22 Healthy Foods That Don’t Spoil Easily

By Sarah Lewis, RD |

 

February, 2016

 | 

24,266

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One problem with healthy, natural foods, is that they tend to spoil easily.

For this reason, eating healthy is associated with frequent trips to the grocery store.

It can also be a challenge when travelling without access to a refrigerator.

However, many healthy foods can be stored long-term without spoiling, as long as you have the right temperature and moisture conditions.

Here are 22 healthy foods that don’t spoil easily.

1. Nuts

With so many options to choose from, nuts are a great source of protein, fat and fiber that offer a lot of variety.

Most types of nuts last for about a year, even longer if frozen.

2. Canned Meats and Seafood

Canned meats and seafood can last for 2-5 years in many cases.

They are an excellent source of protein, and a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids in the case of canned fish.

3. Dried Grains

Grains can typically be stored for years, as long as they are kept dry and sealed tightly.

If you’re gluten-free, consider rice, buckwheat and gluten-free oats.

4. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate that’s stored in a cool, dry place can last 4-6 months past the “best by” date on its label.

It is an excellent source of fiber, magnesium and many other important nutrients.

5. Canned Fruits and Veggies

Canned fruits and vegetables that have been fermented or pickled are sold in airtight containers.

Because they’re usually packaged in an acidic solution, they can last for years.

6. Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is loaded with various nutrients, such as fiber. However, it should only be consumed in moderation because of the high sugar and calorie content.

The dehydration process will prevent the fruit from molding easily.

7. Canned Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is high in saturated fat, but this type of fat tends to be stable and doesn’t go rancid easily.

When canned coconut milk is sealed properly, it will resist spoiling for over a year.

8. Dried Beans

Beans are one of the easiest sources of protein to store long-term. They have a naturally low moisture content and can last for years.

Additionally, beans are among the most nutritious foods you can eat. They are loaded with protein, fiber and various important minerals, such as magnesium.

9. Jerky

Just like dried beans, jerky can be a great great choice if you need high-proteinoptions.

Pretty much any meat can be dried or dehydrated and stored for up to a year or more, as long as it’s stored in airtight packaging.

10. Protein Powders

You might not have considered protein powders, such as whey protein. These are easy-to-store protein sources that can last up to 5 years.

11. Dehydrated Milk

Similar to protein powder, dehydrated milk powder stores easily and lasts even longer, or up to 10 years.

12. Honey

Honey is a natural antibiotic because of its high sugar and surprisingly low moisture content.

If you want to use a sweetener, then honey is significantly “less bad” than refined sugar. However, it should only be consumed in moderation.

13. Hard Cheese Encased in Wax

When hard cheese is sealed in a waxy outer coating, it can last up to 25 years before beginning to spoil.

14. Ghee

Ghee is clarified butter, from which all the non-fat solids are removed.

Because it consists largely of saturated fats, it can last a very long time at room temperature if it’s well-sealed.

15. Coconut Oil

Similar to ghee, coconut oil has a highly saturated fat content and can last for years on a shelf at room temperature.

It’s also handy to keep around for a variety of health reasons.

16. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Just like coconut oil, olive oil can keep for a year or more if kept in a dark, cool location. It also has many impressive health benefits.

17. Canned Olives

Olives are a healthy source of fat and can last for over a year if canned properly.

18. Seeds

Many different kinds of seeds provide a little protein, a little fat and a lot of fiber. Tryflax, chia, sunflower and pumpkin seeds for some variety.

19. Vinegar

Because vinegar is a mild acid, as long as it remains sealed, it can theoretically last indefinitely.

Apple cider vinegar also lasts indefinitely, as long as it’s kept in a cool, dry place.

20. Red Wine

In most cases, wines taste best after aging for several years. In the case of red wine, it can also have some impressive health benefits when consumed in moderation.

Shelf life may vary depending on how it’s produced. Most commercially bottled wines are on a shelf for 1-3 years, but fine wine can often last for decades.

21. Salt

Ever seen mold grow on salt? Probably not. Pure salt is a very inhospitable environment for bacteria and will never spoil.

22. Dried Herbs and Spices

Just like other plants that have had their moisture content removed, dried herbs and spices are fantastic foods to carry or store for long periods.

As long as they are kept dry, they can often last for years.

Take Home Message

The best foods to store for long periods of time are those that have little or no moisture content and are not temperature sensitive.

Foods that have a higher moisture content can be stored long-term in many cases, but require special procedures to keep them from spoiling.

article source : https://authoritynutrition.com