12 of the Best Non-Perishable Foods for Your Pantry

Health Line

15-07-2025

Non-perishable, shelf-stable foods can be stored for a long time without spoiling. Healthy options include dried beans and fruit, canned fish and vegetables, and plant-based milk.
Non-perishable foods, such as canned goods and dried fruit, have a long shelf life and don't require refrigeration to prevent spoilage. Instead, they can be stored at room temperature, such as in a pantry or cabinet.
They're not only standard kitchen items but also favored by backpackers and campers who can't bring perishable foods like fresh meats, dairy, and vegetables on the trail.
Non-perishable goods are essential in emergency situations and favored by charitable organizations that feed or give groceries to people who are unhoused or experiencing food insecurity.
Although some items like boxed macaroni and cheese are packed with preservatives and other unhealthy ingredients, quite a few nutritious non-perishable foods are available.
Here are 12 of the healthiest non-perishable foods.
Dried and canned beans
With a long shelf life and high nutrient content, dried and canned beans are smart non-perishable food choices. Canned beans can be kept at room temperature for 2 to 5 years, while dried beans can last about 1 year or until the expiration date. However, if stored in sealed, food-grade packaging, they may keep for 10 or more years, though they will need rehydration.
One 2005 study found that 80% of people on an emergency food use panel considered pinto beans stored up to 30 years edible.
Beans are an excellent source of fiber, plant-based protein, and nutrients that include:
magnesium
B vitamins
manganese
iron
phosphorus
zinc
copper
They pair well with most foods and make hearty additions to soups, grain dishes, and salads.
Inspect stored cans for deep dents or bulges, as these may indicate bacteria growing inside the canned food. Dents along the seams that run along the top or side of a can may also allow bacteria to enter a can. If cans are dented, swollen, or bulging, they should not be consumed.
Nut butters
Nut butters are creamy, nutrient-dense, and delicious.
Although storage temperatures can affect shelf life, commercial peanut butter keeps for up to 9 months at room temperature. Natural peanut butter, which does not contain preservatives, lasts up to 3 months at 50℉ (10℃) and only 1 month at 77℉ (25℃).
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), almond butter keeps for up to 1 year at room temperature, while cashew butter keeps for at least 3 months.
Nut butters are a rich source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, and powerful plant compounds, including phenolic antioxidants. These compounds protect your body against oxidative stress, which can lead to cellular damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals and many chronic health conditions.
Jars of nut butter can be stored in your pantry, while smaller packets can be taken backpacking or camping for an on-the-go snack. You can also use it to add protein to smoothies.
Dried fruits and vegetables
Although most fresh fruits and vegetables have a short shelf life, dried produce is considered non-perishable. When properly stored, most dried fruit can be safely kept at room temperature for up to 1 year, and dried vegetables can be kept about half that time.
You can choose from a variety of dried fruits and vegetables, including:
dried berries
apples
tomatoes
carrots
You can also make your own dried fruits and vegetables using a dehydrator or oven. Vacuum-sealed packaging can help prevent spoilage.
Dried fruits and veggies can be enjoyed as snacks or added to trail mix. If fresh produce isn't available, dried veggies can be rehydrated by adding them to soups or stews.
Canned fish and poultry
Although fresh fish and poultry are packed with nutrients, they're highly perishable. However, commercially canned varieties can be safely kept without refrigeration for up to 5 years at room temperature.
Tuna and other seafood products are also sold in lightweight packages known as retort pouches, which are perfect for smaller pantries and backpacking. Seafood in retort pouches has a shelf life of up to 18 months.
Chicken and other meats can also be found in retort pouches, though you should refer to the packaging for shelf life information.
Grains and rice
Whole grains like oats, rice, and barley have a much longer shelf life than other popular but perishable carb sources like bread, making them a smart choice for long-term food storage.
For example, brown rice can be kept at 50 to 70℉ (10 to 21℃) for up to 3 months, while farro lasts up to 6 months at room temperature.
Grains are versatile, non-perishable ingredients that can be added to soups, salads, and casseroles. Eating whole grains may reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
