If we have learned anything over the last two years, it’s the importance of keeping our shelves stocked. Whether it’s disruptions in the supply chain, winter storms or limited access to grocery stores, circumstances can change with little warning.
As such, consumers today are more likely to plan ahead, and many of them are looking for foods with a long shelf life. What they might not realize is that long-lasting food doesn’t have to be boring astronaut fare. Here are some of the longest shelf-stable foods that are both convenient and appetizing.
Fruits, Veggies and Tubers
Not all organics will wither in a vegetable drawer if left uneaten. Potatoes, onions and squash can stay fresh for weeks if properly stored in a cool, dark place. Even apples can hold their own for a time if they’re properly kept cool and humid.
Nuts
Cooked peanuts, walnuts and almonds don’t have to be gobbled up within days of purchase. If kept in their shells, they can be saved for at least a month or two.
Jerky
It didn’t take humans very long to figure out that properly cured meat could sustain travelers on long ventures. By its nature, beef jerky is perfectly suited for a long shelf life and is a tasty option to have handy in an emergency.
Canned Foods
The old grocery store standby is canned goods. If well-packaged and kept out of extreme elements, canned foods — including fruits, vegetables, meats and even certain dairy — can last for years on the shelf.
Powdered Foods
Powdered foods and ingredients are excellent shelf staples because they are far less prone to natural degradation if kept free from moisture. Powdered milk, for example, can outlast liquid milk by years.
Dried Pasta
Note the “dried” qualifier. While fresh pasta contains eggs and is more perishable, dried pasta is primarily made from flour and water and maintains a very low moisture content, inhibiting the growth of microbials. It’s a trusted standby in pantries and grocery stores because it stays good for years.
Oils
Oils are not quite as hardy as dried pasta. However, products such as coconut oil and olive oil are usable for years after purchase if stored properly to prevent oxidation.
Baking Ingredients
A lot of the food items listed above would fall into this category. Baking ingredients such as cornmeal and flour can last for years. Ultimately, what food has the longest shelf life? Ingredients such as sugar, honey and vinegar. They’ll essentially last as long as you keep them properly stored.
Why PacMoore Is Your Best Option for Long-lasting Food Products
A lot of the food products in this list are only as good as their preparation and storage. Fortunately, PacMoore does it all and we do it well. From producing food products and ingredients all the way to quality packaging and shipping, we ensure that your non-perishable food products stay that way. Whether your goal is to distribute the longest-lasting food or products that will fly off the shelves, our team makes the perfect partner.
Contact us today to learn more about our range of food manufacturing services and to see why so many food production companies and distributors trust us for their business needs.