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

This type remains shelf-stable for over a year, is rated safe to use, and has low levels of active compounds. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 23 June 2025

The line went live on April 2 and the debut collection featured a range of shelf-stable food products. —Janine Henni, People.com, 20 June 2025

The flavors are at the core of the brand, and as Whole Foods Market’s category merchant for shelf-stable condiments Juliana Bandin tells me, the retailer does not see any direct competitors. —Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

Unlike its liquid counterpart, this shelf-stable version is a versatile seasoning with incredible umami. —Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 May 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