The Longest-lasting Food Items Aren't All Dry Goods

Stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container, white rice can last up to 30 years. It has one of the longest shelf lives of any staple grain and is resistant to spoilage when kept free of moisture.

Unlike brown rice, which contains oils that can go rancid, white rice is ideal for long-term storage and shows up in many emergency food kits.

Dried foods like black beans, lentils, and chickpeas are great for their long shelf life and nutritional value. Properly stored in vacuum-sealed or mylar bags, dried legumes can last 10 years or more.

They're also free from artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup, making them a natural, high-protein choice for shelf stable meals.

From canned tuna and canned beans to canned soups and vegetables, most canned goods have a shelf life of two to five years. Low acid foods like canned meat or sweet potatoes tend to last longer than high-acid foods like tomato sauce or tomato paste.

Canned foods are easy to store, available in most grocery stores, and require no refrigeration, making them ideal for natural disaster prep or long-term pantry planning.

Honey has an almost indefinite shelf life thanks to its low moisture content and natural antimicrobial properties. Archaeologists have found edible honey in ancient Egyptian tombs.

Stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place, honey resists microbial growth and remains safe to eat for years, even after it crystallizes.

Powdered milk and powdered eggs offer the nutrition of their fresh counterparts without the short shelf life. Kept in airtight containers and stored in a cool, dark place, both can last five to 10 years or more.

These items are often found in emergency foods and are valuable when fresh milk or eggs aren’t available.

Dried pasta is a staple in most grocery stores and pantries. It can last up to 10 years when stored in a sealed container away from moisture.

Though it contains minimal ingredients, pasta is versatile, calorie-dense, and shelf stable, making it a staple in emergency preparedness kits.

Baking soda and powdered sugar have exceptionally long shelf lives when stored properly, but baking powder loses its potency after about one to two years, and even vacuum-sealed granola bars generally remain fresh for under a year.

Baking soda, in particular, can last indefinitely and still retain its medicinal properties and deodorizing power.

Keeping these items properly stored helps ensure your baking skills remain intact during extended periods without access to fresh groceries.

Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content and without milk additives can last up to five years or longer when stored in a cool, dark place. It also contains antioxidants, making it a slightly healthier treat in your long-term food storage.

Look for varieties without high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners for the best shelf life and flavor.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.