Canned vegetables and fruits
Canning has long been used to lengthen the shelf life of perishable foods, including fruits and vegetables.
The heat used during canning destroys potentially harmful microorganisms, and the characteristic seal of canned foods keeps new bacteria from spoiling the contents.
The shelf life of canned fruits and vegetables depends on the type of produce.
For example, low-acid canned vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, beets, and spinach, last 2 to 5 years at room temperature.
However, high-acid fruits like grapefruit, apples, peaches, berries, and pineapple last just 12 to 18 months. The same goes for vegetables packed in vinegar, such as sauerkraut, German potato salad, and other pickled vegetables.
When shopping, choose canned fruits packed in water or 100% fruit juice rather than heavy syrup, and opt for low sodium canned veggies whenever possible.
If you're crafty in the kitchen, consider canning at home using store-bought or garden-grown vegetables and fruits. If you don't know how, you can consult numerous books or online tutorials.
Jerky
Meat preservation has been used since ancient times to prevent protein sources from spoiling. Specifically, jerky is made by curing meat in a salt solution and dehydrating it. Preservatives, flavorings, and other additives are sometimes used during processing.
Many types of jerky are available, including beef, salmon, chicken, and buffalo. There are even plant-based jerky alternatives made from coconut, banana, and jackfruit. That said, note that these alternatives are not nutritionally equivalent to meat-based jerky.
Commercial jerky can be safely kept in the pantry for up to 1 year, though the USDA recommends that homemade jerky be stored at room temperature for a maximum of 2 months.
Any kind of jerky can be enjoyed in moderation, but the healthiest options are those that don't contain added sugar, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
Granola and protein bars
Granola and protein bars are a go-to food for backpackers and hikers thanks to their long shelf life and nutrient composition.
Many granola bars stay fresh for up to 1 year at room temperature. Likewise, most protein bars have a shelf life of at least 1 year, though it's best to check the label on individual products for expiration information.
Granola and protein bars can be highly nutritious if you choose the right kinds. Look for brands full of hearty ingredients, such as oats, nuts, and dried fruit, with minimal added sugars and artificial ingredients.
Canned and dried soup
Canned and dried soups are excellent choices for stocking your pantry. Food donation organizations also prefer them.
Most canned soups are low in acid and can last up to 5 years at room temperature. The exception is tomato-based varieties, which have a shelf life of about 18 months.
Although most dried soup mixes should last up to 1 year in storage, it's best to check labels for expiration dates because different brands may vary. You may also be able to make dried soup mixes last longer by freezing them.
Choose soups rich in healthy ingredients like vegetables and beans, and select low sodium products whenever possible, as consuming too much added salt may harm your health.
Freeze-dried meals
Freeze drying uses sublimation, a process in which ice is converted directly into vapor, to remove water from food so that it lasts longer at room temperature. Freeze-dried meals are popular among backpackers because of their light weight and portability.
Freeze-dried foods and ready-to-eat freeze-dried meals are made for long-term storage, with some products boasting a 25-year shelf life.
Many companies make delicious, freeze-dried meals that are healthy and accommodate specific dietary patterns.
Shelf-stable milk and nondairy milk
While fresh milk and some nondairy alternatives like almond and coconut milks have to be refrigerated, shelf-stable milk and many nondairy milks are made to keep at room temperature.
Shelf-stable or aseptic milk is processed and packaged differently than regular milk because it's heated to higher temperatures and packed in sterile containers.
One study found that shelf-stable milk had a shelf life of up to 9 months when kept at 40 to 68℉ (4 to 20℃).
Plant-based drinks like soy milk packaged in flexible materials, including plastic, paper, and aluminum, similarly last at least 6 months, while canned coconut milk, like other low-acid canned goods, keeps up to 5 years at room temperature.
Shelf-stable and plant-based milks can be used when refrigeration isn't available.
Powdered milk is a good alternative. When kept in a cool, dark place, it has an estimated shelf life of 3 to 5 years. It can be reconstituted with clean water in small portions as needed.