Shelf-stable products are items that can sit on a pantry shelf for a year without having to be stored in a refrigerator. They are foods that don't require cooking for safe eating and are often canned, dehydrated, or freeze-dried. Some typical shelf-stable foods are: Canned soups Canned meat, chicken, and fish Nuts Jerky (beef, chicken, venison, etc.) Canned vegetables Canned beans Canned cheese Most condiments until opened (after which you'll need to refrigerate them) Most spices and dried herbs Ready-to-eat meals (often kept for disaster preparation) Note the expiration date on your shelf-stable grocery items. Different foods have different shelf lives and should be ingested before the manufacturer's expiration date for best quality. Although it takes longer, they can spoil, so be sure to use them and replace them with newer items to minimize food waste. You can order shelf-stable items for quick and easy delivery.