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

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

Increase purchasing power for high-demand items (fresh produce, proteins, shelf-stable staples) through OneGenAway’s bulk buying and food rescue partnerships. —Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean, 10 Nov. 2025

Pumpkin and winter squash are already very shelf-stable once they’ve been cured. —Laura Simpson, Oc Register, 8 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