Local News/Entertainment

6 Foods That Never (Or Almost Never) Expire

Aileen N
By Aileen N 4 min read
Imagine being able to stock up on foods that will last you years, even decades, without ever going bad. Not only does this prepare you for emergencies, but it also gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a long-lasting food supply. These foods are the unsung heroes of your pantry, offering both practicality and versatility!
When you think of food storage, you might picture cans of soup, bags of rice, or jars of spices, but did you know there are certain foods that can outlive your most optimistic expectations? The ancient grains and naturally preserved proteins, here are six foods that practically never go bad when stored correctly.

Salt

Close-up image of rock salt crystals inside an open glass jar, showcasing texture and clarity.
Image Credit: Castorly Stock via Pexels
Salt is more than just a seasoning—it’s a natural preservative that can last indefinitely. Pure salt, when kept in a dry, cool place and sealed in an airtight container, essentially never expires. While salt may lose some of its quality over time, especially in iodized varieties, it remains safe to consume.
It’s remarkable that some ancient salt deposits have been discovered and are still good after thousands of years! So next time you open an old salt container, don’t panic—your salt is likely just as good as it ever was.

Rolled Oats

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If you’re looking for a food that’s both nutritious and nearly eternal, rolled oats should be at the top of your list. When stored in airtight containers in cool, dry environments, they can last for up to 30 years!
Their fiber-rich content provides a healthy way to start your day, and their ability to remain fresh for decades makes them a perfect pantry staple.  Even if you’re not prepping for the apocalypse, oats are an excellent backup breakfast that will be there whenever you need them.</