22 Foods That Last Forever!
There are many foods that, if stored properly, will last forever, or at least longer than you will. The following list of 22 foods are the most popular we have found and we believe at least a few of these should be in your emergency food storage.
1. Honey
Pure honey is delicious and over time may change color or even crystallize, however, do not throw it out. Even after many years in storage, and virtually no matter what it looks like, it is still good.
To keep: Store in a cool, dry area and keep the lid on tight. Should it crystallize, simply reconstitute with warm water and stir the honey until the crystals dissolve.
2. Salt
No matter what type of salt you have it will last forever and will never go stale.
To keep: Store in a cool, dry area.
3. Pure Vanilla Extract
Pure vanilla extract will cost more than the more popular fake version, but the advantage here is that it will last forever and you will never waste any.
To keep: Store in a cool, dark environment and keep the lid tightly closed.
4. Maple Syrup
Make certain you have 100% pure maple syrup if you want it to last. Like honey, some syrup may crystallize over time, but it will save forever and the flavor will remain intact.
To keep: Refrigerate after opening but for long-term storage, you can freeze it as long as it is in an airtight container.
5. Corn Syrup
Corn syrup comes in several varieties and all will virtually last forever.
To keep: Store in a cool, dry place with lid on tight.
6. Cornstarch
Perfect for making sauces thicker and making pudding stiffer, cornstarch will last a lifetime.
To keep: Store in a cool, dry area. You may need to repackage bagged cornstarch into a longer-lasting container.
7. Distilled White Vinegar
Vinegar is great for so many things: marinades, sauces, dressings, and so much more. White distilled vinegar will remain unchanged for many years.
To keep: Store in a cool, dry area and keep a lid on tight.
8. Alcohol and hard liquor
All distilled spirits like vodka, rum, gin, whiskey, tequila, and others will never spoil, even after opening repeatedly.
To keep: Store in a cool, dark area away from any heat source or direct sunlight. Keep the bottle closed when not in use.
9. Sugar
Sugar comes in many varieties and whether you have white, brown, or powdered, all will last simply because sugar will not support bacterial growth.
To keep: Place in an airtight container or heavy-duty plastic bag. Store in a cool, dry area.
10. Rice
White, arborio, wild, basmati, and jasmine rice will all last forever if kept dry and free from contaminants.
To keep: store in a cool, dry area. Once opened, place the rice in a heavy-duty resealable freezer bag and store in the freezer.
11. Powdered Milk
Just add water and you have milk. Powdered milk should be in every emergency food kit.
To keep: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry area.
12. Ramen Noodles
A favorite among college students is also a perfect emergency food in that can last for decades.
To keep: Store in a cool, dry area. Most types are individually packaged so check on the condition of the package as sometimes they are not airtight.
13. Canned goods
Most can goods are ideal as they can last for over 30 years! Once opened, however, you will need to use right away as you can not save them any longer than normal leftover foods.
To keep: Nearly all can goods should be stored in a cool, dry area.
14. Peanut Butter
Get the kind of peanut butter that does not have to be refrigerated. These can last over a year in normal room temperatures.
To keep: Store in cool, dry area for best results.
15. Soy Sauce
Unopened soy sauce can last for many years.
To keep: Store in a cool, dry area.
16. Dried Beans
Virtually all dried beans can be stored indefinitely when stored properly. In a study at B.Y.U., 80% of a study panel concluded that beans that were stored for 30 years were acceptable. The beans were stored in #10 cans with all air removed.
To keep: Store in airtight containers in a cool, dark area.
17. Wheat
A staple of most diets, wheat can be stored for an extended period of time and perhaps decades if done properly.
To keep: Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry area.
18. Baking Soda
Baking soda is an important ingredient in many recipes and storing it is key in having it last.
To keep: Baking soda, when left sealed, will last indefinitely. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry area.
19. Bouillon
Beef, Chicken and various other flavor bouillon can be stored for years.
To keep: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry area.
20. Non-Carbonated Soda
Many drinks like sport drinks, juices, vitamin water, and bottled water will last for years if stored properly. You will notice a loss of flavor over time but the liquid will still be safe to drink if you follow the following storage advice.
To keep: Store all liquids in a cool, dry area away from sunlight or any heat source.
21. Instant coffee, Tea, and Cocoa
Storing these favorites will definitely keep up the morale in a survival situation. Instant coffee that is vacuum freeze-dried will last forever if kept in a dry airtight container. As for all three, they must be kept away from any moisture.
To keep: For instant coffee, store in an airtight container. For teas and cocoas, you will want to add desiccant packets and/or oxygen absorbing packets and vacuum seal in a new package.
22. Dried Corn
Corn has a plethora of uses and is a staple of many diets. Drying fresh corn is actually very easy and you can store it like you would beans.
To keep: Store in an airtight container and keep in a cool, dry area.
This is by no means a complete list. We would love to hear what items you’ve found that keep well for years. Leave your recommendations in the comments below.
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