shelf-stable foods
nounUK /ˈʃelf ˌsteɪ.bəl fuːdz/
US /ˈʃelf ˌsteɪ.bəl fuːdz/
Foods that can sit on a shelf for a long time without going bad.
Canned beans and rice are shelf-stable foods we keep in the pantry.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Foods that do not need refrigeration before opening.
Shelf-stable foods like crackers and peanut butter are handy for camping.
3. Foods with a long best-before date when kept at room temperature.
The food bank collects shelf-stable foods such as pasta and canned soup.
4. Packaged foods designed to stay safe without a fridge.
Shelf-stable foods make up most of the emergency kit.