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

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 high salt content makes soy sauce shelf-stable, as do the preservatives that some brands add. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 28 Aug. 2026 Pet parents can mix and match among over 10+ Fresh (both frozen and shelf-stable) and Air-Dried recipes or use a combination of both. — Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Each client receives a heavy box of goods including fresh produce, frozen food, USDA shelf-stable goods and eggs or dairy products. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 After checking in, people at Cross-Lines grab a shopping cart and walk through four aisles stocked with fresh produce, dairy, refrigerated meats, shelf-stable goods and hygiene products. — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026 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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Browse Nearby Words

shelf sea

shelf-stable

shelfy

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Shelf-stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shelf-stable. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

shelf-stable

adjective

Examples of shelf-stable in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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