Two foods that never expire are pure salt and honey.
When pure honey and salt are stored properly they never expire and can last forever.
Pure salt is a natural preservative, which doesn't support microbial growth.
And pure honey is acidic and also has a low moisture content, which also prevents bacteria from growing.
Pure salt is a natural preservative and so it never expires, although salt that is fortified with iodine or other additives can have a shorter shelf life.
Honey is naturally antimicrobial as a result of it's low moisture and low pH, which makes it impossible for most bacteria to thrive and grow in.
Other foods that can last a long time include sugar, dried beans and white rice.
Although these foods last a long time, the quality of these foods can decline over time, especially without proper storage.
White rice when stored in oxygen free containers below 40 F degrees can last as long as 30 years.
Sugar can last indefinitely if stored properly in airtight containers away from moisture, although the quality of the sugar can decline over time, but the sugar will remain safe to consume.
Sugar is best used within 3 years for the best quality.
And powdered sugar is best used within 2 years and brown sugar is best used within 6 months to a year due to the moisture content.
Dried beans can also last virtually indefinitely if they are stored properly, although for best quality, the beans are best eaten within 2 years to 3 years.
Older beans lose some nutritional value and require longer cooking times to soften them.
To store beans longer, keep the beans in a cool, dry and dark location and also in an airtight container.