10 foods that don't have an expiration date

Eating expired foods can be risky, but there are some foods you never have to worry about because they are safe even years later.

We have compiled a list of 10 foods that can be stored for years.

10 PHOTOS

1. Fig.

The best storage temperature for rice is 4.5°C or lower. It is best to store rice in plastic food containers or glass jars. Rice can be stored for up to 30 years under these conditions without losing its flavor or nutritional value, one study shows. It is also worth mentioning that 2 types of rice were used in the study - parboiled and polished.

2. Powdered milk.

Powdered milk that is produced in accordance with all relevant standards can be stored for a long time without losing its nutritional value, as long as it is stored in an airtight container.

3. Soy sauce.

Soy sauce can be stored safely for at least 3 years even if the bottle has been opened. The shelf life of soy sauce in an airtight container can be much longer, but this depends on conditions such as how it is processed, its quality, and storage temperature.

For example, high-quality soy sauce can only be produced by natural fermentation, a process that typically takes a few months to two years. Only this soy sauce can be stored for more than three years. This is why you should beware of certain brands that add chemicals to speed up the fermentation process.

4. Maple syrup.

An unopened bottle of maple syrup can last a very long time. And even after opening it, you can use it for several years if you store it in the refrigerator.

5. Dried beans.

Researchers at Brigham Young University found that dry beans changed appearance after 30 years, but all specimens remained acceptable for emergency use. They concluded that dry beans, as well as other beans, can be stored for at least 30 years.

6. Salt.

Salt is a mineral, not a product, so it cannot be spoiled. Of course, the mineral can quickly absorb water, turning into one huge rock over time. But in the end, the salt is always the same salt.

However, remember that iodized salt only lasts about a year. During this period of time, the iodine usually evaporates and the salt loses its useful quality, although you can still use it as regular table salt.

7. Strong alcoholic drinks.

Alcoholic beverages such as vodka, whiskey, rum, and cognac do not have an expiration date, but it is important to store them in a cool, dark place in properly sealed bottles.

8. Vinegar.

White vinegar is another product without an expiration date, but you still need to store it properly. If you want to keep vinegar for a long time, the best way to store it is in its original airtight container in a cool, dark place away from heat sources.

9. Sugar.

Like salt, sugar lasts indefinitely, especially if you store it in an airtight container. But even if sugar absorbs water from the air and turns into a hard stone, it does not lose its quality.

By the way, powdered sugar and brown sugar can also be stored in the same way as regular sugar.

10. Honey.

Honey is a truly unique food that can last forever due to its chemical composition, which makes it extremely unfavorable for bacterial growth. What's more, if you buy sealed jars of honey, you can be absolutely sure that it will not spoil, as it will not come into contact with air and water.

During the excavation of one of the Egyptian pyramids, archaeologists discovered several furs with honey. The average age of finding was about 2000-3000 years. It was still fine and edible honey - archaeologists even tasted it. A few years later, 5,500-year-old honey was found in Georgia.