Foods That Last Forever

[Stephen]

Updated: 7th Mar 2023

This list could help you plan for long term food storage.

This is a living data. Do come back to check if there is an update to the list.
Information here is for reference. Do your own research.

Feel free to provide feedback and contribute to this list.

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Beans, Dried - indefinitely (resealed in a food-grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum-sealed in a food grade bag)

Corn Starch, Argo - 24 months (indefinitely resealed in a food-grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum-sealed in a food grade bag)

Corn Syrup - Like honey and corn starch, corn syrup will also last indefinitely as long as it’s sealed.

Grain, Corn, Whole, Dried - 2-5 years (indefinitely resealed in a food-grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum-sealed in a food grade bag)

Cracker, Sailor Boy Pilot Bread (A modern version of hardtack) - Stored in a cool, dry place.

Grain, Lentils - 24 months (indefinitely resealed in a food-grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum-sealed in a food grade bag)

Grain, Oats - 2-5 years (indefinitely resealed in a food-grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum-sealed in a food grade bag)

Grain, White Rice - 24-48 months (indefinitely resealed in a food-grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum-sealed in a food grade bag)

Grain, Wheat, Whole (a hard grain) - 10-12 years+ (at room temperature sealed without oxygen - possibly indefinitely)

Hard Liquor - Unopened bottles like vodka, whiskey, and rum. Keep in a cool dark place, away from direct heat or sunlight.

Hardtack - These rock-hard crackers were a major food for soldiers during the war. It will never go bad because they’re basically moisture-free. (indefinitely sealed in a food-grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum-sealed in a food grade bag)
Check it out at Hardtack Recipe

Honey - indefinitely (in an airtight container at room temperature) (Watch out for additives in the honey. It is possible to buy honey with water and sugar added. This honey generally doesn't crystallize like pure 100% honey does when stored for a long time. If there are additives, there is no saying how long it will last.) If your honey does crystallize, just place the open jar in warm water and stir until the crystals dissolve.

Maple Syrup - As long as you keep it sealed, maple syrup will never go bad.

Meat, Pemmican - Nutritionally food invented by the Native American tribes It’s a protein you can store a lifetime if properly prepared.

Meat, Spam, Canned - indefinitely (in original container)

Pasta - 24 months (indefinitely resealed in a food-grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum-sealed in a food grade bag)

Powdered Milk, Nonfat - 18 months. Original package and unopened powdered milk that kept in a cool, dry place will last indefinitely.

Salt - 24 months (indefinitely resealed in a food-grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum-sealed in a food grade bag)

Shortening, Crisco - indefinitely (in original container)

Spices - 24 months (indefinitely resealed in a food-grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum-sealed in a food grade bag)

Sugar - 24 months (indefinitely resealed in a food-grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum-sealed in a food grade bag)

Sugar, Granulated – 24-48 months (indefinitely resealed in a food-grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum-sealed in a food grade bag)

Vegetables, Peas, dry - 12-24 months (indefinitely resealed in a food-grade container w/oxygen absorber or vacuum-sealed in a food grade bag)

Vegetables, Potatoes, Instant, Idahoan (in a can) - indefinitely (in original container)

Vinegar, White - The high acidity acts as a natural preservative that thwarts germ growth, so it can also last indefinitely.

Whisky - Whisky stored properly in a cool, dry place with a consistent temperature of around 15-20°C (59-68°F), away from sunlight and with a good quality cork or cap, can last for a very long time, possibly even indefinitely.