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
Christine FosterExamples of shelf-stable in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For food safety reasons, Holland will be using a product called Fee Foam, which is a vegan, shelf-stable liquid that achieves the same effect.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Eventually, Clorox bottled a shelf-stable version, and competitors like Ken’s, Kraft Foods and Wish-Bone joined in.
—Holly Meyer, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
The market accepts donations of shelf-stable foods, baby food and diapers.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Dairy, raw meat, and leftovers should be the highest priority—all other shelf-stable items may be placed outside the refrigerator on the counter without concern.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shelf-stable
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Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Eventually, Clorox bottled a shelf-stable version, and competitors like Ken’s, Kraft Foods and Wish-Bone joined in.
—Holly Meyer, Fortune, 17 Apr. 2026
The market accepts donations of shelf-stable foods, baby food and diapers.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
Dairy, raw meat, and leftovers should be the highest priority—all other shelf-stable items may be placed outside the refrigerator on the counter without concern.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shelf-stable
Cite this Entry
“Shelf-stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf-stable. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
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