8 Foods That Will Outlast You

Even though we don't like to think about it, we all have an expiration date. And most everything we're in contact with does too. Our computers will only give us so many good years before they begin to malfunction; and the meat we buy at the grocery store has just a few days of peak freshness. It makes sense; it's all part of the natural life cycle.

But some food items, it turns out, can last forever. These vampires of the food world are good to have on hand -- and to buy in bulk -- because they will never spoil, never lose quality and will always be there when you need them. So feel free to cook up that bag of rice you found lodged behind your kitchen cabinet (with a purchase date of 1982), it's just as good for you as the day you bought it.

The information in this slideshow came from the siteStillTasty.com.

Hard Liquor

No need to hurry and finish that magnum bottle of rum, hard liquor will keep in a cool dark place for longer than necessary. Your liquor cabinet could itself be an inheritable item, passed down from generation to generation. The liquor may lose its aroma slightly, but not enough for it to be noticeable.
No need to hurry and finish that magnum bottle of rum, hard liquor will keep in a cool dark place for longer than necessary. Your liquor cabinet could itself be an inheritable item, passed down from generation to generation. The liquor may lose its aroma slightly, but not enough for it to be noticeable.

Rice

Even if it develops a frighteningly thick layer of dust on the bag or box, the rice inside is just as good as the day you bought it. This is true for white, wild, arborio, jasmine and basmati rice. You healthy eaters out there who prefer brown rice don't have the same good fortune; its higher oil content makes it turn faster. Just be sure to store in an airtight container to keep out any bugs.

Sugar

The challenge with sugar is not keeping it fresh, but keeping it from turning rock hard. Sugar never spoils because it doesn't support bacterial growth. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep the bugs and moisture out.
The challenge with sugar is not keeping it fresh, but keeping it from turning rock hard. Sugar never spoils because it doesn't support bacterial growth. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep the bugs and moisture out.

Cornstarch

To keep cornstarch indefinitely, keep it dry, tightly sealed and in a cool place. And since you probably don't go through a tub of cornstarch that quickly, it's good to know that you don't need to refresh your stash -- ever.
To keep cornstarch indefinitely, keep it dry, tightly sealed and in a cool place. And since you probably don't go through a tub of cornstarch that quickly, it's good to know that you don't need to refresh your stash -- ever.

Honey

Honey keeps indefinitely. It may change color and texture (becoming crystalized) but it will stay safe, and delicious, to eat. If your honey does become crystallized, just place the open jar in warm water and stir until the crystals dissolve.
Honey keeps indefinitely. It may change color and texture (becoming crystalized) but it will stay safe, and delicious, to eat. If your honey does become crystallized, just place the open jar in warm water and stir until the crystals dissolve.

Distilled White Vinegar

You can buy the bulk size of white vinegar without having to worry about it going to waste. It never will since it keeps fresh forever. So stock up, that way you always have something to turn to when in need for dressings, marinades or even household cleaning.
You can buy the bulk size of white vinegar without having to worry about it going to waste. It never will since it keeps fresh forever. So stock up, that way you always have something to turn to when in need for dressings, marinades or even household cleaning.

Pure Vanilla Extract

Pure vanilla extract, since it's made from alcohol, will stay fresh and flavorful for as long as you have it in stock. Imitation vanilla does not have the same life span. With this in mind, you might want to opt for the slightly more expensive vanilla without an expiration date.
Pure vanilla extract, since it's made from alcohol, will stay fresh and flavorful for as long as you have it in stock. Imitation vanilla does not have the same life span. With this in mind, you might want to opt for the slightly more expensive vanilla without an expiration date.

Salt

Table salt, kosher salt or sea salt, will stay as fresh as the day you bought it and remain so throughout the years. Salt will never fail to enhance your meals.
Table salt, kosher salt or sea salt, will stay as fresh as the day you bought it and remain so throughout the years. Salt will never fail to enhance your meals.

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.