Non-perishable foods, such as canned goods and dried fruit, have a long shelf life and don’t require refrigeration to keep them from spoiling. Instead, they can be stored at room temperature, such as in a pantry or cabinet.

They’re not only standard kitchen items but also favored by backpackers and campers who can’t bring perishable foods like fresh meats, dairy, and vegetables on the trail.

What’s more, non-perishable goods are essential in emergency situations and favored by charitable organizations that feed or give groceries to people facing homelessness or food insecurity.

Although some items like boxed macaroni and cheese are packed with preservatives and other unhealthy ingredients, quite a few nutritious non-perishable foods are available.

Here are 5 of the healthiest non-perishable foods.

1. Dried and canned beans
With a long shelf life and high nutrient content, dried and canned beans are smart non-perishable food choices. Canned beans can be kept at room temperature for 2–5 years while dried beans can last 10 or more years, depending on the packaging.

In fact, one study found that pinto beans stored up to 30 years were considered edible by 80% of people on an emergency food use panel.

Beans are an excellent source of fiber, plant-based protein, magnesium, B vitamins, manganese, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and copper. What’s more, they pair well with most foods and make hearty additions to soups, grain dishes, and salads.

2. Nut butters
Nut butters are creamy, nutrient-dense, and delicious.

Although storage temperatures can affect shelf life, commercial peanut butter keeps for up to 9 months at room temperature. Natural peanut butter, which does not contain preservatives, lasts up to 3 months at 50℉ (10℃) and only 1 month at 77℉ (25℃).

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), almond butter keeps for up to 1 year at room temperature while cashew butter keeps up to 3 months.

Nut butters are a rich source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, and powerful plant compounds, including phenolic antioxidants, which are compounds that protect your body against oxidative stress and damage by unstable molecules called free radicals.

Jars of nut butter can be stored in your pantry while smaller packets can be taken backpacking or camping for an on-the-go snack.

3. Dried fruits and vegetables
Although most fresh fruits and vegetables have a short shelf life, dried produce is considered non-perishable. When properly stored, most dried fruit can be safely kept at room temperature for up to 1 year, and dried vegetables can be kept about half that time.

You can choose from a variety of dried fruits and vegetables, including dried berries, apples, tomatoes, and carrots. You can also use a dehydrator or oven to make your own dried fruits and vegetables. Vacuum-sealed packaging can help prevent spoilage.

Dried fruits and veggies can be enjoyed as a snack or added to trail mix. Plus, dried veggies can be rehydrated by adding them to soups or stews if fresh produce isn’t available.

4. Canned fish and poultry
Although fresh fish and poultry are packed with nutrients, they’re highly perishable. All the same, canned varieties can be safely kept without refrigeration for long periods up to 5 years at room temperature.

Tuna and other seafood products are also sold in lightweight packages known as retort pouches, which are perfect for smaller pantries and backpacking. Seafood in retort pouches has a shelf life of up to 18 months.

Chicken and other meats can be found in retort pouches as well, though you should refer to the packaging for shelf life information.

5. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are portable, nutrient-dense, and shelf-stable, making them non-perishable food staples. Favored by backpackers and hikers for high calorie snacking, they’re also great to have on hand in any situation.

On average, nuts last about 4 months when kept at or near room temperature (68℉ or 20℃), though shelf life varies greatly between nut varieties.

For example, cashews can be kept for 6 months at 68℉ (20℃) while pistachios only last 1 month at the same temperature.

Seeds have comparable shelf lives. According to the USDA, pumpkin seeds stay fresh for 6 months at room temperature.