16 Foods That Last 25 Years or More

Although most people can’t think of a situation where storing food for 25 years might come in handy, it will.

However, not all food items can last that long, so you need to know the 16  foods that can last 25 years.

Long-term food storage is very important to prepare for situations where disasters make it impossible to easily access food items again.

These disasters can mess up supply chain systems, and no one will know how long it will last.

If you are ever among the millions of people affected by natural disasters or man-made disasters like war, your stored food is likely to be very helpful.

Even if it never crossed your mind before, the recent COVID-19 pandemic is sure to be a wake-up call.

However, for any food to last 25 years, they need to be preserved in the proper conditions with low light. This article will discuss the 16 foods that last 25 years and the best ways to preserve them.

Can Food Last 25 Years?

Yes. There are a number of food items that can last for 25. However, apart from the characteristics properties of the food items, you will also need to store the food in the proper conditions with low light if you want them to last that long.

16 Foods That Last 25 Years

Although the chemical properties of a food item can help it last for a few years, it would not last for up to 25 years without the proper storage technique and conditions.

But with proper storage techniques and conditions, they can last from 20 to 30 years.

Here are 16  foods that can last 25 years if preserved in the proper conditions:

Honey

Honey is one of the most sustainable and delicious foods out there. In particular, honey is well known in the pharmaceutical world as being able to aid the treatment of some conditions. 

It has been proven by the Robert Mondavi Institute at the University of California to be highly resistant to microorganisms and bacteria.

This means that bacteria and other microorganisms cannot decompose as honey create a hostile environment.

However, it is vulnerable to chemical and physical decomposition that can cause it to lose its taste, color and scent or even crystallize.

So, Honey should be stored in a cleaned jar and tightened with a lid. Then, place them in a cool and dry area.

In case of crystallization, You can put the container in warm water and wait for the crystals to melt to regain natural taste, aroma, and color honey.

Maple Syrup

 Like honey, maple syrup is also one food that can be stored forever.

Because it is a natural source of sugar, just like honey, it also has high resistance to bacteria and other microorganisms that might cause decomposition.

If you want your maple syrup to last forever, you have to make sure that it is stored in a container in a dry and cool condition. And similar to honey, too, it might crystallize after a few years.

The crystals can easily be melted to return the maple syrup to its amazing state by placing the container in warm water until it melts. 

Also read: 3 Easy Steps To Make Maple syrup (Plus Other Syrup)

Hard Liquor And Alcohol

Most of us have probably heard the famous quote, “Age like fine wine“. This quote was based on the fact that alcohol does not just last forever; it gets better with age.

However, to preserve alcohol, you have to keep it sealed or in a closed container.

Liquors like Whiskey, Rum and Vodka have been known to keep their amazing taste forever as long as they are kept unopened in a cool, dry and possibly dark condition.

Ensure that they are kept away from direct sunlight, heat, or any form favoring that might taint their taste.

However, you should note that beer is not capable of lasting forever. Although some top-notch beers can last for a decade, they will not retain their taste.

Also, alcohols with any form or diary, cream or any other perishable ingredient will likely not survive either.

White Vinegar

White Vinegar is a solution obtained by fermenting grain alcohol. It can be used as a food ingredient, for agriculture and cleaning.

It often contains about 7% acetic acid and 93% water, but the ones used for cleaning and agriculture can contain up to 20% acetic acid.

Due to the fact that it is produced by fermentation, just like liquor and wine, it is capable of lasting forever if properly stored.

All you need to do is keep it in a cool, dry condition with no smoke of any kind that might taint it.

Apart from being a food item, it can also be used as a food preservative in agriculture, a disinfectant and a cleaning product.

Also read: 7 Easy Steps On How To Make Vinegar From Wine Or Fruit

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract contains about 35% alcohol which means it can last for a long time too or even get better with time.

All you need to do is seal it and store it in a cool, dry place with no direct heat or sunlight.

However, it should be noted that this is only true for pure vanilla extract and not artificial vanilla.

The imitation vanilla is known to last for only about two years. So you should consider going for the pure vanilla extract if you want to store it.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a favorite for a lot of people, so it’s good to know it has a very long shelf-life as well. The sauce contains a high concentration of sodium (salt), so it can last up to 25 years if properly preserved.

