33 Foods That Last A Long Time Without Refrigeration
Did you know there are some organic, cheap foods that last a long time? Some people try to store cans and some types of frozen foods to use when needed. But these foods have a specific shelf life that spoils after their expiration, so it is necessary to store other types of foods that last a long time, in anticipation of emergency conditions with which it is difficult to reach the stores to buy food.
In some cases, such as wars and natural disasters, many find themselves unable to purchase the basic foods that keep them alive. So here are the most important foods that should be available at home in moments of emergency.
In the following article, you will know some foods that can be kept for many years without spoiling, but with conditions.
33 best foods that last a long time without refrigeration
There are many foods that are not suitable for eating after the passage of days of their purchase, and in contrast, there are some foods that can remain for thousands of years without being damaged, if they are stored in the correct methods.
We know the most important of these foods and their instructions for storing them to ensure that they are preserved as long as possible.
1. Honey
Honey is one of the best foods that last a long time without refrigeration. Because of the low water content in honey, and the high level of sugar in it, it remains for thousands of years fit for use, because this property prevents the growth of bacteria inside it.
We remember in 2015 when scientists found honey samples that were not rotten in Egypt, and whose existence dates back 3,000 years.
The only change that may affect honey is that it can become more coherent over time, and this can be overcome by heating it up a little
2. White Rice- foods that last a long time without refrigeration
Researchers have found that white rice can remain usable for 30 years if it is stored in bags or containers free of oxygen and at temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius, while brown rice does not last for more than 6 months.
It’s hard to find a more varied food than rice: you can eat it alone, with vegetables or beans, in soups, with meat, in sushi, and more. You can even use it to help keep your electronics from water damage. Additionally, rice is very cheap and often comes in large quantities.
3. Soy sauce
The period during which the soy sauce can remain before it is damaged varies depending on the brand, and in all cases, the soy sauce lasts for a very long time if the packaging has not been opened, and even after opening it can continue for years in the refrigerator.
4. Sugar
Like other items on this list, sugar can last for a long time if it is stored inside airtight containers away from moisture.
5. Dried beans
It is one of the best long-lasting foods. As with rice, researchers at the University of Birmingham have found that dried beans can still be usable after 30 years if stored in the correct manner.
6. Pure maple syrup
Thanks to its ability to resist the growth of germs, pure maple syrup has the ability to stay for a long time without being damaged, and researchers say that this drink can remain forever like honey if it is stored properly.
7. Long-life survival foods- milk powder
Although the taste of powdered milk is less good than fresh milk, it is characterized by its ability to remain undamaged for long periods and is easy to transport and store at home. You can easily consider it as an item in your long-life survival foods list.
8. Distilled white vinegar
Distilled white vinegar is used to add a distinct flavor to the salad, and at the same time it can be used to sterilize wounds, etc., and white vinegar is characterized by its ability to stay for many years without being damaged.
10. Cornstarch
Corn starch is also one of the foods that can maintain its quality for a long period of time as long as it is stored well and away from moisture and heat.
11. Salt
Salt has been used for centuries as a preservative for many types of foods because it removes moisture from foods and prevents rotting, and although adding iodine reduces the shelf life of the salt, it can remain undamaged for up to 5 years.
12. Peanut Butter
With the lack of moisture inside and many oils, peanut butter can withstand time for three to five years. “The high volume of fat and vitamin E found in abundance in peanut butter prevent oxidation and extend its shelf life for a long time,” says Richard Volks, chief scientist at the Food Research Institute.
You can keep dried legumes for long years. When they are dried, the percentage of sugars increases and the amount of water decreases, so the bacteria do not grow and do not spoil.
To ensure that dried legumes are preserved for long periods, they must be placed in a dry place without any moisture, as well as in airtight containers so that air does not leak into them.
14. Raw chocolates- foods that last a long time
It is meant by black chocolate to which milk was not added. Adding milk contributes to speeding up its spoilage process. It is worth noting that this chocolate can last for more than two years if used in a dry place.
15. Some candies hold up to a year
The American National Association of Confectioners claims that most sweets can last up to a year. Hard candy, black chocolate, jelly candies, and caramel bottles hold up for a year, while chewing gum, milk chocolate, and white chocolate last for no more than six to nine months. So add this to your long life survival foods list.
“There is a difference between edible sweets and delicious sweets,” says Fadi Armoni, professor of nutrition science at Kansas State University, meaning that their taste will decrease over time but will still be consumable though
16. The dried meat also lasts for a full year
Dried meat is a popular topic among those struggling to survive, and it is without a doubt a guaranteed way to get protein when your resources are scarce.
Dried steaks of salt and hot pepper prepared at home last for up to two months, according to the US Department of Agriculture, and by using a dryer instead of the oven, and tightly closing it inside a vacuum bottle, freezing the meat may increase its shelf life for a longer period.
17. Soup cubes may last longer than they expire
These flavored and dried cubes, especially if they are vegetarian, can withstand more than a year after they expire, and as long as moisture creeps into them, they may become unappetizing over time, but they will not cause any harm with that.
18. Tinned fruits, vegetables, soups, and canned meats may last from 1 to 5 years:
Usually with a validity period of several years; Tinned food can stand up to longer in time when properly stored. Everything from canned pineapple chips to canned meat will stay fresh for a significant amount of time.
