Shelf-stable foods are items that can be stored on a pantry shelf or in a cabinet for up to one year or longer. Additionally, these items do not have to be cooked or refrigerated before eating.
Many of the examples above can be considered shelf-stable foods. Other examples include canned varieties of meats, fish, fruit and vegetables, as well as a variety of grains like cereal, crackers and granola. Keeping shelf-stable foods like these in your kitchen is an effective way to maintain an organized and uncluttered fridge. Shelf-stable foods also come in handy if you don’t have a working fridge available and still need to store items.