Foods that never (or almost never) expire - When stocking up on groceries, whether it’s for an emergency stash or merely because they’re on sale, it’s important to note what ingredients are going to give more bang for their buck. While fresh foods have a shelf life of mere days, there are others that can stick around for years—or will never expire at all!

The foods and drinks in this gallery are sure to be around when you need them. Save yourself some money and click through to find out the foods that will last the longest!

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White rice -

While brown rice can only last around six months due to its oils, white rice can be kept indefinitely. As long as it is well-sealed and kept away from moisture, it’s definitely a food staple.

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Honey -

One of the only foods that actually lasts forever—and it’s natural! The way it is made by bees makes it difficult for bacteria to grow, and the way it is processed and sealed only adds to its unending shelf life. The oldest honey ever found was 5500 years old.

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Mustard -

Never fear, this condiment is in the clear! Mustard can stick around two to three years after its best-by date, if it’s unopened. Depending on the brand, it will stay good after opening for more than a year, as long as it’s refrigerated.

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Maple syrup -

While fake maple syrup does have a shelf life, the real stuff does not. As long as it remains unopened, you can keep this around forever.

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Canned coconut milk -

If powdered milk isn’t your thing, try canned coconut milk. Cook it into your food or use it for your baking needs. It will last for more than a year.

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Soy sauce -

Due to its fermentation and high sodium content, unopened soy sauce will never expire. If you’ve already opened the bottle though, don’t worry—it will still be good in your refrigerator for more than a year.

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Red wine -

Not all wine is created equal. While commercial wines may last from one to three years, fine wine will stick around for decades. As a note though, the wine must be unopened. That just means you can stock up though.

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Dried beans -

While they may not be the tastiest things after an extended period, beans are still good to eat 30 years later, according to studies. They’re still one of the better options for an emergency food stash.

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Olives -

Good for anything from appetizers to martinis, unopened jars of olives have a shelf life of up to three years.

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Pemmican -

While you may not have heard of pemmican, it’s an impressive superfood that's unlikely to spoil. Made up of dried meat, dried berries, and tallow, it was historically made by Native Americans to endure in a time before fridges. There are reports that it can last up to 50 years.

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Salt -

This is probably a good thing, as it’s unlikely you know how long it's been since you last filled your salt shaker. Not only can salt help preserve your food for longer, as long as it doesn’t get wet, it will never spoil.

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Hard liquor -

One might consider hard liquor immortal—but only if it’s unopened and cool. If stored properly though, your hard liquor can last as long as you need it to, until the moment is right. And although it won’t last indefinitely, even opened bottles will last a good long while.

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Popcorn -

While popped popcorn may go bad and stale after a while, popcorn kernels will remain ready to go for several years.

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Sugar -

Stored in an airtight container (as long as you keep water and bugs out) you can sweeten your food for as long as you like. Be warned, however, that the texture may change.

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Marinara sauce -

There’s a reason that spaghetti is a go-to staple when you have no more groceries in the house. A jar of marinara sauce is good for a year past the best-by date if unopened.

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Spam -

One of the least shocking entries on this list, spam is made to last. However, it may surprise you that it may not last forever. Typically it’s recommended to consume it within two to five years of its best-by date.

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Meat jerky -

Similar to pemmican, meat jerky was made to last. An unopened pack will last you for a year or two (if you manage to restrain yourself for that long).

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Dried fruit -

The cooler you keep your dried fruit, the longer it lasts. While it's recommended to eat them within six months if they’re stored in the pantry, that can extend to two years in the fridge, and indefinitely if kept in the freezer.

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Canned tuna -

Similar to spam, canned tuna has a rather long shelf life. It also lasts around two to five years past its best-by date, making it a particularly good “stocking up” purchase.

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Vinegar -

The acidic components of vinegar make it self-preserving, so its shelf life has been categorized by the Vinegar Institute as “almost indefinite.” Some types may change colors, but the taste remains unaffected.

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Vanilla extract -

This delicious baking staple has just enough alcohol in it to keep the bacteria away, ensuring an almost indefinite shelf life. Just make sure it’s the real stuff though, as imitation vanilla won’t stay good nearly as long.

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Powdered milk -

While this may not be your first option, powdered milk does last significantly longer than fresh. It’s safe to eat (as long as it’s unopened) for two to 10 years. You can stretch that even longer if you keep it in the freezer.

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Canned tomatoes -

Much like marinara sauce, canned tomatoes are also a good investment. They can last you up to two years.

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Canola oil -

You likely have had canola oil sitting around the house for who knows how long. Luckily for you, it can last for months in the pantry, and almost indefinitely in the fridge.

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Instant coffee -

Not anyone's first choice, but it will do in a pinch. Keep instant coffee in a cool, dry place for your emergency caffeine needs. Properly stored, it will keep for years.

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Bouillon cubes -

Though you have to be particularly careful to store this food properly, bouillon cubes have a high sodium content, helping them to stick around forever for all your soup and sauce needs.

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Protein powder -

If you’re one of those that only dabbles in protein powder every now and again, your stash may sit in your pantry for weeks. Lucky for you, it has been estimated that whey protein can last up to 18 months.

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Cornstarch -

A key ingredient to numerous recipes, cornstarch kept in a cool, dry place can be used forever. It’s a good investment for all of your thickening needs.

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Coconut oil -

In addition to numerous other uses, coconut oil is also one of the better cooking oils, as it has an infinite shelf life. You have to make sure that you’re buying the virgin version, however, as it won’t last as long after the refining process.

See also: 30 unexpected ways to use coconut oil.

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