Alcohol-based flavorings can evaporate, leaving a strong residue. Dry spices can age and become weak. It is better to buy small amounts fresh than a large amount you seldom use. Nuts can also turn rancid and actually do age. Buy what you need when you need it.
Powdered sugar makes a smooth cake that dries out quickly.
It is best used in special cookie recipes and in icings. Brown sugar makes a moist cake that keeps well. Granulated sugars have no variations any longer. Fine granulation is required for cakes. Honey , crystallized, used to be used for sugar in colonial days.