Foods that never expire

Walking through the supermarket aisle and checking the expiry date right before buying the product is an age-old tactic that we all have been following. But you will be surprised to know that there are food products that never expire and are safe to consume even after their labeled expiration date is over! This may sound confusing, but some foods do not actually have an expiration date. Here’s a list of foods that you can stock up and enjoy for ages.


Honey

Honey is undeniably known as liquid gold because it is loaded with nutrients and it never expires! It is one of those foods you can enjoy anytime without worrying about their best before date. It is believed that this alternative to sugar can last for centuries and decades and still taste the same only if it is bottled and not adulterated or processed with chemicals. This primarily happens because honey has very less water content and microbial growth needs water to multiply. Which is why fresh produce or foods that have high water content expire within a few days.


Salt

Salt is that one natural preservative, which never ages. Yes, this is the reason why it has been used in preserving foods like pickles, chutney, dry snacks. However, this is only when salt is not fortified with iodine or other additives, which may tend to change the natural properties of the salt. Since salt is extracted from the seawater, it never loses its real flavour. However, to avoid clumping up of salt, it is fortified with additives which reduces the shelf life to 5-6 years.


Coffee

Coffee too can be consumed even after its expiry date, this is because instant coffee is prepared by drying a concentrated blend of pre-brewed coffee. Then this coffee is dried by using hot air to convert the liquid into a smooth coffee powder. In some cases it is either dried or frozen using vacuum. The process of drying instant coffee ensures that there’s no moisture or water, which reduces the chance of spoilage.


Soy sauce

This fermented sauce adds soul to every oriental treat, but you will be amazed to know that this fermented sauce can last up to ages, but only if it is not fortified with additives and preservatives. Also an unopened bottle of soy sauce can last up to decades and the presence of salt also increases its shelf life.