How long does food really stay good? Hours, days, months in the freezer—or even years when packed in airtight barrels? When it comes to survival, some foods are designed to stand the test of time, lasting not just weeks but decades if stored properly. From ancient staples like honey and salt to modern freeze-dried meals, these foods can provide vital sustenance long after fresh supplies have spoiled. Onmanorama here lists out some of the longest preservable foods. Now you know what you need to grab first in the event of a zombie apocalypse.
1. Honey
Shelf life: Indefinite
Honey is naturally anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and has a low moisture content, which makes it resistant to spoilage. Archaeologists have found 3,000-year-old honey in Egyptian tombs that was still edible.
2. White rice
Shelf life: 30+ years (if stored properly)
When stored in oxygen-free containers and kept in a cool, dry place, white rice can last for decades. Brown rice, however, has a much shorter Shelf life due to its higher oil content.
3. Salt
Shelf life: Indefinite
Pure salt doesn't spoil, as it doesn't contain moisture and microbes cannot grow in it. Salt is also useful for food preservation.
4. Sugar
Shelf life: Indefinite
Like salt, sugar has low moisture content, preventing the growth of bacteria. It needs to be stored in airtight containers to keep it from hardening.
5. Dried beans
Shelf life: 30+ years
Dried beans, if stored in cool, dry, and oxygen-free conditions, can last for decades. They may lose some flavour and require longer cooking times over time, but they remain edible.
6. Powdered milk
Shelf life: 20+ years
When stored in an oxygen-free environment and kept cool, powdered milk can last for decades. It's a good source of dairy in long-term storage situations.
7. Freeze-dried foods
Shelf life: 25-30+ years
Freeze-dried meals and ingredients (fruits, vegetables, meats) can last for decades because freeze-drying removes almost all moisture, which is the main cause of spoilage.
8. Dried pasta
Shelf life: 25+ years
Dried pasta, when stored in a dry, airtight container, can last for decades. Its low moisture content prevents spoilage.
9. Canned foods
Shelf life: 10-30 years (depending on the type of food);
Canned goods can last for decades if stored properly. Acidic foods (like tomatoes) have a shorter Shelf life, while non-acidic foods (like beans or meats) can last much longer.
10. Whole wheat grains
Shelf life: 30+ years
Whole wheat grains, when stored in airtight containers with oxygen absorbers, can last for decades. Grinding them into flour shortens their lifespan, so it's best to store them whole.
11. Soy sauce
Shelf life: Indefinite (unopened)
The high salt content in soy sauce prevents microbial growth, allowing it to last indefinitely if unopened and stored properly.
12. Vinegar
Shelf life: Indefinite
Vinegar is acidic, making it naturally resistant to bacteria and spoilage. It can be used for food preservation and flavouring.
13. Ramen noodles
Shelf life: 10–30 years (depending on packaging)
These noodles are low in moisture and can last for a very long time if stored in a cool, dry place.
14. Alcoholic beverages (e.g., Whiskey, Vodka)
Shelf life: Indefinite
Distilled spirits like whiskey, vodka, and rum do not spoil because of their high alcohol content. They may change flavour over time, but they remain safe to consume.
15. Ghee
Shelf life: 10+ years (unopened)
Ghee has a much longer Shelf life than regular butter because the milk solids are removed during the clarifying process, reducing the chance of spoilage.
