Colorful display of bulk spices and dried herbs in market bins, labeled sections with vibrant textures and natural ingredients

14 Long-Lasting Foods to Buy Now Before They Get Expensive

June 24, 2025397Views

Minutes Read

# 14 Long-Lasting Foods to Buy Now Before They Get Expensive

With the ever-increasing food prices, stocking up on long-lasting foods can be a smart and cost-effective strategy. Not only will you have a ready supply of essentials, but you can save money by buying them before prices go up. Here are 14 foods that have a long shelf life and are worth buying in bulk right now.

1. Rice

White rice grains in a woven basket with a wooden spoon scooping some — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Rice is a staple food in many cultures around the world for a good reason. It’s versatile, filling, and most importantly, it has a long shelf life. When stored properly in a cool, dry place, white, wild, arborio, jasmine and basmati rice can last up to 4-5 years. For brown rice, due to its higher oil content, it can last about 6-8 months. It’s a smart idea to buy rice in bulk and store it in airtight containers to keep it fresh.

2. Pasta

Brown ceramic bowl filled with spiral pasta and melted cheese, likely mac and cheese or a similar dish. The bowl sits on what appears to be a wooden surface. The image has a blue border — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Similar to rice, pasta is another filling food that can be stored for a long time. Dried pasta can last up to two years in its original packaging, and even longer when stored in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed. There are countless pasta recipes to choose from, making it a versatile addition to your pantry.

3. Beans

Wooden bowl filled with dry pinto beans, speckled brown pattern, beans scattered on cloth background — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Beans, whether canned or dried, are a great source of protein and can last for years on your shelf. Canned beans are ready to eat and can last up to five years unopened. Dried beans can last almost indefinitely if stored in a cool, dry place, but they do take longer to cook. Beans are a hearty addition to any meal and can be used in a variety of dishes.

4. Canned Fruits and Vegetables

Preserving vegetables in jars in the kitchen. Selective focus. Food. — Image credit: Tatevosian Yana / Shutterstock.

Canned fruits and vegetables are a fantastic way to maintain a balanced diet when fresh produce is not available. They can last several years in the pantry and can be incorporated into numerous meals. And remember, they are already cooked, so they can be eaten straight from the can in an emergency.

5. Honey

Golden honey dripping from a spoon into a white bowl, honey jar in the background, sweet natural syrup, food photography, healthy ingredient, kitchen setting — Image Credit: Pixabay /Pexels.

Honey is known for its nearly infinite shelf life. Archaeologists have even found pots of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs that are still edible. It’s a great sweetener for tea, baked goods, and a multitude of other recipes. Moreover, it’s also known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Sugar

White sugar cubes on a rustic wooden surface, wooden spoon holding a sugar cube, scattered granulated sugar, sweetener concept, traditional sweetening method — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

While we should limit our sugar intake, it’s still a useful pantry staple. Sugar can last indefinitely, and it’s used in a variety of recipes from baking to preserving. Just make sure to store it in a cool and dry environment to prevent it from hardening.

7. Salt

Wooden spoon filled with white granulated salt, placed on white surface, scattered salt grains around — Image credit: Tara Winstead / Pexels.

Salt is another pantry staple that lasts indefinitely. Aside from its culinary uses, salt can also be used for preserving foods, and it’s essential for our bodies to function properly.

8. Vinegar

Bottles of Vinegar used for cleaning, getting ready to clean, spring cleaning — Image Credit: New Africa/Shutterstock.

Vinegar is a great product to have on hand for cooking, cleaning, and even preserving other foods. It can last indefinitely in your pantry, and it’s available in various types, each providing a unique flavor to dishes.

9. Cornstarch

Glass jar tipped over with white flour spilling onto a wooden surface, metal clasp and lid open, fine powder scattered, baking ingredient in a kitchen setting — Image Credit: Karolina Grabowska/Pexels.

Cornstarch is a versatile product that is used as a thickening agent in various recipes. It can last indefinitely if kept in a cool, dry place. Plus, it’s also useful for cleaning and deodorizing.

10. Powdered Milk

Powdered milk in a glass bowl with a wooden spoon and a glass of reconstituted milk — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Powdered milk can last up to 18 months and even longer when stored properly. It’s a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. You can use it for baking, in coffee or simply drink it mixed with water.

11. Instant Coffee

Ceramic cup of coffee on a matching saucer, metal spoon resting on the saucer, cozy blanket in the background, warm and inviting atmosphere — Image Credit: Creation Hill/Pexels.

If you are a coffee lover, instant coffee is a great long-lasting item to store. It can last up to 20 years unopened, and about two years after opening. It’s also a quick and easy way to enjoy a cup of joe in the morning.

12. Baking Soda

boxes of Arm & Hammer pure baking soda, bright yellow packaging, 100+ uses label, stacked on store shelf — Image Credit:The Toidi/Shutterstock.

Baking soda is not just for baking. It’s also useful for cleaning, deodorizing, and even for heartburn relief. It can last indefinitely when stored in a cool, dry place.

13. Canned Meats

Two vintage canned meat tins with colorful illustrations, the left labeled "Astrocolora Cinnamon" with a floral and character design, the right labeled "Rindfleisch Frühstücksfleisch" featuring a boy and bear cartoon, both with gold lids, placed side by side on a light surface — Image Credit: Homoatrox – CC BY-SA 4.0 /Wiki Commons.

Canned meats like chicken, ham, or tuna can last up to five years in your pantry. They can be used in sandwiches, salads, pastas, and many other dishes.

14. Spices

Glass jars filled with various spices and seasonings on a wooden shelf — Image Credit: Pixabay /Pexels.

While spices don’t necessarily go bad or spoil, they lose their potency over time. Most ground spices can last up to three years, while whole spices can last up to five years. Stock up on your favorite ones to add flavor to your meals.