shelf-stable
Adjective
Meaning
shelf-stable (comparative more shelf-stable, superlative most shelf-stable)
Of foods, storable for extended periods at room temperature.
Antonym: perishable
shelf-stable whipping cream
Examples
In fatter times, food banks receive donations of shelf-stable items, like peanut butter, pasta, tuna fish, and soup, from wholesalers, manufacturers, restaurants, and grocery chains that over-ordered.
On Wednesday, the pantry fed 289 students, who received a bag of fresh produce and shelf-stable food along with 18 eggs and milk.
In the meantime, it’s restricted to selling only shelf-stable bulk items, such as honey, bread, pasta, flour, protein bars and dog biscuits.
Meanwhile, as Costco has noted, Nielsen data showed a big spike in U.S. demand for many shelf-stable grocery items including canned goods, flour, sugar and bottled water as well as supplements, fruit snacks and first aid kits.
What you’ll likely find at the grocery store, though, are vinegar pickles that have been canned in boiling water in order to be shelf-stable.