When the future seems so frighteningly uncertain, many people are trying to prepare for the worst possible outcome by collecting foods that remain edible and nutritious for long periods of time. This list of the foods that practically never spoil will give you an idea of what to look for as you prepare to keep yourself and your family safe from any potential catastrophe.
Salt
It is no surprise that sodium chloride, a mineral we extract from the earth, is a permanent substance. Humans have leveraged salt’s moisture-removing abilities for many centuries to preserve food and even dead bodies.
However, the salt you keep in your cupboard may not last forever. Salt’s shelf life is greatly reduced if iodine is added. If you see a container with iodized salt, you can only expect it to last about five years.
Honey
Thanks to some fascinating chemistry and the brilliant work of bees, honey may be the only food that truly lasts forever. Bees mix the nectar from flowers with enzymes inside their bodies to create simple sugars. They develop a substance that’s inhospitable to bacteria—a liquid that is low in moisture and highly acidic. Although some see crystallized honey as a sign that the product has gone bad, crystallization is a sign of the honey’s purity. If the crystals bother you, just heat a jar of honey in hot water. The crystals will melt, and the honey will taste exactly the same.
White Rice
White rice will go bad eventually, but it will take a very long time. White rice has earned its place on this list of foods that practically never spoil because it will keep its nutritional content for over 30 years if it has been stored in an oxygen-free container. Brown rice does not last as long, and it goes bad in six months because it holds oils in its bran layer.
Dried Beans
Just like with rice, dried pinto beans are acceptable to eat even after 30 years. Their quality may have decreased, but they would still be considered edible and safe under emergency situations.
Winter storms are sweeping across the US, bringing snow emergencies in the Northeast and flooding in the Pacific Northwest. Stay safe with driving tips, shelter resources, and pet care guidance, plus direct links to emergency services.
Use official sources for live alerts and road conditions. Follow your local authorities' advice and guidance immediately by staying off roads or evacuating.
Current situation across the United States
Severe winter weather is affecting multiple regions across the country. In the Northeast, heavy snow and ice are creating hazardous travel conditions, while the Pacific Northwest is dealing with widespread flooding, evacuations, saturated ground, and powerful winds. Staying prepared, remaining aware of conditions, and knowing where to find shelter are essential for keeping both people and pets safe.
Warehouses reach capacity quickly. Products evolve, demand shifts, and shelves overflow with obsolete materials. Operations managers often prioritize acquisition and distribution but overlook the final stage of the product lifecycle. This negligence creates operational bottlenecks and safety hazards. A proactive plan clears space for high-value assets and mitigates financial loss.
Farming has always been a balancing act. You are constantly weighing input costs against uncertain market prices, all while betting against the weather. While “sustainability” often gets tossed around in corporate boardrooms as a buzzword, for the person actually working the land, it means something entirely different: longevity and profitability.
Winter loves to sneak up on us. One day you are enjoying a pumpkin spice latte in a light jacket, and the next you are chiseling ice off your windshield with a credit card because you lost your scraper. Snow looks beautiful in the movies, but it wreaks havoc on your daily commute.
You trip over a sneaker. You drop your keys in a puddle of melting snow. Your dog shakes mud onto your work pants. Welcome to the drop zone—that chaotic slice of floor right inside your front door.
