Nine Pantry Staples That Last Almost Forever

Peanut, almond, cashew, or another favorite — an unopened jar of nut butter lasts two years. Once opened, commercial nut butters last up to six months, and natural ones stay good for about three months.

Pickles can last up to two years unopened in the pantry, and up to a year in the fridge once opened.

Sealed properly, nuts keep for up to two years in the freezer. Almonds are especially durable — their hard structure helps maintain freshness, and their lower fat and higher vitamin E content mean a lower risk of rancidity.

Canned legumes begin losing moisture after one to two years. After that, they may just need a little longer cooking time, but they're still good to eat.

Canned tuna stored in a cool, dry place lasts three years. Once opened, refrigerate the contents for three to four days, or freeze for up to two months.

These can last indefinitely, though after a year they may need slightly longer cooking times. Store in an airtight glass container in a cool, dark, dry place, and don't wash until just before use.

Brown sugar lasts indefinitely but will likely need softening over time. Keep it in an airtight glass jar somewhere cool, dark, and dry — white sugar keeps the same way.

Store uncooked rice in an airtight container, or keep the original bag inside a freezer bag, in a cool, dry spot. Stored properly, it can last indefinitely.

Honey essentially never goes bad. It can crystallize over time, and some brands print an expiration date on the label, but it will keep on the shelf practically forever.