Posted by Econo Pak

What are the foods with the longest shelf life?

Understanding food shelf life is paramount to ensuring consumer safety, minimizing waste, and maximizing profitability.

Here are 7 foods with long shelf lives.

Canned produce

The magic of canning allows foods like vegetables, fruits, and even meats to be preserved for durations ranging from 1 to 5 years, sometimes even longer if stored under optimal conditions.

Grains & legumes

Staples such as rice, quinoa, beans, and lentils, when stored in a cool, dry environment, can boast shelf lives that span several years.

Honey

This sweet nectar, thanks to its natural composition, can remain consumable indefinitely when stored in a sealed container.

Sugar & salt

Due to their inherent properties that deter bacterial growth, both sugar and salt can be stored for extended periods without spoilage.

Distilled spirits

Liquors like gin, whiskey, and tequila, when unopened, can last indefinitely, courtesy of their high alcohol content.

Dehydrated milk

In contrast to fresh milk, its powdered version can have a shelf life ranging from 2 to 10 years if kept in airtight containers.

Dried spices

While they might lose some of their aroma over time, dried spices and herbs can be stored for 1 to 3 years without losing their culinary value.

Packaging plays a key role in preserving shelf life.

For foods with long shelf lives, the packaging plays a pivotal role. Contract food packaging companies leverage cutting-edge packaging technologies to enhance the longevity of food products.

Here are a few ways packaging helps preserve shelf life:

Vacuum sealing: Extracting air from the package minimizes the presence of aerobic bacteria, thus prolonging the food’s shelf life.
Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP): MAP slows down food degradation by replacing the package’s internal air with a tailored gas mixture.
Aseptic techniques: Sterilizing both the food and its packaging separately before sealing ensures the contents remain uncontaminated.
Smart packaging: Modern packaging can do more than just contain. It can absorb excess moisture, regulate oxidation, and even provide freshness indicators.

Let's start scaling

Econo-Pak has over 40 years of experience in the contract food packaging space, specializing in dry food products such as puff snacks, gummies, and powders.

If you are a small business looking to grow, or you’re part of a Fortune 500 company looking to bring a brand to new markets, we can help. Request a quote today if you are interested in getting a fixed price for your food packaging project.

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