It needs to be stored in a sealed container kept in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and fumes that might contaminate its taste. However, it will only last about two years if it is left unsealed.

Dried Beans And Lentils

Although Lentils and Beans might not be most people’s favorite food, it is still an excellent way to add carbohydrates and fiber to your diet. So it’s good news that you can keep them for a long time.

In order to make dried beans and lentils last as long as 25 years, they need to be properly preserved in a can. Keep them in a cool and dry place for maximum shelf life. 

Dehydrated Rice

Rice is hailed as one of the most popular food in the world, and it is also highly favored by a lot of people.

So you will be happy to know that there is a way to make sure your rice lasts for over two decades.

The best way to preserve rice is by dehydrating it, keeping it sealed and stored in an airtight container. Ensure you do not store them in a hot and humid place as that would damage them quickly. 

However, it should be noted that this is only true for white, wild, basmati and jasmine rice, as brown rice might not last up to a year in storage.

Instant Coffee

Instant coffee can last practically forever as long it contains no dairy products and is properly preserved.

The best way to preserve it would be to seal it, freeze-dry it. Ensure they are kept in a moisture free condition to ensure maximum shelf life. 

Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee

Dried Salt

Salt plays a vital role in the human diet, and insufficient salt can cause health issues like fatigue, coordination loss, and drowsiness. This is why it is important to keep them available all the time.

Salt can pretty much last forever if it is properly preserved. This is mostly because of its high sodium concentration.

The main threat to the condition of the salt is moisture which is why it needs to be preserved in a waterproof container away from any moisture or hot temperature.  

Salt itself has been used as a food preservative for thousands of years due to its moisture absorbing and bacteria repelling capabilities. So you can also use salt to preserve perishable food like meat.

Dried Sugar

If properly preserved, sugar can last for decades. However, the biggest issue with preserving sugar is keeping it from humid areas due to its water absorption abilities which can cause it to solidify and attract pests.

The best way to preserve sugar is by preserving it in a sealed airtight container away from direct sunlight and any form of wet condition.

Hardtack

Popularly referred to as the “bread that lasts forever,” Hardtack has been a military staple food for thousands of years. While it is not considered delicious, it is quite easy to make and can last for decades.

The best way to store them would be to keep them in a condition that will ensure they are always dry.

Corn Starch

Corn starch is often made from dried corn; hence it is one of the cheapest and most easily accessible food items.

This means you can buy it in bulk, but you have to find a way to preserve it properly so it will last a long time.

The best way to preserve the corn starch is by keeping it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place with no direct sunlight.

Clabber Girl Corn Starch, 6.5 Ounce

Popcorn

Popcorn is a very delicious snack, and it is also one of the food that can last 25 years if preserved properly. It provides a good source of fiber for your diet.

The best way to preserve it is to freeze-dry its kernels and keep them in a constant low temp region with no exposure to liquid.

Corn Syrup

If you intend to keep your corn syrup for decades, you must know that not all corn syrups are capable of that. If you want corn syrup that can last long, you have to find the pure version.

The best way to preserve corn syrup is to keep it in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air and store in low humidity region with no access to sunlight. 

Powdered Jell-O

Powdered jello is one of the most popular desserts out there. It is a type of gelatin desserts, pudding and no-bake cream pies and it comes in many flavors. 

Your powdered Jell-O will also last forever as long as it is kept in an airtight container to prevent moisture and keep it in at room temp where it will not be damp. 

Tips To Store Food

Yes, all the food mentioned above can last 25, but only if it is properly preserved. There are two factors to consider: Temperature requirements and Methods of preservation.

For the general temperature requirements for preserving food items, the best temperature would be between 5°C to 10° C.

The best methods of preservation include Drying, Fermentation, freezing, canning and the use of food preservatives.

Also read: How Did They Store Food Before Refrigeration? – 13 Best Methods To Store Food Before Refrigeration

Some Thoughts

There are many foods that you would not expect to last more than 25 years, but by properly storing them, you may extend their shelf life even more.

Moisture, air, and temperature fluctuations are the most significant threats to any food’s shelf life. 

The best thing to do is to start a food pantry and make sure that there is no mold on the walls and that the temperature is reasonably consistent throughout the year before buying any food.

Also read: 32 Important Foods With Long Shelf Life For Your Pantry (or Off-Grid Living)