3. Salt

Salt is a mineral, not an organic food, so it doesn’t go bad. It’s been used for centuries to preserve other foods, which says a lot. As long as it stays dry and uncontaminated, it’ll outlast just about anything in your pantry. It may clump if it gets humid, but that’s easy to fix—just toss in some uncooked rice or a moisture absorber. Whether it’s sea salt, kosher, or table salt, it’s here to stay. You can also use it in homemade cleaning products or scrubs, making it even more versatile. Just store it in a tightly sealed container and keep it away from moisture, and it will last virtually forever.