This Common Pantry Staple Never Expires — Yes, Really

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), approximately 30–40% of the food supply in the United States is wasted every year. That’s about 133 billion pounds — or $161 billion worth — of food. So yes, it’s bad for both our wallets and the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), food waste is the “single most common material” found in landfills and incinerators across the country.

While some foods are destined to spoil after just a few days, one pantry staple seems to have cracked the code on immortality: honey. Yes, that golden, sweet liquid stashed in kitchen cabinets can last for years, decades, and maybe even eternity.

Here’s what you need to know about the magic of honey and what makes it (almost) immortal. 

Here’s why honey never spoils

The secret to honey’s long-lasting life is thanks to its unique chemistry. As Compound Interest explains, its low moisture and high sugar content are the key ingredients, which is achieved thanks to the hard-working bees that not only go out to collect nectar but also the house bees who help dehydrate it. 

“Nectar can be up to 70% water, and this water must be evaporated in order to produce the consistency of honey that we’re all familiar with,” Compound Interest explained.

“The bees achieve this by fanning the honeycomb with their wings in order to encourage rapid evaporation of water from the nectar mixture,” Compound Interest added. This continuous flapping reduces the water content to 17%. Indeed, this is no easy feat. It can take the bees up to three days to make this magic happen.

But the low water content is what helps honey last. “At 17%, its water content is much lower than that of bacteria or fungi,” the site explained. “Honey also has a low water activity; this is a measure of the amount of water in a substance that is available to support microbial growth.” This means that most molds and bacteria cannot grow. An enzyme found in the bees’ stomachs also contributes to this process, as Science Focus explained, by helping to break down the nectar’s glucose into gluconic acid, which gives honey its acidity. The result of all this work and chemistry is near-perfect natural preservation. 

How long can honey really last?

Truly, the answer may be forever. And there’s archaeological evidence to prove it. Smithsonian Magazine noted that archeologists have found pots of honey estimated to be thousands of years old inside Egyptian tombs that are still preserved. That includes the tomb of King Tutankhamun. In 1922, when his tomb was excavated, archeologists found a jar of honey and, according to Montreal’s McGill University, actually tasted it. “To their amazement, they found it to be as sweet as, well, honey,” the university noted. 

But is it safe to eat old honey? 

For most people, honey that’s been sitting around in a pantry for a while — even years — is fine. However, Healthline explains that if your honey has been exposed to excess moisture or cross-contaminated with other foods, it may develop mold or harbor bacteria, including botulinum, which can cause botulism. This is why it’s crucial not to give honey — even if it’s brand-new — to infants under one year old. 

Here’s how to keep your honey safe forever

Honey should be stored in a cool, dry place and in an airtight container to keep it fresh for years to come. However, it may crystallize (when the glucose in the honey forms crystals), resulting in a grittier texture or turning it solid. Still, this doesn’t mean it’s gone bad. The National Honey Board explains that crystallized honey can be “re-liquefied” by gently warming the jar in hot water.

Honey isn’t the only “eternal” food 

While honey may be the most famous forever food, it isn’t the only one. As Food & Wine previously reported, other pantry staples can last for years and even decades. These include soy sauce, sugar, rice, dried vegetables, peanuts, and canned fish. They all share common traits with honey: low moisture and often natural antimicrobial properties. So, if you’re looking to stock a pantry that will last you a lifetime — and maybe even into the next, like King Tut — begin here for an eternal feast.