shelf-stable

adjective

shelf-sta·​ble ˈshelf-ˌstā-bəl 

: processed or packaged to withstand prolonged storage without refrigeration

All the rage in Europe and Latin America, boxed shelf-stable milk has yet to catch on with U.S. consumers.

—Christine Foster

Examples of shelf-stable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All are shelf-stable and last a long time. —Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2025

Key Takeaways Tablets contain the most accurate dose of vitamin C and are the most shelf-stable. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 3 Dec. 2025

Those who would like to donate to the Jewish Federation's food pantry can bring shelf-stable foods, hygiene supplies, and cleaning supplies to 6905 Hoover Road. —Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 25 Nov. 2025

Today, As ever sells Raspberry Spread, Strawberry Spread and Orange Marmalade varieties, among other shelf-stable food products, candles and wine. —Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shelf-stable

• able
• chaebol
• fable
• label
• sable
• stabile
• stable
• table
• allocable
• educable
• integrable
• purchasable