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.
Our editors were impressed by how these pickles retained a crunchy snap and toothsome texture all the way through—something that is hard to come by with the brining and preservation necessary for a shelf-stable pickle. Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 17 May 2025 Hailing from our sister site, each box includes five exclusive recipe cards and five shelf-stable ingredients from each of those recipes. Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 11 May 2025 Coconut milk is shelf-stable until it is opened, then must be refrigerated (not in the can) and used within a few days. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025 Another question is whether the foods included in the food boxes would meet the needs of seniors who often need shelf-stable foods because many struggle to get to the store, Matysik said. Alain Sherter, CBS News, 7 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Shelf-stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf-stable. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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