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
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Some of her favorites include edamame, white beans, and green peas, all of which are shelf-stable or freezer-friendly and can easily boost avocado toast’s protein count by at least a few grams.
—Audrey Bruno, SELF, 25 Sep. 2025
In mice, the formulation reached retinal tissue and stayed shelf-stable at room temperature for months, setting it up as an easier, preventive therapy that could offset the need for injections.
—New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2025
Creamy, nutty, and shelf-stable, peanut butter is a pantry staple that's versatile enough to incorporate into smoothies, breakfast dishes, sandwiches, desserts, savory entrees, or even to mix into cocktails.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025
Rendering such fungi shelf-stable is nearly impossible.
—Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
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Audrey Bruno, SELF, 25 Sep. 2025
In mice, the formulation reached retinal tissue and stayed shelf-stable at room temperature for months, setting it up as an easier, preventive therapy that could offset the need for injections.
—New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2025
Creamy, nutty, and shelf-stable, peanut butter is a pantry staple that's versatile enough to incorporate into smoothies, breakfast dishes, sandwiches, desserts, savory entrees, or even to mix into cocktails.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2025
Rendering such fungi shelf-stable is nearly impossible.
—Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
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 7 Oct. 2025.
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