka, or rum will never expire as long as you store them correctly, and they're properly sealed! One of the biggest things is to make sure you keep it out of direct heat and sunlight. If it has flavoring or added elements like dairy or cream, this does not apply!
16. Ghee
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Ghee is dehydrated butter, and it can last forever when stored in your pantry in an airtight container. All you have to do is take any butter of your choice and gently cook it until all of the water has evaporated and then store it. It's a long-life food that can make your food extra tasty, especially if there's a food emergency.
17. Maple syrup
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If unopened, maple syrup will last FOREVER. Once you open it, though, it's good for up to a year. Be sure to store unopened bottles in your pantry, but keep the opened bottles in the fridge for longer shelf-life. It's another one of those things you can put in your instant coffee to improve the taste, if that's your vibe!
18. Pasta
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Okay, so pasta will typically last about a year or longer. But if you store it properly, some say you can still consume it for up to 25 years. To make it last that long, you need to remove it from its original packaging and put it in an airtight container. This way it doesn't absorb chemicals (like glue) that might be part of the packaging.
19. Wheat
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Wheat sometimes gets a bad rep, but in reality, it's high in protein, essential minerals, and fiber. It's said that if it's stored well, it can remain good for 30 years! Put it in an airtight container and keep it cool in your pantry. You can use an oxygen absorber packet to keep it even fresher and make sure there's no bugs in it!
20. Peanut butter... kinda?
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Okay, so in ~theory~ peanut butter can be eaten after it's expired. Peanut butter will keep on the shelf for 3-5 years. That being said, after time, oxygen starts to break down the food's flavor and also gives it a weird smell. But eating it after it's expired won't hurt you... it will just taste NOT good. I guess in a zombie apocalypse, it's better than nothing!
21. Vinegar
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Vinegar is another item you shouldn't be afraid to buy in bulk. Keep it in its original airtight container, and it'll last you well over 20 years. Experts say it will actually never expire! Just be sure to keep it away from heat sources and in a dry spot in your pantry!
22. Instant potato flakes
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Okay, it's not quite 20 years, but instant potato flakes can store (unopened) for 15 years. Just throw them in a sealed #10 can and keep them, as always, in a cool, dry place. If they're already opened, the lifespan is much shorter of about 6 to 12 months.
23. Popcorn
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Keep your popcorn kernels in a sealed container and those suckers will last you literally forever! You can buy in bulk for super cheap, and it will NEVER EXPIRE. If you're like me, and occasionally only crave popcorn for dinner, this is fantastic news. Buy a stovetop popper and you're in for a delicious snack!
24. Spices... kinda
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Similar to peanut butter, spices will definitely last a very long time. In fact, spices are safe to eat indefinitely. But, that being said, they WILL lose their aroma and flavor as time goes on. But it won't hurt you to consume them. Maybe placebo effect will kick in, and you'll still taste the flavor!
25. Dried lentils
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Dried lentils can last in your pantry, literally forever, if they're stored properly. It's also said that by-and-large, when it comes to taste for emergency foods stored over a long time, this type of food won out big time! They need to be kept in a cool, dry place. So find a cozy spot in your pantry and stock up!
26. Dried beans
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Similar to lentils, dried beans will last indefinitely. They are one of the cheapest long-term foods available. Try soaking them if you want to cut down on cooking time. They're great for meal-prepping and for keeping on hand in case of an emergency!
27. Powdered jell-o
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Stock your pantry with powered Jell-O for a long-lasting on hand treat. It's said that Jell-O will literally store forever when it's in its dry state, so you can keep the packets and always be prepared to make a fun gelatin recipe. What's your favorite flavor? I'm a watermelon girlie!
28. Corn syrup
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Corn syrup is in the sugar family - a liquid sweetener made from cornstarch. And it is delicious and used in most sugary things we love. It has a lot of uses and is mostly put in candy, frosting, and jam. It is also used in baked goods. It has a long and stable shelf-life, so feel free to stock up!
29. Sugar
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As with many others on this list - keep your white sugar in a dark and dry spot, preferably an airtight container, and it will last forever. Brown sugar will also keep for a long time, but because of the sugar and molasses, it will likely harden after a while. If you need to soften it, you can throw a slice of bread or a marshmallow in the container with it overnight to revive it.
30. Energy bars
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If you want food that will survive virtually anything, then look no further than energy bars. These things basically last forever and are perfect for on-the-go. You know, when you're outrunning an earth-consuming tsunami. So they travel well and the provide great fuel and even protein when you're in a pinch.
31. Foods you can eat past their expiration date: eggs!
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Okay, so we're not talking 20 years after the expiry date, of course, but it's always good to know what you don't have to throw out the second the clock gets to expiration day! You might be surprised how long eggs can actually last after their expiration date: five weeks, in fact, if stored at the correct temperature (40 degrees F) in the fridge! The best way to check is to do the float test - if it sinks in a glass or bowl of water, it's still fresh!
32. Milk
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Milk is one of the most common things to panic about when the expiration date is drawing near, and so much milk can get wasted from people just throwing a gallon away as soon as the date hits. A quick sniff will tell you whether it smells bad or good, but generally, it can last a week after the date as long as it keeps smelling okay!
