Pure Vanilla Extract

iVillage.com: Foods That Almost Never Expire

Shelf life: Keeps indefinitely

How to store: In a cool, dark place.

The key word here is “pure.” Imitation vanilla extract will save you money but won’t last nearly as long as the real thing. And unlike many of the other items on this list, the taste of pure vanilla extract actually improves with age. A perfect excuse to make Vanilla Cupcakes whenever the mood strikes.

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Dried Pasta

Shelf life: Keeps indefinitely

How to store: In an airtight container. Or better yet, in the freezer. If unopened, dry pasta will lose its taste over time, but if you’re in a pinch, know that it’s safe to eat. (A gorgeous pesto will make anything taste good.)

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100% Pure Maple ...

Shelf life: One year in a cool pantry or refrigerator, indefinitely in the freezer.

How to store: In a cool area, or the freezer.

If you’re itching to make pancakes but are worried that the bottle of maple syrup may be a tad too old, have no fear. As long as it is stored in the fridge or freezer properly, maple syrup can last almost forever due to its high sugar level (which is antibacterial). Even if it develops a little mold, the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association says to boil the syrup, skim the top, and pour it into a new, clean container. Voilà! Good as new.

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Soy Sauce

Shelf life: An unopened bottle should remain good for at least 3 years.

How to store: If unopened, store in a cool, dry area. Once opened, store either in a cool, dry area or, better yet, in the refrigerator to retain its flavor for a longer period of time. Due to its high sodium content, it is extremely difficult for any bacteria to develop and grow in soy sauce – thus it is extremely unlikely for soy sauce to go bad. However, the quality of the flavor will deteriorate with time. While it may not taste as fresh 10 years from now, it will still be edible. Try making a delicious and easy Chicken and Noodle Stir Fry with your long-lasting bottle of soy.

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Hard Liquor

Shelf life: Keeps indefinitely

How to store: Sealed tightly in a cool, dark place.

If you were to be stranded on a desert island for 20 years, rest easy knowing you can still whip up your favorite cocktail. (Cucumber-Mint Martini, anyone?) Alcohol never spoils in the traditional sense. However, exposure to high heat, air or bright light can affect its quality and taste. Rest assured that no matter how dusty the outside of that vodka bottle gets, it’s still good inside. Cheers!

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Sugar

Shelf life: Keeps indefinitely

How to store: In an airtight container in a cool, dry area.

Since bacteria can’t feed on sugar, it will never spoil. However, take extra care to store it in a container that completely seals to keep bugs and moisture away –- two major sugar spoilers. The next time you’re on a spur-of-the-moment baking spree and wondering if your sugar’s still good, wonder no more.

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Spices

Shelf life: Technically, indefinitely.

How to store: Tightly sealed in a cool dark place.

Spices will technically never go bad and always be safe to consume. However quality will deteriorate as more time passes. Whole spices will stay fresh for 3 to 4 years, ground ones for 2 to 3 years and dried herbs for up to 2 years. So feel free to use that ground nutmeg in your Pumpkin Rice Pudding, but you may want to replace it after a few years for maximum flavor potency.

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Uncooked White R...

Shelf life: Keeps indefinitely

How to store: In an airtight container in a cool, dry area. Store rice in the refrigerator or freezer to really keep it fresh.

While its counterpart, brown rice, may have a shorter shelf life due to its higher oil content, white, wild, arborio, basmati and jasmine rice will remain edible indefinitely. So if you discover a years-old package of arborio rice in the dark corners of your pantry, don’t toss it – make a mouthwatering Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto instead!

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Dried Beans

Shelf life: Keeps indefinitely

How to store: In an airtight container.

If unopened, and stored at the correct temperature (like in a dark pantry), dried beans will technically never spoil. However as they age, they may take longer to cook in order to soften up. So feel free to make that lentil soup you've been craving with that back-of-the-cabinet bag of beans.

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Pure Vanilla Ext...

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Instant Coffee

Shelf life: Years and years, as long as it’s vacuum sealed.

How to store: In an airtight container in a cool, dry area.

Ever wonder how you could survive without coffee? Well, now you won’t have to. Since almost all instant coffee is high vacuum freeze-dried, as long as it is kept away from moisture, it should last practically forever. Stumped for what to do with that everlasting tin of instant coffee? Try making this decadent Coffee and Cardamom Toffee, perfect for a homemade gift – or for yourself!

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