According to the US Department of Agriculture: “Canned foods with high acid levels (tomatoes and fruits for example) maintain their quality from 12 to 18 months.
But canned foods with low acid levels (such as vegetables and meat) maintain their quality for a period of 2 to 5 Years”. Because of the corrosion and rust factor, canned foods cannot be stored forever
19. Instant coffee is a way to supply caffeine for a long period of time
The instant coffee packages that are stored in the refrigerator last for almost eternity, while the instant coffee packages that are stored in the pantry last between two to 20 years, because this product does not contain any sugar, fat, or moisture in it of any kind.
20. Harsh biscuits last longer
The flour does not last for only one year, but by mixing flour, salt, and water, we can prepare tough biscuits that may last for a few years, which is the type of biscuit that gained great popularity during the American Civil War, as it was provided to soldiers within their food rations.
21. Pure vanilla extract lasts forever
In order to make some of your foods tastier, you need to store some of the pure vanilla extract, which lasts forever and the quality and flavor of it get better over time because it is made up of 35 percent of alcohol.
22. Pasta and noodles
You can store dry noodles in a dry, cool cabinet for 8 months without spoiling. Look for pasta items made with whole wheat or vegetables to get the highest nutritional content. So Pasta and noodles are some of the best foods that last a long time.
23. Nuts are one of the foods that last a long time
Nuts in the shell last much longer than shelled nuts, which makes them a great choice for long-term storage.
In most cases, buying nuts in the shell extends their shelf life.
For example, almonds in the shell can be kept for up to six months when stored at 68°C (20°C), while shelled almonds only last for four months when stored at the same temperature (14).
Purchase nuts such as almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and walnuts in the shell and break them with a nutcracker as needed.
24. Dried fruits (raisins, dried cranberries, and more)
This is one of the foods that last a long time for a year or more.
Keep them in their closed packages or transfer them to an airtight container. You can extend its shelf life by six months by placing it in the freezer
Dried fruits are always good to keep on hand for snacks and baking. Dried cranberries, apricots, and more are the base of some of our favorite foods
25. legumes
It lasts up to eight years. To store the cereal keep it in a closed container in the pantry
For grains like quinoa, barley, rye, flax, millet, and grits, buying in bulk is a worthwhile investment. You can keep all of these grains stored in airtight containers for the best results.
26. Molasses are one of the foods that last a long time
It lasts up to 10 years if unopened and up to five years when opened.
You can keep molasses in storage with the rest of your baking tools. Make sure the cap is tight.
27. Oats
Oats can be stored for up to two years. If you plan to keep the oats for a long time (more than a year), you will need to transfer them from their carton to an airtight container.
28. Oils
Oils are one of the best foods that last a long time. It lasts up to two years. To store cooking oils keep them in the pantry out of direct sunlight and heat.
If many cooking oils are left unopened, they can be kept in storage for a few years.
Canola oil, olive oil, peanut oil, and vegetable oil will keep well when stored in a dark place. Once these oils are opened, be sure to use them within a few months.
If you prefer cooking oil in spray form, you have two years to use it.
29. Survival food- popcorn
Popcorn can be stored for several years. You can add this to the list of best foods that last a long time.
To store popcorn kernels keep them in a closed container in the cupboard
You can buy popcorn in bulk safely without fear of expiration date
30. Whole spices and herbs
You can store them for up to four years if you dry them in the sun completely.
Store spices in airtight jars in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Dried spices do not have an indefinite shelf life, but they can last a long time.
Dried herbs can be preserved for up to three years. Taking ancient herbs and spices will not make you sick or harm you, but they do start to lose their effectiveness over time, so use them in the suggested time frame for the best results.
31. Tea
Tea is one of the best foods that last for a long time. It can last for up to two years. To store tea keep it in an airtight container
Tea bags and light tea can withstand a long stay in stock. Keep it in a closed container for the best results.
32. Long-lasting food-Yeast
Nutritional yeast contains a powerful dose of nutrients and is especially popular with those who follow plant-based diets.
Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of vitamin B12, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, magnesium, zinc, and protein (1).
Nutritional yeast can be purchased in bulk and at lower prices than small containers and has a shelf life of up to two years.
33. Protein powders are one of the foods that last for a long time
High-quality protein powders can be expensive.
However, most companies offer larger containers of different protein powders at cheaper rates.
Since most people who use protein powder do so on a regular basis, buying bulk for less is a smart way to save money.
Some of the most popular protein powders, including whey and pea protein, usually expire about 8-18 months after purchase (2).
Survival foods that last a long time- The final thought
Many healthy foods can be purchased in bulk at discount prices.
Dried beans, oats, frozen poultry, peanut butter, and frozen fruits and vegetables are some examples of nutrients that have a long shelf life.
These foods can be stored in the pantry, freezer, or refrigerator for several months, which is why buying them in bulk is a smart choice.
However, you should avoid buying perishable products like fresh produce and eggs to reduce food waste and avoid consuming spoiled foods.
Stock up on nutritious, non-perishable bulk items to make sure you always have ingredients available to make healthy, delicious meals and snacks.
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