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

Spencer Platt/Getty Images From soft drinks and beer to aerosols and shelf-stable soups, many everyday grocery items sold in steel and aluminum cans could be in store for a price hike. —Joe Hernandez, NPR, 20 Feb. 2025

The reason is that another company, Mori-Nu, sells shelf-stable silken tofu in aseptic packages that comes in several varieties, from soft to extra-firm – while still being labeled silken. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025

Water or citric acid is often added to create a more palatable, shelf-stable beet juice. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 14 Feb. 2025

These days there are many brands and styles to pick from—some are shelf-stable, others refrigerated, some creamy, others vinaigrette-style, some with cheese and anchovies, others vegan. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 13 Feb. 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