33. Hard cheeses
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Cheese is such a risky ball game because we all know aged cheese is a thing, and that you can eat cheese with mold on it (stilton) but other times there are certain cheese you shouldn't eat after they expire - it's all confusing! But a good rule of thumb is hard cheeses will last a lot longer than soft because they have less moisture, so just give it a quick once over.
34. Raw meat/poultry
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We know it's surprising that this is even possible based on how important it is to store and cook meat properly, but it's entirely possible to extend the shelf life of your meat as long as you have a freezer! Meat kept in the fridge will need to be eaten by the date, but you can freeze ground meat for a few months, and even a whole frozen chicken/turkey for a year!
35. Yogurt
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Because yogurt is another thing that's dairy-based, it's understandable to worry about leaving it too long before throwing out. But if you haven't yet opened the yogurt, it can last a good few weeks after the date, and that's because the probiotics and lactic acid defend against bacteria growth.
36. Fish
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You can use the same principle with fish as you can with meat, so if you want to store your fish for much longer, just pop it in the freezer! It all depends on what kind of fish it is, but fish already frozen can last up to a year, smoked fish can last a few months, and other fish 6-9 months!
37. Bread
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The best investment you can make if you eat bread and toast a lot is a toaster with a defrost function - because bread can last ages when stored in the freezer instead of out on the side! No more panicking about eating whole loaves in time. Bread can last up to six months when frozen.
38. Fruits and veg
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The best way to extend the shelf life of your fruit and vegetables is again to take advantage of the freezer! We know fresh fruit and veg is the most logical option, but it can go off very quickly when left on the side. You can freeze fruit and veg (or buy frozen fruit and veg) to extend the shelf life for months.
39. Tomato sauce
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Tomatoes themselves are high in acidity, which means it takes longer for them to spoil. The same applies to tomato sauce, like pasta sauce or tomato paste, which is good news for extending the shelf life a little. Unopened ketchup can last up to a year in the pantry, or around six months if opened and kept in the fridge. Other tomato sauces, even after being opened, can last for weeks in the fridge.
40. Canned veg
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The thing about vegetables that come in a can is that they'll already have an amazing shelf life, usually a few years. But, even better, you can make them last even longer! As long as you haven't opened the can, they should last around another two years after the date given.
41. Leafy greens
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The thing about buying fresh leafy greens, as healthy as they might be, is that they very soon start to wilt or go soggy if you don't eat them quickly enough. The key to extending the life of leafy greens is to soak them in ice water to restore them, or you can wash and spin them in a salad spinner before storing in the fridge for a longer shelf life.
42. Root veg
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Root vegetables are always a must for healthy, delicious recipes! But if you're constantly battling with root veg which isn't keeping as long as you'd hope, especially if you buy in bulk, then the key is how you're storing them. You can store veg like potatoes and parsnips in cool, dark places so they can last several weeks.
43. Dry cereal
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Anything that counts as 'dry' is going to have a much longer shelf life than might be advertised, because of the absence of moisture - so dry cereal is a good way to go. Both dry cereal and granola could last for several weeks after the expiry date if they're completely sealed in containers.
44. Nuts
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Nuts are another dry food that can last for a very long time if kept in a sealed container away from moisture. They could even last for months after the given expiry if they're stored properly! But that doesn't mean they're without risk of going off, due to their fat content - so the best way is to smell them to see if they smell 'off'.
45. Dried beans
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They have to give an expiration date on dried beans, but the reality is they can last for so long that we can't even give a timeframe - they keep good indefinitely! You just need to make sure you store them in a cool, dry place (as always) and then beans, legumes and lentils will stay good for a very long time!
46. Dry pasta
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Again, the key is 'dry', so your dried, uncooked pasta is going to last a very long time, too, if it's in an airtight container and stored in a dry place! It's actually so good at being stored this way that it could last up to two years after the expiration date! So don't be throwing out any unused bags of pasta anytime soon.
47. Salt
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If you've bought a huge tub of salt but you only use a pinch or two now and again, you might have been worrying about not using enough of it before the expiry date hits - but don't worry! As long as you keep salt away from moisture and anything else it could absorb - like bad smells - it'll stay good for a long time.
48. Baking ingredients
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Most baking ingredients will be dry ingredients, like bags of flour, baking powder, baking sugar or powdered icing. The good news is, if you changed your mind and you're not going to be uploading your finished cake to Instagram anytime soon, the ingredients will keep - a month or two after the expiry date, in fact.
49. Honey
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Honey is low in moisture and high in acidity, both of which make for the perfect "I'm going to last a pretty long time" tag. It's very good at preventing bacteria growth, so it's very unlikely to spoil, so as long as you keep it in a cool, dry place in a sealed container, it should last for years!
50. Sugar
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Preserving sugar will need a little TLC, but it's do-able. A lot of the time, bags of sugar can be banished to the back of the highest cupboard once you've filled up your canister, and this is where it's at risk of pets or being compromised. So seal your sugar bag up tight and it can last for 2 years (which is when it's recommended to be replaced).