--- description: These foods are staples for any kitchen pantry. title: 10 Healthy Foods That (Practically) Never Expire image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt69daab1daba6a94a/69887212a988ca8a966b5643/50-healthiest-foods-raw-peanut-butter.jpg?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  * [motto](/tag/motto/) ## motto Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close # 10 Healthy Foods That (Practically) Never Expire by [Grace Elkus / Real Simple](/author/real-simple/) ## Grace Elkus / Real Simple Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Feb 26, 2016 5:36 PM CUT  Danny Kim for TIME by [Grace Elkus / Real Simple](/author/real-simple/) ## Grace Elkus / Real Simple Update your preferences in [Account Settings](/account/preferences/) Close Feb 26, 2016 5:36 PM CUT While it’s true that many shelf-stable foods are often loaded with preservatives (think condiments, lunch meats, and bags of chips), a number of good-for-you foods _naturally_ last for a long time. Stock up on these staples whenever it’s convenient, and they’ll be on hand when you’re ready to get cooking. Curious about the shelf life of more foods in your kitchen? Consult our [comprehensive food storage chart](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food-storage-chart "undefined"). **1\. Almonds** Almonds are filled with monosaturated fatty acids, and they’re a great source of vitamin E and fiber. According to [Fruit and Veggies More Matters](http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/ "undefined"), they can last for up to one year when stored in the refrigerator. Pack them for an afternoon snack or use them to [make your own almond milk](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/almond-milk-recipe "undefined"). **2\. Brown Rice**Packed with fiber, vitamin E, and a variety of antioxidants, (unopened) brown rice can last for one year at room temperature. After its been opened (to make, for example, this [brown rice bowl with egg and avocado](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/brown-rice-bowl-egg-avocado "undefined")), it should stay good for about six months. **_More from Real Simple:_** [_Here’s How to Make The Perfect Grilled Cheese_](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/how-make-grilled-cheese "undefined") **3\. Chia Seeds**Chia seeds are packed with fiber and calcium, and have been linked to [lower blood pressure](http://www.realsimple.com/health/nutrition-diet/healthy-eating/chia-seeds-benefits/chia-seeds-benefits "undefined"). When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they can stay fresh for up to one year. Try them in one of these [deliciously hearty breakfasts](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/chia-seed-breakfasts "undefined"). **4\. Dates**The only naturally “dehydrated” fruit, fiber-rich dates are a nutritious way to [enhance a savory recipe](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/lamb-tagine-with-oranges-and-dates "undefined") or [sweeten up a smoothie](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/creamy-date-smoothie "undefined"). They can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for several months, or refrigerated for up to one year. **_More from Real Simple:_** [_This Boring Frozen Dinner Just Got a Major Makeover_](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/recipe-upgrades/frozen-burrito-transformation "undefined") **5\. Dried Beans**Unlike canned beans, which are often stored in sodium, dried beans are free of additives and preservatives. They’re also an excellent, cholesterol-free source of protein, and can last for up to two years in the pantry. Try adding them to one of these [slow-cooker stews](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/popular-ingredients/slow-cooker-soup-recipes "undefined"). **6\. Nut Butters**Filled with protein and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, [nut butters](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/nut-butter "undefined") can last at room temperature for nine months unopened (once opened, they’ll stay good for three months). Look for jars with short ingredient lists and zero added trans fats. **_More from Real Simple:_** [_How To Purge Plastic From Your Kitchen_](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/tools-products/plastic-alternatives "undefined") **7\. Oats**Oats are an excellent source of fiber, help to keep cholesterol in check, and contain vitamins, minerals, and even some protein. Unopened containers can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to four months, [according to the Whole Grains Council](http://wholegrainscouncil.org/recipes/storing-whole-grains "undefined"). Give them a try in our [fruit-and-nut filled baked oatmeal](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/baked-oatmeal-cranberries-almonds "undefined"). **8\. Olive Oil**An excellent source of monounsaturated fats, [olive oil](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/best-olive-oil "undefined") is great [drizzled onto toast](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/ricotta-olive-oil-honey-toasts "undefined"), or used when [roasting veggies](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/brown-rice-bowls-with-roasted-vegetables-and-lemon-soy-dressing "undefined"). An unopened bottle will keep at room temperature for one year, and once it’s been opened it will keep for six months. **9\. Quinoa**[Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids](http://www.realsimple.com/health/nutrition-diet/healthy-eating/the-30-healthiest-foods/quinoa-3 "undefined"), meaning it’s a “complete protein,” and it will keep for up to four months in the pantry. Pack the fiber-rich grain [into a burrito](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/chicken-and-quinoa-burritos "undefined") or [mix it into a salad](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/tomato-cucumber-quinoa-salad "undefined"). **1** **0\. Winter Squash**[From acorn to butternut to delicata](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/food/common-types-winter-squash "undefined"), winter squash (and pumpkins!) can stay fresh for up to three months when stored in a cool, dry area away from sunlight. A good source of vitamin C, try [roasting wedges of squash](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/parmesan-roasted-acorn-squash "undefined") or [blending it into a soup](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/butternut-squash-soup-sage-parmesan-croutons "undefined"). _This_ [_article_](http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/healthy-foods-never-expire "undefined") _originally appeared on_ [_Realsimple.com_](http://www.realsimple.com "undefined") ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4238946/healthy-foods-never-expire/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4238946/healthy-foods-never-expire/"},"headline":"10 Healthy Foods That (Practically) Never Expire","datePublished":"2016-02-26T17:36:44.000Z","dateModified":"2026-04-13T09:01:55.512Z","description":"These foods are staples for any kitchen pantry","url":"https://time.com/4238946/healthy-foods-never-expire/","keywords":["motto","Food & Drink","Nutrition","health","almonds","olive oil"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt69daab1daba6a94a/69887212a988ca8a966b5643/50-healthiest-foods-raw-peanut-butter.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Grace Elkus / Real Simple"}],"articleSection":"","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt69daab1daba6a94a/69887212a988ca8a966b5643/50-healthiest-foods-raw-peanut-butter.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"healthiest foods, health food, diet, nutrition, time.com stock, raw peanut butter","caption":"healthiest foods, health food, diet, nutrition, time.com stock, raw peanut butter","creditText":"Danny Kim for TIME","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/tag/motto/","name":"motto"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4238946/healthy-foods-never-expire/","name":"10 Healthy Foods That (Practically) Never Expire"}}]}] ```