Food will perform its best when consumed within the designated period. This makes us wonder how much to buy and how long we can consume them before they go to waste.

If you're still struggling with this dilemma every day, there are certain foods that don't require much worry about expiration dates. Here are 4 such foods:

1.  Honey

Honey is highly nutritious and loved by many people. Some believe that fresh honey tastes better and that it spoils over time, but in fact, honey is a food with "no expiration date" because it naturally has strong antibacterial properties. The longer it is stored, the more aromatic and delicious it becomes.

Honey contains low moisture and natural acids like gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which prevent oxidation in the air. Honey, if stored in a dry and cool place, will not undergo any chemical changes. You don’t need to store it in the refrigerator; just keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

2.  Aged Vinegar

Vinegar has an incredibly long shelf life due to its acidity. It has the ability to preserve itself without refrigeration. Aged vinegar, with an acidity level above 4.5%, can be preserved for a long time even without added preservatives.

At this acidity level, the pH is too low to allow microorganisms to thrive, preventing bacteria growth. Therefore, vinegar can preserve itself without needing refrigeration. However, you should still store vinegar properly. Keep it in a dark, cool place, and away from heat sources to prevent degradation.

3.  Salt

Salt, being a mineral, is not a food ingredient that can spoil. Moreover, it is often used to preserve food from mold and bacteria, which helps it last longer. This happens due to the process of osmosis when salt draws water out of food, creating a dry environment that inhibits mold and bacteria growth.

However, iodized salt should be used within a year because iodine tends to evaporate, reducing its nutritional value, although it can still be used as regular salt.

4.  Sugar

Like salt, sugar can last forever if kept away from moisture and heat. Especially when sugar absorbs water and hardens, it still retains its nutritional value, so you can use it for a long time without concern.

Although its texture may change slightly over time, sugar will never completely expire.

What is the typical shelf life of common foods?

1.  Eggs

Eggs don’t have a fixed "expiration date." Their shelf life starts from the day the poultry lays them. If stored at temperatures between 4°C to 9°C, they last for 35 days. If kept at 9°C to 15°C, they last for 21 days. At higher temperatures, between 16°C to 25°C, they last for 10 days. Eggs will lose quality over time, so it is best to eat them as soon as possible.

2.  Meat

Fresh meats like fish, beef, pork, and poultry should not be kept in the fridge for more than 2 days. If the meat is not frozen, it should be cooked as soon as possible after purchase.

3.  Bread and Pastries

Bread and pastries typically last for 7 days in winter, 3-5 days in spring and fall, and only 1-2 days in summer. If not stored properly, they can mold and spoil faster.

4.  Cooking Oil

Unopened cooking oil generally has a "shelf life" of 18 months. Once opened, the "shelf life" is shortened accordingly. It is best to consume cooking oil within 3 months of opening.