10 Pantry Items That Can Outlast You

[Anna Michele]

Sugar

Regardless of whether your sugar is white, brown or powdered, it will never spoil because it doesn't support bacterial growth. The challenge with sugar is to keep it from hardening into chunks. To keep sugar fresh, store it in an airtight container or seal it in a plastic bag. If your brown sugar is more like a brown rock, you can revive it with just a minute in the microwave on low heat.

Pure vanilla extract

If you have pure vanilla extract in the back of the cupboard, there's no need to throw it out because it lasts forever. It may be more expensive than its imitation counterpart, but its shelf life certainly outweighs the extra cost. Keep that vanilla flavor at its best by sealing the bottle after each use and storing it in a cool, dark place.

Rice

White, wild, jasmine, arborio and basmati rice all keep forever so there's no need to throw them out. Brown rice is the one exception because it has a higher oil content so store it in the refrigerator or freeze it to maximize its shelf life. Once you've opened a bag or box of rice, move it to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag to keep it fresh.

Corn starch

You can thicken gravies and sauces for years with just one box of corn starch because it keeps indefinitely. Store this kitchen staple in a cool, dry area and be sure to reseal it tightly after each use.

Honey

Whether you use it in your tea, on your toast or as an alternative sweetener, that jar of pure honey is good forever. It may get grainy or change color, but it's still safe to eat — and delicious — because its antibiotic properties keep it from spoiling. You can help keep it fresh by storing it in a cool area, and you can improve the quality of crystallized honey by placing the jar in warm water and stirring it until the grainy parts dissolve.

Hard liquor

Mixing drinks at your holiday party? There's no need to replace those decades-old bottles of gin and whisky. Distilled spirits like vodka, rum, whisky, tequila and gin don't ever spoil — even after opening. The taste, color or aroma may fade over time, but it'll hardly be noticeable. Keep the bottles tightly closed and store them in a cool area away from direct heat or sunlight.

Salt

The contents of your salt shaker will never spoil, regardless of whether it's basic table salt or sea salt. Simply store it in a cool, dry place and salt will keep indefinitely.

Corn syrup

If you come across a years-old bottle of corn syrup in your pantry, don't throw it out. This sweetener keeps indefinitely as long as you keep it sealed and store it in a cool, dry area.

Maple syrup

What good are pancakes or waffles without maple syrup? Luckily, this flavorful syrup will never spoil if you refrigerate it or freeze it. For long-term storage, seal it in an airtight plastic container and freeze it.

"The freezer is such a useful tool that can really save you money because there are very few foods that don't freeze well," says Janice Revell of StillTasty.com.

Distilled white vinegar

This wonder product can be used for everything, from making marinades and salad dressings to cleaning house and doing laundry. But the best thing about distilled white vinegar is that it lasts for years. Simply close it tightly after each use and store the bottle in a cool, dark place.

[Anna Michele]

Freeze fresh herbs in olive oil, toss in pan when needed. No need to ever waste fresh herbs again!-

[couponer2]

Wow I came looking for your trade list and instead got educated

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[PurpleBunny89]

I disagree with white rice as in my experience it definitely expires and doesn't cook well nor absorb properly.

[Darth Penguin]

Plus insects get into dry goods like white rice unless they are properly stored....

[kelbert]

I think it really depends how you store your items. Moisture can really affect the item. And even if the sugar lasts it's so difficult to crush the lumps in brown sugar.

[muggos0101]

Fresh is always best!

[SharonMe]

Rice can get weevils. Adding cloves or bayleaves can help.
I'm glad sugar keeps well as we have a lot of bags of them stockpiled.
Nice list. A big part of stockpiling is making sure your stuff stays fresh.

[Insane]

I think it really depends how you store your items. Moisture can really affect the item. And even if the sugar lasts it's so difficult to crush the lumps in brown sugar.

Put a piece of bread in the container with the brown sugar. Presto-it's super soft and just like new the next day. No need to break up clumps.

[PurpleBunny89]

Put a piece of bread in the container with the brown sugar. Presto-it's super soft and just like new the next day. No need to break up clumps.

This or I read somewhere to put saran over the top of container and a slightly damp papertowel then replace lid and in the next day it should be new

[krysta lynne]

i heard throwing an apple slice in helps too. (obviously you cant forget about it)

[nessa23]

cool list. great idea OP

[Anna Michele]

This is such a neat idea! Storing onions for winter, can store for months in pantyhose. Tie a knot between onions and you can then clip the knot as you need an onion.

[Anna Michele]

[Anna Michele]