shelf-stable

adjective

shelf-sta·​ble ˈshelf-ˌstā-bəl How to pronounce shelf-stable (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The reliance on organic and fresher components means that the chocolates themselves are a bit less shelf-stable than your grocery-store Russell Stover, but the taste differential is quite dramatic. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2025 Even my closest friends will be surprised to learn of my devotion to Tasty Bite, a brand of packaged, shelf-stable Indian entrées. Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appétit, 25 Jan. 2025 This impermanence fuels a craving that even the finest shelf-stable snacks can't replicate. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 Crispy shelf-stable gnocchi are obviously quicker to make than homemade. Melissa Clark, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for shelf-stable 

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shelf-stable was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near shelf-stable

Cite this Entry

“Shelf-stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf-stable. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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